Introduction This article will identify the components of a videoconferencing system, including technical standards and feasibility, for judges and court administrators who want to begin implementing videoconferencing in their courts. Videoconferencing applications will be identified, and technology approaches will be evaluated in terms of their ability to support these applications in courts and justice agencies. The system used in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida will be profiled and analyzed. Background Video conferencing is a form of two-way communication that links different locations using audio and video technology. Functional Capabilities Video conferencing systems can provide a range of functional capabilities.
User requirements determine the system design.
Analog and Digital Video may be transmitted by either analog or digital signals. Analog technology provides a high quality picture such as television, which does not require codec hardware and software. Analog signals can be transmitted via coax, fiber optic cable, microwave, infrared, or a combination. However, normal broadcast analog transmission requires a large amount of bandwidth that cannot be compressed. Depending on the complexity of the videoconferencing network, additional equipment may be required such as digital switches, video bridges, camera robotics, and tape recorders.