 Videoconferencing
has now evolved far beyond the traditional point-to-point
meetings. Organisations are
looking to optimise video installations by ensuring that these features
are available to a diverse range of end-users.
Multipoint videoconferencing extends
the traditional point- to-point videoconference allowing the
simultaneous inclusion of more than just two sites.
At the centre of any multipoint
conference sits a server or 'bridge', which acts as the hub linking each
of the sites together and transmitting the audio, video and data
elements bewteen each of the sites.
Some systems
range have basic built-in multipointing functionality enabling up to six sites to be connected. However, for larger or more complex
requirements an external device will be required, which can be installed
and managed from one central site.
 Such bridges can support a number of
video switching methods, including voice activated, chair control, and
auto- cyclic switching. Becoming more commonplace is the use of
Continuous Presence, as shown above-right, where more than one remote
site is displayed. A variety of viewing configurations are available,
including 4 quadrants, 1 + 5, 9 images and 16 images, depending on the
type of server installed.
Another feature of these external
devices is the ability to support systems connected at different line
rates, i.e. three sites connected at 384kbps and the fourth at only
128kbps. Removing the traditional need to accept the lowest common line
speed.
ADV Communications can provide a range
of multipoint solutions, from TANDBERG, Polycom, Radvision and
Codian, however due to the requirements of identifying
and implementing multipoint conferencing servers please contact
us directly for further information on the products and services
available.
Looking to qualify and justify the need
for purchasing an external multipoint conference server? Or just simply
require multipoint functionality on a more ad-hoc basis? If so then be
sure to check ADV Communications' Multipoint
Bureau Services.
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