While the first designation could be disputed perhaps, none of those participating would dispute the effectiveness of the technology for a meeting debating resource allocation and deliverables. The 15 or so people sitting around the table were joined remotely by more than 12 people at the other locations. Add to that some cameras, microphones, and several computers for managing the system. Such a set-up, in a classroom, conference room, or computer lab, is called a node. From this list, each site coordinator selects which video streams to offer on the local large screen.
Some views remain a thumbnail, some are mid-sized, and one large image can usually be accommodated.
Screens show people, whiteboards, presentation materials, or a view of a node screen. The Access Grid gives participants a good sense of being there and participating in the larger meeting. At NCSA, for example, twelve views were easily visible throughout the PACS meeting, selected from 22 available windows. Although the sound faded in and out periodically, most conversations were clear, with the occasional asides often audible at distant locations. The images are what fascinate, though.