2.1 Introduction

A teleconference is a meeting between people who are physically separated from each other, achieved by using electronic communication techniques. Teleconferencing systems can be broadly classified into three categories: audio only, audiographic, and full motion video. Of course, a full motion video system includes audio and can include graphics as an option.

As a further classification, there are two types of full motion video teleconferencing systems, interactive and broadcast business television. In the case of broadcast business television, the typical application is a single event (for example, a product announcement) with one transmitter and many receivers. The primary focus of this chapter is interactive videoconferencing as opposed to one-time broadcast events. Interactive videoconferencing includes groups of people in a conference room or a single person using a desktop videophone.

2.2 Benefits of Video Teleconferencing

The benefits that organizations can gain from videoconferencing are outlined as follows.

• Faster decision making: Since a videoconference can be established with little more difficulty than an in-house meeting, people separated by miles can come together and share ideas and information when theneed arises. There is no need to delay a decision until all participants can clear days for travel on their calendars. In industry, this is particularly valuable in rapidly resolving unexpected crises.
• Better decisions: Because there is no additional cost for additional meeting participants, the conference can include all the people that are involved in the undertaking. If travel were involved, this might not be possible, even if the organization...