Patent ID: 7007098

Claim:
A method of controlling video signals in a video conference involving a plurality of endpoints, comprising the steps of: determining, according to a predetermined function, a degree to which a video signal from an endpoint is to be transmitted to other endpoints within the conference, wherein said determination is selected from: the video signal from said endpoint is not to be transmitted; and the video signal from said endpoint is to be transmitted in a reduced bandwidth format; and dynamically controlling a video output from said endpoint as a result of said determination, such that in the case that the video signal from said endpoint is not to be transmitted, dynamically switching off the video output from said endpoint; and in the case that the video signal from said endpoint is to be transmitted in a reduced bandwidth format, reducing the bandwidth of the video output from said endpoint; wherein the step of controlling the video output from said endpoint comprises reducing the bandwidth of the video output from said endpoint only during periods when the video signals from said endpoint are being transmitted to other endpoints in a reduced bandwidth format.