This permits the operator to preview where the camera is positioned before actually sending the image to the far-end. This can be done at any time in the conference without interrupting what the far-end sees. The simple push-button Conference Control Panel is operated from the conference table. Additionally, the panel provides remote control of auxiliary video and graphics sources, windowing, far-end camera control and audio privacy. Because of the ease of use and modest cost of installation and operation, more locations than previously can be equipped with PictureTel's two-way motion video telecommunications.
All locations can spontaneously dial conferences without scheduling or technical assistance.
Summary Ten years ago, audio conferencing was time consuming, expensive and considered unsatisfactory. Today, audio conferencing with as many as 50-60 participants at a time, is routine. It takes place thousands of times per day at the touch of a button. However, research indicates that audio conferencing is only an interim step in the evolutionary process of the communications industry. Videoconferencing technology is poised to explode into the market.