Compression must take palce in both the audio and video files and a number of different methods have been used successfully to achieve effective transmission rates. Desktop VC can be achieved with technology as dated as a 386 pc. While such demands might seem daunting, the payoff can be quite effective. The general consensus was that VC over a large network can be an effective learning tool. The term multicast refers to the ability to provide one to many and many to many delivery.
Users then scan a seesion directory, or SD to see what is being offered and when.
Whiteboards allow users to share a common chalkboard to help visualize concepts to participants. The value of such a tool in a conference situation is apparent to anyone who has ever tried to explain a visual concept in purely verbal terms, such as describing the layout of a office or home. It allows for up to eight participants at one time. The greater the change within the viewing frame, the more likely that the video stream will be somewhat stilted and jerky, not unlike early motion picture films of this century. Despite these limitation the technology is quite reliable and can allow for remote teleconferencing between remote individuals or small groups.