Basics of Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing is an interactive connection between two or more sites that transmit video, audio and graphics. Videoconferencing is used for distance education and for faculty/staff meetings at George Mason University. Unlike streaming or broadcast television, both sides of conference can see and hear each other in real-time.

What's needed for videoconferencing: a microphone, camera, videoconferencing system and network connectivity. The videoconferencing systems between GMU campuses are connected by an Internet backbone. To call the outside world either Internet2 or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is used. ISDN is a digital form of a telephone line and is a common network for connecting videoconference systems worldwide. (A telephone call can be placed over a single ISDN channel while the typical videoconference uses 6 ISDN channels.)

George Mason University can support both H.320 and H.323 videoconferences. The GMU videoconferencing bridge can also support multiple connections in one conference. Examples of videoconferencing products include Tandberg, Polycom, VTel and PictureTel. More information about videoconferencing can be found at the online Videoconferencing Cookbook.

Related Technologies:

Streaming is sending audio and video in one direction over the internet. Streams can be live or archived. Participants only need a computer with an internet connection and speakers with streaming viewer software. Examples of streaming viewers include QuickTime and RealPlayer. For more information on integrating streaming with a George Mason (non-videoconferencing) class, please see the Instructional Resource Center "Streaming Media" page.   For more information on streaming a videoconferencing class, please see the Pilot Projects page.

Web Conferencing is similar to streaming in distribution, but content is usually limited to desktop sharing. All participants need is a computer, internet connection and telephone line. Typically, an audio conference is run in parallel with the web conference. Web Conferencing usually includes tools like polling and text chat. Examples of web conferences include Macromedia Breeze Live, WebEx and Microsoft Office LiveMeeting.

Satellite Uplink/Downlink - This service is provided by Capitol Connection to George Mason University.

Glossary of Videoconferencing Terms