Video Conferencing Terminology [I - M]

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

• » IP (Internet Protocol) [top]
  This is the protocol used to route a packet of data from source to destination over the Internet. Every computer on the Internet has a different IP address that identifies it from other computers.
   
• » ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) [top]
  ISDNs are digital telecommunications lines that transmit voice and digital network services. Many telephone companies provide them, due to their superior reliability and speed (up to 128K) over analog modems. The ISDN standard improves compatibility for the integrated digital transmission of voice, video, and data over normal copper telephone wires, which allows for better quality and speeds. There are two primary types of ISDN: BRI (Basic Rate Interface) and PRI (Primary Rate Interface). PRI is faster, with speeds on par with T-1 circuits.
   
• » ISP (Internet Service Provider) [top]
  An ISP is a provider of Internet services like the registration of domain names, hosting, and dial-up access. AOL, AT&T, and EarthLink are some of the most popular ISP providers.
   
• » ITU (International Telecommunications Union) [top]
  Currently, 113 countries participate in the ITU, which is an agency of the United Nations. Existent since 1865, the ITU is responsible for developing international telecommunications for networked telecommunications.
   
• » Kbps (kilobits per second) [top]
  Kbps equals one thousand bits per second, and is a measure of bandwidth. Modem speeds are measured by the amount of bits it can transfer in one second, and kbps is now the standard. 
   
• » LAN (Local Area Network) [top]
  A LAN is a network connecting computers that are nearby (probably in the same building). 
   
• » Lossless Compression [top]
  This method compresses data without loss of quality. WinZip and WinRAR are two popular examples, allowing users to compress large video, audio, picture, or data files to save space. These files can then be unzipped with the original file quality preserved. Lossless compression is the best method for crucial data such as executable files or source code, when any degradation in data would result in an inoperable file.
   
• » Lossy Compression [top]
  This method results in a file that is close enough to the original to be useful. Since it produces a smaller compressed file than lossless compression, it’s often used in streaming media to minimize file size and enable smooth transfer. MPEG compliant video streams use a very common form of lossy video compression. 
   
• » MBONE [top]
  MBONE is short for Multicast Backbone. Useful for the shared communication needs of video conferencing, MBONE is a collection of Internet routers that enable IP multicasting. A broadcast channel is the result, and can send multiple audio and video programs, either publicly or privately. It’s also referred to as multicasting.
   
• » Mbps (megabits per second) [top]
  This equals one million bits per second.
   
• » MCS (Multimedia Conference Server) [top]
  MCS is a switching device designed to interconnect H.320 compliant conferencing systems in the H.320 conference. It accepts T.120-compliant endpoints.
   
• » MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) [top]
  This device bridges multiple inputs together, and allows three or more participants to video conference. It’s a necessary system component to achieve multipoint Internet video conferencing. Fast switching techniques enable the MCU to direct a speaker’s input to the output ports representing the other participants in the video conference.
   
• » Microsoft NetMeeting [top]
  A popular software application developed by Microsoft Corporation that enables real-time voice and data communications over the Internet. Shared applications, whiteboard illustrating, file transfers, and video and audio conferencing are possible between two or more people. 
   
• » MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) [top]
  One of the most common coding standards for Internet transferable video images, the MPEG format is playable on nearly all free and payware video players. MPEG encoded video use lossy data compression. They first predict the initial picture content, and then code differences between that and the copy, as well as any extra information. 
   
• » MPEG2 (or MPEG-2) [top]
  MPEG2 is used for digital television, digital satellite TV services, and digital cable television. It also supports interlaced video (video optimized for CRT monitors). MPEG2 is best suited for higher bit rates, and features Transport Streams, which optimize the transport of digital video and audio over unreliable media. MPEG2 decoders are capable of playing MPEG1 content. MPEG2 also offers a higher level of audio quality than MPEG1.
   
• » MPEG4 (or MPEG-4) [top]
  MPEG4 is the latest MPEG codec and supports 3D content, low bit rate encoding, and support for Digital Rights Management, which controls the use of copyrighted digital work. MPEG4 is used for web streaming media, broadcast television, videophones, and CD distribution. 
   
• » Multicasting [top]
  This is the most efficient delivery of information to multiple destinations simultaneously. Multicasting uses packet-switched transmissions so that multiple users receive the broadcast signal. Internet Relay Chat is a popular example. 
   
• » Multiplexer [top]
  This is an electronic hardware device enabling multiple devices to share the same channel. It combines two or more signals into a single signal, where they can be sent over the same circuit. At the receiving end, a demultiplexer divides the signals back up into individual signals. A multiplexer usually includes demultiplexing abilities. Multiplexing saves costs by allowing multiple streams of data to travel across one physical link. 
   
• » Multiplexing [top]
  This is the method of combining two or more signals into one circuit for easy transmission, over a telephone wire, IP network, microwave, or television broadcast. 
   
• » Multipoint [top]
  More than two connected terminals or stations results in a multipoint configuration.