Abstract:
A method and system for videoconferencing over twisted pair wiring. The transmissions for the videoconference being of a broadcast quality. Input devices at each videoconference location receive a broadcast quality transmission and transmit the transmission to a modulator/demodulator which sends the transmission via twisted pair wiring to a video router where the transmission is routed to its proper destination. Output devices at each videoconference location receive a broadcast quality transmission over twisted pair wiring from a modulator demodulator which receives the transmission from the video audio router.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 09/782,813, filed Feb. 14, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the transmission of broadcast quality events, and more particularly, to a method and system for broadcast quality video-conferencing over a standard twisted pair copper wire.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    The current state of broadcast quality video and audio through both data networks and standard televisions is problematic. The main reason for this problem is a problem known in the industry as the “last mile” problem. This “last mile” problem is explained with reference to prior art FIG. 1.  
           [0006]    Prior art FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of the current state of delivering broadcast quality content (for example, movies, news, sports, sitcoms, etc.) and stereophonic audio to an audience. In FIG. 1, captured content  5  is being sent to an audience  10  through the transmitter  15  and receiver  20 . The captured content  5  can be any content such as movies, news, sports, commercials that is captured by a camera, audio receiver or the like. The captured content  5  is transmitted through a twisted pair  25  to the transmitter  15 . The twisted pair  25  is a standard category  5  copper wire that is used in the paradigm of prior art FIG. 1. Cables can also be used to transmit the captured content  5  to the transmitter  15 , as well as media twist copper lines. Generally, the twisted pair  25  is needed since the content is captured using a camera and the broadcast quality signal needs to be transmitted to audiences at their home. It is therefore imperative that the captured content  5  and quality of that captured content  5  remain at a broadcast quality level of appearance.  
           [0007]    The broadcast quality level is typically determined by the pixel resolution of the image being viewed. Broadcast quality is known throughout the industry as a quality of at least 1,000 pixel by 1,000 pixels resolution. This is higher than the standard quality that audiences are used to viewing a captured content on a television (700 pixels by 800 pixels resolution). The general distance between the captured content  5  to the transmitter  15  is normally a few miles, such as the distance from an athletic stadium to a van or truck outside that will transmit the captured event inside the athletic stadium. The event is then transmitted from the transmitter  15  to the receiver  20 . The transmitter  15  is generally a satellite held on a satellite truck outside of a athletic stadium, for example, using the previous example, and the receiver  20  is generally a cable distributor that receives the satellite signal of the captured content at the cable station. From the receiver, the captured content is sent to the audience  10  through a cable  30 . Herein lies the problem addressed by the present invention. The distance from the receiver to the audience is typically known as the “last mile” problem discussed above. That is, in the past, the captured content arriving at the receiver  20  maintained the broadcast quality level of resolution of approximately 1,000 pixel by 1,000 pixels. However, to maintain that resolution to the audience  10 , a cable line was needed or other means that maintained the quality of the captured content. Alternatives to the cable means was another satellite transmitter at the receiver  20  with a satellite receiver at the audience  10 . Unfortunately, several problems exist with the cable  30  and satellite (not shown) alternatives to sending the captured content across the last mile  35 .  
           [0008]    A first problem is that cable lines are expensive to route from the receiver  20  to the audience  10 . Likewise, satellite distribution of the captured content between the receiver  20  to the audience  10  requires equipment set up at the receiver  20  and audience  10  and costs are prohibitably high.  
           [0009]    A further problem is that, in addition to broadcast quality content to a television, that same broadcast quality also needs to be sent to a computer, television or receiver through a data network. That is, the captured content  5  also may go through the cable  30  or satellite as long as sufficient broadband space is available on the cable or the satellite. In addition to cable and satellite for data information, telephone companies are providing digital subscriber lines to the broadband signals to the audience  10  from the receiver  20 . However, few consumers have taken advantage of the broadband advantages of DSL, cable modems and satellites because the quality of the captured content arriving on either the computer or television is not broadcast quality content. Thus, consumers who want broadband links have two choices: cable television companies which are about ⅔ of the way done with revamping the systems so that they can connect customers to the internet; and phone companies which are adding electronics to their switching centers to let them offer a high-speed service called digital subscriber lines. Satellite link ups are also becoming available but are trailing way behind.  
           [0010]    Few people are taking advantage of this broadband capacity because customers are looking for an application that makes the broadband world touchable and believable to them, that shows its benefit. At present, the quality of the video content being sent over the internet has a poor resolution so consumers are not interested in purchasing the broadband services.  
           [0011]    In essence, a severe problem exists in the industry in that the “last mile”  35  needs to be able to provide the captured content from the receiver  20  to the audience  10  at a broadcast quality level in order for consumers to watch the captured content on computers and televisions.  
           [0012]    A need therefore exists for a manner of sending a broadcast quality content from the receiver  20  to the audience at a low cost to consumers and the industry as a whole. One method that would truly lower costs to all the telecommunications industry would be to provide the captured content  5  through a standard category  5  twisted pair copper wire that exists in virtually every office and home having a telephone. If it was possible to send a broadcast quality captured content from the receiver  20  through a category  5  copper wire to the audience  10  and maintain the broadcast quality of the signal, low infrastructure costs and easy application could be performed by the telecommunications industry. However, under current conventional systems, a category  5  twisted pair copper wire is not capable of maintaining the broadcast quality from the receiver  20  to the audience  10  at the last mile.  
           [0013]    One product known as the A/V Twister® sold by Prime Image, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. has attempted to solve a problem of sending a broadcast quality captured content  5  between the captured content  5  and a transmitter  15  through a category  5  copper wire  25 . The A/V Twister® is a modulator/demodulator system  40  that is placed between the captured content  5  and a transmitter  15  in order to maintain the broadcast quality along the copper wire  25  between the captured content  5  and the transmitter  15 . Typically, the modulator/demodulator system  40  is capable of maintaining a broadcast quality content for up to one mile on a standard category  5  copper wire or up to two miles on a media twist wire. As mentioned above, this modulator/demodulator system has only been used between the captured content  5  and the transmitter  15  but never between the receiver  20  and the audience  10 .  
           [0014]    A need therefore exists for a method of distributing the captured content between a receiver and an audience using a standard category  5  twisted pair wire.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    The present invention provides for a method of distributing an event to a viewer by capturing the event on a capturing device as a broadcast transmission. The broadcast transmission has at least a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution. The broadcast transmission is then transmitted to a distributing device where the broadcast transmission is distributed from the distributing device to a viewer over standard twisted pair wire at the 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution.  
           [0016]    The invention, in a further embodiment, provides for a method of distributing an event to a viewer by capturing the event on a capturing device as a broadcast transmission where the broadcast transmission has at least a frequency of 4.5 megahertz. The broadcast transmission is then transmitted to a distributing device and then the distributing device distributes the broadcast transmission to the viewer over standard twisted pair wire at a least a frequency of 4.5 megahertz.  
           [0017]    In a still further embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of distributing a stereophonic event to a listener by capturing the stereophonic event on a capturing device into a stereophonic transmission, transmitting the stereophonic transmission to a distributing device and distributing the stereophonic transmission from the distributing device to the listener over a standard twisted pair wire.  
           [0018]    In an even further embodiment, the present invention provides for a method of distributing a stereophonic and visual event to a viewer by capturing both the stereophonic and visual event on a capturing device into a stereophonic and broadcast transmission, where the stereophonic and broadcast transmission have at least a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution. Then the stereophonic and broadcast transmission is transmitted to a distributing device where both the stereophonic and broadcast transmission are distributed from the distributing device to the viewer over a standard twisted pair wire at the at least 1000 by 1000 pixel resolution.  
           [0019]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for distributing an event to a viewer that includes a capturing device for capturing the event as a broadcast transmission where the broadcast transmission has at least a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution, a transmitting device for transmitting the broadcast transmission to a distributing device and a modulator/demodulator device between the distributing device and the viewer for distributing the broadcast transmission from the distributing device to the viewer over standard twisted pair wire at at least a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution.  
           [0020]    The present invention further provides, in another embodiment, for a system for distributing an event to a viewer that includes a capturing device for capturing the event as a broadcast transmission where the broadcast transmission has at least a frequency of 4.5 megahertz, a transmitting device for transmitting the broadcast transmission to a distributing device, and a modulator/demodulator device between the distributing device and the viewer for distributing the broadcast transmission from the distributing device to the viewer over a standard twisted pair wire at a frequency of at least 4.5 megahertz.  
           [0021]    In a further embodiment, the present invention provides for a system for distributing a stereophonic event to a listener including a capturing device for capturing the stereophonic event as a stereophonic transmission, a transmitting device for transmitting the stereophonic transmission to a distributing device and a modulator/demodulator device between the distributing device and the listener for distributing the stereophonic transmission from the distributing device to the listener over a standard twisted pair wire.  
           [0022]    The invention further contemplates using a plurality of the distribution systems for video conferencing having broadcast quality transmissions, requiring only twisted pair wiring. By utilizing a video audio router, a videoconference may be held from a plurality of locations. Each location would require an input device. The input device would be connected to a distribution device. Similarly, each location requires an output device. The output device is connected to a second distribution device which can be at a separate location. By using a distribution device such as the aforementioned A/V Twister®. Each videoconferencing location is connected to the video router by twisted pair wiring up to five miles long. Furthermore, a plurality of additional output devices may be connected to the second distribution device by twisted pair wiring, each output device being a maximum distance of one mail from the adjacent device.  
           [0023]    The method of videoconferencing utilizing the above system contemplates capturing a first broadcast event from a first party on a capturing device as a broadcast quality transmission. Transmitting the first broadcast quality transmission to a first distributing device. The first distributing device broadcasting the first broadcast quality transmission over a first twisted pair wiring to a router. The router then transmitting the the first broadcast quality transmission from the router to a second distribution device via a second pair of twisted pair wring. The second distribution device transmitting the first broadcast quality transmission to a second party.  
           [0024]    Similarly, at the second party&#39;s location, a second capturing device captures a broadcast event as a second broadcast quality transmission. The second capturing device transmitting the second broadcast quality transmission to a third distribution device. The third distribution device transmitting the second broadcast quality transmission over the second pair of twisted pair wiring to the router. The router then transmitting the second broadcast quality transmission over the first pair of twisted pair wiring to a fourth distribution device. The fourth distribution device transmitting the second broadcast quality transmission to the first party.  
           [0025]    As is the case with distributing an event, a broadcast quality transmission is understood to mean a transmission having at least a 1,000 pixel by 1,000 pixel resolution or a frequency of at least 4.5 megahertz.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference of the detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0027]    Prior art FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of a conventional system for delivering broadcast quality content; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention that enables video-conferencing;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is a block diagram view of the an embodiment of the system of the present invention that enables video-conferencing and has a plurality of additional receiver units for monitoring the video-conference. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0031]    The present invention has a tremendous application to solve the problems related in the prior art relating to the “last mile” problem. Those benefits are apparent from FIG. 2 which is a block diagram view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. In FIG. 2, an event  200  is to be transmitted to a viewer  205 . The event may be any type of television content, for example, movies, news, sports, advertisements, or any other type of content that may be viewed by a viewer. The event may further be an audio event that may be listened to by a listener. Thus, the viewer  205 , may be a listener (not shown) in a further embodiment of the present invention. Again, it is noted that the event, and content contained therein, be transmitted to the viewer as shown in FIG. 2. For example, in one embodiment, the event may be an athletic event, such as a football game, that is going to be transmitted to a viewer  205 , to be viewed on a television (not shown) or computer monitor. The event is captured at  200 , typically by broadcast quality camera, but may also be captured by any type of capturing device such as a recording device or other visual or audio recording means. The broadcast quality camera that captures the event  200  typically captures the event at a resolution of at least 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel. That is, as is well known in the broadcast art, the quality of the content being captured is broadcast quality, or of a resolution that is at least 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel as is well known in the art.  
         [0032]    The event is typically conveyed to a transmitted  210  for further distribution. It is noted that the event is captured as a broadcast transmission, prior to sending the broadcast transmission to the transmitter  210 . However, it is not necessary that the captured event be captured as a broadcast transmission at that point but only necessary that the event be somehow transmitted to the transmitter  210 . After the event is transmitted to the transmitter  210 , the transmitter transmits the broadcast transmission to a distributing device  215 . It is noted that the captured event will broadcast transmission that is sent from the event  200  to the transmitter  210  and from the transmitter  210  to the distribution device  215  may be transmitted through various means. These means include transmitting the broadcast transmission over, for example, a satellite transmitter at the transmitter  210  that is received at the distribution device by satellite receiver. Other possible methods include transmitting the broadcast transmission over a cable line and receiving the broadcast transmission by a television receiver as the distribution device. Still further means includes transmitting the broadcast transmission over a media twist line and receiving the broadcast transmission by television receiver at the distribution device  215 . By media twist, it is understood that this type of line is well known in the art and is manufactured by a company known as Belcore. Once the broadcast transmission arrives at the distribution device  215 , the distribution device may then send the broadcast transmission to the viewer  205  through a standard twisted pair wire  220 . Here is the true benefit of the present invention. By using a standard twisted pair wire  220 , in conjunction with a modulator/demodulator  225 , the broadcast transmission maintains it 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution when it arrives at the viewer  205 . In the past, a cable wire or satellite needed to be used in order to maintain that 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution. This was expensive and burdensome to provide since cable lines needed to be connected to all viewers  205 . However, twisted pair standard wire  220  is commonly used throughout all present locations such as homes and offices, as a standard telephone twisted pair wire. Thus, it is possible to easily use that infrastructure already set up in conjunction with the modulator/demodulator  225  to maintain the quality of the transmission for a distance of up to one mile using the standard twisted pair wire  220 . Never before has a standard twisted pair wire  220  been capable of maintaining the 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution at these distances. It is here that the true benefit of the invention is provided.  
         [0033]    It is noted that the same benefits provided to a viewer  205  to receive at least a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution image is also available for stereophonic audio which was never before capable of being transmitted over a standard twisted pair wire in the past. Likewise, the combination of both the stereophonic transmission and the broadcast transmission simultaneously across the twisted pair wire  220  has also never been achieved. Thus, tremendous advantages and cost savings are achieved by using the modulator/demodulator  225  in conjunction with the standard twisted pair wire  220  to distribute both visual and stereophonic audio to a viewer and listener, respectively. It is noted that the modulator/demodulator may be a standard A/V Twister® that is manufactured by Prime Image, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., as described in the publication “A/V Twister, Twisted Pair Wire Carries the Load of Cable,” and printed in September 1998 by Prime Image, Inc. hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0034]    The method an system of the present invention has an endless number of applications. For example, any local area network utilizing personal computers may be connected over a standard twisted pair wire to deliver high resolution (1000 pixel by 1000 pixel) broadcast transmission to each work station. Again, as long as the modulator/demodulator is placed between the distribution device and the viewer, such standard copper twisted pair wire may be utilized. Another application would include networks for municipalities of a territory to communicate, on a scheduled basis, or in an emergency situation across live video feeds at the current 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel broadcast quality transmission. In this application, the event would be a recorded or captured event from a mayor&#39;s office, Chamber of Commerce, police department, or fire department which would be distributed, for example, through microwave or satellite communication to other municipality offices and distributed from that distribution device, such as the satellite, down to individual televisions or computer screens utilizing the twisted pair wires at a 1000 pixel by 1000 pixel resolution.  
         [0035]    Still another application includes events in hotels, entertainment facilities or the like that could be transmitted between hotels at the 1000 by 1000 pixel resolution. Again, the applications are endless depending on the event which is to be transmitted to a viewer at the broadcast quality.  
         [0036]    Another application of the method and system of this invention is videoconferencing. A system for videoconferencing is shown in FIG. 3 and generally denoted  300 . While the system as shown in FIG. 3 shows four locations,  310 ,  320 ,  330  and  340  connected to a video router  350 , this should not be construed as limiting. It is contemplated videoconferencing may occur between any two locations. Furthermore, the number of connections handled by the video audio router  350  are limited only by the capacity of the router itself.  
         [0037]    Each location shows speakers and a video monitor connected to a receiver for receiving video and audio transmission from another location. Also, each location has a camera and microphone connected to a transmitter for transmitting video and audio data. It should be recognized that even though the speakers and video monitor are shown an separate blocks, these devices may be incorporated into a single apparatus. Similarly, the camera and microphone may be combined into one apparatus, and the transmitter and receiver may be a single apparatus. It should also be pointed out that the block diagrams for each location are functional, and do not necessarily indicate the spatial relationship between components. The video monitor, speakers, camera and microphone are required to be at a specific location in order for parties utilizing the system to interact with these devices, the transmitter and receiver do not necessarily have to be located spatially nearby. For example, if the receiver has a modulator/demodulator output capable of transmitting on twisted pair wiring, the receiver may be located several thousand feet away from the speakers and video monitor, connected by twisted pair wiring.  
         [0038]    Referring to the first location  310 , twisted pair wiring  351  connects location  310  to the video audio router  350 . The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  311  and a receiver  312 . The transmitter  311 , receiver  312  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  315  and a Video Monitor  316  are connected to the receiver  312 . The speakers  315  and video monitor  316  output a broadcast received from another location to the first location  310 . A camera  313  and microphone  314  are connected to the transmitter  311  for capturing broadcast data from location  310 .  
         [0039]    Referring to the second location  320 , twisted pair wiring  352  connects location  320  to the video audio router  350 . The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  321  and a receiver  322 . As in the first location, the transmitter  321 , receiver  322  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  325  and a Video Monitor  326  are connected to the receiver  322 . The speakers  325  and video monitor  326  output a broadcast received from another location to the second location  320 . A camera  323  and microphone  324  are connected to the transmitter  321  for capturing broadcast data from location  320 .  
         [0040]    Similarly, twisted pair wiring  353  connects the third location  330  to the audio video router. The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  331  and a receiver  332 . As in the first location, the transmitter  331 , receiver  332  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  335  and a Video Monitor  336  are connected to the receiver  332 . The speakers  335  and video monitor  336  output a broadcast received from another location to the third location  330 . A camera  333  and microphone  334  are connected to the transmitter  331  for capturing broadcast data from location  330 .  
         [0041]    Likewise, twisted pair wiring  354  connects the fourth location  340  to the audio video router. The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  341  and a receiver  342 . As in the first location, the transmitter  341 , receiver  342  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  345  and a Video Monitor  346  are connected to the receiver  342 . The speakers  345  and video monitor  346  output a broadcast received from another location to the fourth location  340 . A camera  343  and microphone  344  are connected to the transmitter  341  for capturing broadcast data from location  340 .  
         [0042]    A method for using the aforementioned system for videoconferencing will now be explained. For purpose of illustration only, it will be assumed the videoconference is between a party at the first location  310  and the second location  320 . However, the video conference can take place between any two locations. A user (not shown) at a first location  310  would use either the camera  313 , microphone  314  or both to capture an event to be broadcast as a first broadcast quality transmission. The first broadcast quality transmission is transmitted to the transmitter  311 . The transmitter having a modulator/demodulator transmits the first broadcast quality transmission on twisted pair wiring  351  to the video audio router  350 . The video audio router then routes the first broadcast quality transmission to the correct destination. In the case of this example, the second location is location  320 , therefore, the first broadcast quality transmission is sent from router  350  via twisted pair  352  to location  320  where it is received by receiver  322 . Twisted pair wiring  327  transmits the broadcast quality signal from the receiver  322  to the video monitor  326  and speakers  325  for output to the second party (not shown).  
         [0043]    The second party (not shown) at the second location  320  would use either the camera  323 , microphone  324  or both to capture an event to be broadcast as a second broadcast quality transmission. The second broadcast quality transmission is transmitted to the transmitter  321 . The transmitter having a modulator/demodulator transmits the second broadcast quality transmission on twisted pair wiring  352  to the video audio router  350 . The video audio router then routes the second broadcast quality transmission to the correct destination. In the case of this example, the destination is the first location  310 , therefore, the second broadcast quality transmission is sent from router  350  via twisted pair  351  to location  310  where it is received by receiver  312 . Twisted pair wiring  317  transmits the broadcast quality signal from the receiver  312  to the video monitor  316  and speakers  315  for output to the first party (not shown).  
         [0044]    In addition to regular videoconferencing, it is envisioned that the system and method for videoconferencing has additional capabilities at each location for passive monitoring. This is illustrated in FIG. 4, where additional receiving stations at the second location are monitoring a broadcast from the first location.  
         [0045]    Referring to the first location  410 , twisted pair wiring  471  connects location  410  to the video audio router  470 . The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  412  and a receiver  411 . The transmitter  412 , receiver  411  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  414  and a Video Monitor  413  are connected to the receiver  411 . The speakers  414  and video monitor  413  output a broadcast received from another location to the first location  410 . A camera  415  and microphone  416  are connected to the transmitter  412  for capturing broadcast data from location  410 .  
         [0046]    Referring to the second location  420 , twisted pair wiring  472  connects location  420  to the video audio router  470 . The twisted pair terminates into a transmitter  422  and a receiver  421 . As in the first location, the transmitter  422 , receiver  421  or both may be a distribution device such as a twisted pair audio and video transmission system like the aforementioned A/V Twister®, or a similar modulator/demodulator device. Speakers  424  and a Video Monitor  423  are connected to the receiver  421 . The speakers  424  and video monitor  423  output a broadcast received from another location to the second location  420 . A camera  425  and microphone  426  are connected to the transmitter  422  for capturing broadcast data from location  420 .  
         [0047]    Twisted pair wiring  493  connects location  420  to a third location  430 . Location  430  only has receiving capabilities. Twisted wiring pair  493  is connected from an output of receiver  421  to an input of receiver  431 . Receiver  431  provides a broadcast quality transmission to video monitor  433  and speakers  434 .  
         [0048]    Similarly, twisted pair wiring  494  connects location  430  to a fourth location  440 . Location  440  also has only receiving capabilities. Twisted wiring pair  494  is connected from an output of receiver  431  to an input of receiver  441 . Receiver  441  provides a broadcast quality transmission to video monitor  443  and speakers  444 .  
         [0049]    Similarly, twisted pair wiring  495  connects location  440  to a fifth location  450 . Location  450  also has only receiving capabilities. Twisted wiring pair  495  is connected from an output of receiver  441  to an input of receiver  451 . Receiver  451  provides a broadcast quality transmission to video monitor  453  and speakers  454 .  
         [0050]    Finally, twisted pair wiring  496  connects location  450  to a sixth location  460 . Location  460  also has only receiving capabilities. Twisted wiring pair  496  is connected from an output of receiver  451  to an input of receiver  461 . Receiver  461  provides a broadcast quality transmission to video monitor  463  and speakers  464 .  
         [0051]    By using modulators/demodulators for receivers  421 ,  431 ,  441 ,  451  and  461 , twisted wire pairs  493 ,  494 ,  495  and  496  may be up to one mile long and still provide broadcast quality. This method may be useful for virtual classrooms, or governmental functions such as broadcasting local government meetings or courthouse arraignments.  
         [0052]    A method for using the aforementioned system for videoconferencing will now be explained. For purpose of illustration only, it will be assumed the videoconference is between a party at the first location  410  and the second location  420 . However, the video conference can take place between any two locations. A user (not shown) at a first location  410  would use either the camera  415 , microphone  416  or both to capture an event to be broadcast as a first broadcast quality transmission. The first broadcast quality transmission is transmitted to the transmitter  412 . The transmitter  412  having a modulator/demodulator transmits the first broadcast quality transmission on twisted pair wiring  471  to the video audio router  470 . The video audio router then routes the first broadcast quality transmission to the correct destination which in this case the second location is location  420 , therefore, the first broadcast quality transmission is sent from router  450  via twisted pair  472  to location  420  where it is received by receiver  421 . Twisted pair wiring transmits the broadcast quality signal from the receiver  421  to the video monitor  413  and speakers  414  for output to the second party (not shown).  
         [0053]    The second party (not shown) at the second location  420  would use either the camera  425 , microphone  426  or both to capture an event to be broadcast as a second broadcast quality transmission. The second broadcast quality transmission is transmitted to the transmitter  422 . The transmitter  422  having a modulator/demodulator transmits the second broadcast quality transmission on twisted pair wiring  472  to the video audio router  470 . The video audio router then routes the second broadcast quality transmission to the correct destination, which in this case is the first location  410 . Therefore, the second broadcast quality transmission is sent from router  470  via twisted pair  471  to location  410  where it is received by receiver  411 . The receiver  411  transmits the broadcast quality transmission over twisted pair wiring to the video monitor  413  and speakers  414  for output to the first party (not shown).  
         [0054]    The first broadcast quality transmission is also received at locations  430 ,  440 ,  450  and  460 . Twisted pair wiring  493  connects receiver  421  at location  420  to receiver  431  at location  430 . The first broadcast quality transmission is then received by video monitor  433  and speakers  434  for output from receiver  431 . Similarly, twisted pair wiring  494  connects receiver  431  at location  430  to receiver  441  at location  440 . The first broadcast quality transmission is then received by video monitor  443  and speakers  444  for output from receiver  441 . In a like manner twisted pair wiring  495  connects receiver  441  at location  440  to receiver  451  at location  450 . The first broadcast quality transmission is then received by video monitor  453  and speakers  454  for output from receiver  451 . Finally, twisted pair wiring  496  connects receiver  451  at location  450  to receiver  461  at location  460 . The first broadcast quality transmission is then received by video monitor  463  and speakers  464  for output from receiver  461 .  
         [0055]    While FIG. 4 shows the additional receivers only at the second location, it should be noted that this configuration for adding additional speakers to a location can be used at any of the videoconferencing locations. For example in FIG. 3, the additional receivers can be added to either receiver  312  at location  310 , receiver  322  at location  320 , receiver  332  at location  330 , receiver  342  at location  440 , or to any combination of these receivers.  
         [0056]    Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification. The present invention includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only by the scope of the following claims.