Because it has dial-up capabilities, it is not limited to those sites. Compressed video is a form of synchronous technology that brings people at different places together in real time. Courses can originate from or be delivered to any of the sites. At the far sites, another codec decompresses the signal so it can be viewed. Two or more sites can interact simultaneously.
Video quality improves as more bandwidth is used.
Tabletop microphones let students speak to other sites. Additionally, through a connection with UAB Medical Television, a satellite feed can be broadcast to any or all IITS sites. IITS is used to deliver graduate and undergraduate courses to other sites in their entirety, or it can be combined with other technologies to deliver portions of courses. A multitude of administrative meetings and academic activities such as dissertation defenses use IITS to save travel time and expenses. Resources, such as guest speakers not otherwise available, can be brought to campus.