The type of equipment that UCA uses for videoconferencing is known as compressed video equipment. Videoconferencing takes place over regular telephone lines, and placing a video call is much like placing a telephone call. In order for UCA to utilize videoconferencing, we participate in the Arkansas videoconferencing network that is connected at the Department of Information Systems in Little Rock. The scheduling of all Arkansas videoconferences is done through Arkansas partner, Southwestern Bell in St. Louis. When a videoconference call is connected, participants can hear one another through the speakers, and can see one another in real time on the television monitors.
Participants are able to carry on real time conversations.
The codec takes the signal and codes, or compresses, the signal to the receiving site. When the signal is received at the receiving site, the codec decodes, or decompresses, the signal. Although the compressed video equipment allows real time conferencing, there is a slight delay in transmission. Depending on the type of telephone connection and the type of compressed video equipment used, a conference can be transmitted any where from 5 to 30 frames per second. Successful videoconferencing requires the presenter and the participants to have a basic understanding of the mechanics of a compressed video system, as well as an understanding of basic presentation techniques.