User`s guide

Users generally think of using videoconferencing systems as a telephone call, rather than actually
meeting them face to face (Fish 1993, Cool 1992). This may be due to the main areas of research
conducted so far. Most of the studies are of videoconferencing among groups of people who are
working in similar (or the same) environments, but have rarely, if ever, met in reality.
Videoconferencing offers many advantages over other forms of telecommunication. It is well-suited
for communication between groups, and situations where distance prohibits two parties meeting face-
to-face (Brookings 1999). Currently, videoconferencing systems are mainly used for group meetings,
because no practical alternatives exist.
Brookings found that their videoconferencing systems encouraged group discussion, and strength-
ened ties in groups in separate locations. However, studies have shown that people can feel uncom-
fortable with videoconferencing systems (Fish et al. 1994).
Brookings also used their videoconferencing systems for presentations, which enabled speakers in
other locations to give presentations without travelling. This enabled more experts to give presen-
tations to the group.
2.5 The Future of Videoconferencing
The technology is now available to achieve high-quality, low-latency videoconferencing, as achieved
by commercial systems such as the VAN II. Hardware MPEG-2 codecs, ATM networks, high-quality
cameras and projectors are leading factors. Desktop videoconferencing is also growing in popularity,
with realtime video codecs and technology such as gigabit ethernet now available on desktop PCs.
As stated above, human factors need to be taken into consideration when implementing videoconfer-
encing systems. Until very recently, videoconferencing wasn’t taken seriously as a tool for education,
business or play. Current systems still have many limitations, and much research has been conducted
into features for videoconferencing systems. Shared workspaces, privacy issues and systems designed
for informal communication are the main areas where work is being done. The present project aims
to improve an existing videoconferencing system by addressing some of these limitations.
2.6 Infra-red Data Communication
Infra-red data transmission is another technology gaining popularity in recent years, due in part
to acceptance of the IrDA (Infra-red Data Association) standard, and the increasing number of
notebook computers and hand-held devices that have built-in infra-red ports. Nearly all notebook
computers and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) have some kind of infra-red capability. Microsoft’s
Windows 2000 operating system (but not Windows NT) now has infra-red device support (Actisys
2000), and a number of infra-red transceivers are available for PCs that do not have infra-red ports.
A number of CSSE staff have notebook computers and PDAs that have an infra-red communications
capability.
The IrDA standard is by far the most common infra-red data protocol (IRDA 2000). However,
there are many IrDA protocols, which are used under different circumstances. Specifications exist
for wrist watches, dongles, mobile communications, photography, a minimum (“lite”) set, control
(standard) and others. In total there are 18 IrDA specifications (IRDA 2000).
Wired communications methods can send streams of information in both directions at once, be-
cause there are multiple wires (some to send data on, some to receive data from). With infra-red,
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