The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit's video conferencing bridge is capable of transmitting signals from 112 to 384 kilobits. The compression process converts the traditional television analog signal to a digital signal. The video quality is contingent on the kilobits per second used for sending the signal. The more bandwith or kilobits per second, the more the image will appear to be in full motion, because more picture frames per second are transmitted. Signals transmitted slower than 384 kilobits per second may exhibit a jerky quality if there is quick movement on the screen, but the clarity of the picture is not compromised.
Faster transmissions are more expensive, both for the equipment and the phone lines.
When connecting multiple distance learning centers, a videoconferencing bridge is used. The bridge uses a comparable number of ISDN lines per connected site, e.g. connecting eight distance learning centers at 128 kilobits per second requires eight ISDN lines, and connecting eight distance learning centers at 384 kilobits per second requires 24 ISDN lines. The SSN Standards seminars will be transmitted at 128 kilobits per second. At that rate of transmission, we will be able to comfortably converse, share electronic and print document, and view each other and the learning centers. A multiple point videoconference includes three or more sites.