Video Conferencing Terminology [0 - D]

Glossary Index    [ 0 - D ]    E - H    I - M    N - Q    R - T    U - Z   

• » 3G Video Mobile Phones [top]
  The third generation of mobile videophones, 3g phones store immense quantities of data, including video clips, stock information, TV news broadcasts, and interactive games. Current models offer built-in digital cameras for video calls, vivid picture and sound quality, PDA and MP3 capabilities, email capability, multimedia messaging, sophisticated map finding abilities, and Java technology. 32-64MB memory capability is common. They’re capable of 384kbps web surfing speeds.
   
• » ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) [top]
  ADSL rivals cable as the most popular high-speed Internet choice. Its downstream connection is larger than the upstream connection, so information downloads faster than it uploads. Typical speeds are between 16-640 kbps for upstream and 1.5-9 mbps for downstream.
   
• » Algorithm [top]
  This is a rule or rule set that solves a problem or accomplishes a specific task. They dictate the order of operations the computer must take to achieve a program’s intended goal.
   
• » Application Sharing [top]
  In video conferencing, those holding the conference can run the same application simultaneously. The host of the meeting starts the application, then allows others to collaborate in real time.
   
• » Audio [top]
  This is sound audible to humans, from 15Hz to 20,000Hz cycles per second. 
   
• » Bandwidth [top]
  Measured in bps, it is the amount of data that a network connection (cable, DSL, or dial-up) is capable of sending. 
   
• » bps (bits per second) [top]
  This unit is used to measure the speed data is moved between sources. For example, a 56kbps modem can move 56,000 bits per second.
   
• » Bridge [top]
  Video conferencing sessions of three or more different sites require devices called bridges (sometimes called MCUs) to connect them. 
   
• » Broadband [top]
  This term defines a high bandwidth transmission medium that is capable of carrying many channels of information simultaneously. Fiber optic cable and coaxial cables are typically physical links used to transport the video, voice and data simultaneously.
   
• » CIF (Common Intermediate Format) [top]
  This standardizes horizontal and vertical video resolutions, as part of a video conferencing standard. It specifies 30 fps with 288 lines per frame and 352 pixels per line. CIF ensures that all video conferencing products follow the same basic video formatting protocols.
   
• » CODEC [top]
  CODEC means compressor/decompressor, any technology used to compress and decompress data. It converts analogue input into digital, then converts it back to analogue. CODECS can be either software applications or hardware components, or both. Video files are compressed to reduce their size, speeding along Internet transfer, and then decompressed once they arrive at the recipient’s computer.
   
• » Compressed Video [top]
  This is video that has been compressed into lower bit rates for easier Internet transmission, often along narrower bandwidths. Video or audio is compressed to shrink file size, ensuring acceptable transfer speed. Compressed video is often of a noticeably lower quality.
   
• » Continuous Presence [top]
  This allows video conferencing participants to view four other sites on their screen, with each person’s monitor showing four individual displays. 
   
• » Desktop Video Conferencing [top]
  This is the process that allows people (usually home users) at differing locations to see and hear each other. Interactive video and audio technology allows numerous participants to communicate together, regardless of the distance involved. Desktop video conferencing stands in sharp contrast to earlier room based video conferencing. With the latter, it was necessary for participants to sit together in a specially equipped room, while with desktop video conferencing participants remain at their own desks and connect using technology on their desktop PCs or Macs. 
   
• » Distance Learning [top]
  Perfect for non-traditional students and off site employees, distance learning uses current video conferencing technology. Students or employees in remote locations may view and participate in lectures and training sessions, with real time interaction with the lecturer or trainer.
   
• » Document Sharing [top]
  Desktop sharing allows video conferencing participants to share and modify documents together in real time. 
   
• » DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) [top]
  DTE is a technical term for the data source in a data communication network, usually the user’s computer or optical storage device (i.e., removable hard drive or zip drive).