What is "Video Teleconferencing"?
Video Teleconferencing is a collaboration among geographically dispersed people via real-time video. Video conferencing isn't new. Expensive, room-sized systems have existed for years. What is new is that current generation of video conferencing technology has downsized these large systems into inexpensive, desktop units.

Why is it becoming so popular?
Video conferencing brings a valuable strategic tool to millions of individuals and small businesses for face-to-face meetings, team collaborations, brainstorming, training, and more, regardless of the proximity of the participants.

What types of Video Teleconferencing exist?
There are two general types of video conferencing: Point-to-Point and Multipoint.

What is "Point-to-Point"?
A Point-to-Point Conference is a connection between two video (or data) terminals. For example, a point-to-point video conference may occur by connecting a board room in Los Angeles and a conference room in Zurich. Connecting two locations can be arranged simply by having one location dial the other, just as in a regular telephone call. No outside assistance is necessary.

What is "Multipoint"?
A Multipoint Conference is a connection among several video (or data) terminals. This type of connection requires the assistance of a bridging service to "bridge" the sites together into one conference. Chorus Call provides such a service.

What do I need for Video Conferencing?
To organize a video conference, you need

1. equipment,
2. digital telephone lines (ex. ISDN), and
3. a bridging service.

What type of equipment do I need?
There are many options to choose from and, in most cases, you can purchase kits that include all the equipment you will need. Here are a few options:

Desktop Systems - This is the newest and least expensive option. An individual can sit at a desk, hear and see the other participants, and share documents. For a basic desktop system you would need a PC, additional hardware and software, a camera, and a telephone. Desktop systems support both point-to-point conferences as well as multipoint conferences.

OR

Video Phones - This is a simple way to participate. Video phones consist of one unit which includes a camera, a telephone dial-pad, a handset, and a video display. Video phones are compact, easy to use, and inexpensive compared to desktop and room systems. Video phones may be used for point-to-point as well as multipoint conferencing.

OR

Room Systems - If you want to transmit from a large room where many people are gathered together (ex. a conference room), you might consider this option. A room system generally contains high quality video screens, cameras, speakers, and equipment to control the camera angle, focus and zoom. These facilities may be installed on a rolling cart ("Rollabout"). If you decide not to purchase equipment, you can rent a public video conference room with equipment already set up.

Is my equipment compatible?
In the past, video conferencing systems could only communicate with systems produced by the same maufacturer. Since then, the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) has intervened and developed standards to be used by all manufacturers. These standards were named H.320. Anyone using H.320 is expected to communicate with anyone else using H.320 regardless of the equipment vendor. Chorus Call uses H.320 standards.

What are "Protocols" and "Standards"?
A "protocol" is a set of rules for data communication. A "standard" is a set of detailed technical guidelines used to establish uniformity. Protocols and standards create an environment of universal compatibility.

What is "ISDN"?
Because video conferences send a great deal of information back and forth between sites, digital phone lines are required. The preferred type of connection is known as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). These digital lines provide unrestricted use of the full bandwidth (as opposed to other digital lines such as Switched 56). ISDN service is now readily available in most countries.

What is "Bandwidth"?
Bandwidth is the capacity of the phone line to carry audio and video signals. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the signals can move and the better the quality of your video conference. Chorus Call services bandwidths from 56 kbps to 512 kbps.

What Bridging Service could I use?
With Chorus Call, video conferencing becomes easy, and you receive fast, professional assistance. A site test is the only preparation we require for a video conference. This test is performed at no charge, and at a time that is convenient to you. There are no forms for you to complete since our multipoint bridge detects data from your terminal, automatically providing us with the necessary information on each of your sites.

How do I schedule a Video Conference?
For reservations and information, you may call Chorus Call at 1-412-858-1390. A Conference Specialist will assist you in preparing for your video conference. Please see our reservations section for more information on scheduling your video conference.

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