Internet
VideoConferencing
Communications Overview

Gerard Bowles
©1998

Introduction:

I wrote this overview from the perspective of communications. From this perspective, an overview of all primary forms of communication with this medium must be examined. There are other introductions to this subject on the Web. However, most are about only the technology, or guides for personal use in a specific environment. There are links at the bottom of this page for information on the history and technology.*

The common term for the most commonly used video conferencing is "CU-seeme" or "cuseeme," a reference to the earliest software. The "CU" stands for Cornell University, who sponsored the development of the first software. There are now other software available for videoconferencing. Videoconferencing can be communicated on the Internet, or a Intranet connection. On the Internet, the movement if often jerky or pixilated.


Terms: (communications, not technical definition)

Understanding basic terms is necessary to continue this paper. Just read over them, then you can refer back as you continue.

camera or cam - in cuseeme this refers to a camera capable of sending a picture to a computer being using for videoconferencing
channel - an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) area where participants communicate. In AOL this is called a "room."
chat - typed communications in a channel
CU-seeme - The common name for video conferencing, and a reference to the name of a popular technology and software for videoconferencing developed by Cornell University.
direct-connect - Also called "DC." This is connecting directly to another user so just the two parties are participating. Abbreviated as "CU."
Internet Relay Chat - commonly called "IRC," this is the communication used for "chat" in a "channel"
Internet Service Provider - Commonly called "ISP," any company providing a connection to the Internet
Intranet - A connection between a number of selected computers, usually within a company, and not dependent on the Internet for communications.
lurker - a videoconferencing user without a camera. Lurkers can see other users but, other users cannot see lurkers. Most reflectors do not allow lurkers, and few users will direct-connect to them.
reflector - like a "chat" channel but, in videoconferencing you can see each participant in a small window. A reflector must be a software residing on a powerful computer with a fast Internet connection.
videoconferencing - communications using software and camera for visual, and audio communications on the Internet.

Outline of Uses: Business VideoConferencing:
The greatest advantage to this use is the addition of images in the communications. Communications is not just vocal but, relies on body language and facial expressions in communications. In Internet use, body language may be limited but, about 60% of facial expressions communicate. In Intranet use, this is greatly increased because more movement is recorded. Using videoconferencing in business is embryoic now but, will be rapidly grow.

Advertising:
Again, this is another area that will see significant increases in the late 1900's. The advertising industry seems to be unaware of the number of people using videoconferencing or, is trying to ignore this form of communication. Why? It's simple, the seller can sell products directly to the public on the Internet. Why do they need an advertising agency? A team comprised of a technically aware, and communication and marketing-savy administrator; a technician knowledgeable in the Web, aesthetics, lighting, computers and video; a spokesperson; and a handyman is all that is needed.

Education conferencing: Educational use was the 'great design' by Cornell University for creating the first software. However, they could not foresee the technological resistance of academia nor, the overload of faculty work in the late 1900's. There are other problems but, that is a topic in itself. Some universities do have videoconferencing and operate reflectors (meeting places) but, it's primarily used for students to chat with one-another. Is this beneficial? Of course it is, these students will carry this technology into the workplace.

Pornography: The use of videoconferencing for this purpose increased rapidly in the late 1997's but, is still minute in comparison to related businesses--even though the advertising visibility is high. All is required is a little investment, and a woman or man has a business. Interestingly enough, it may die as rapidly as it emerged. An article in Cosmopolitan Magazine interviewed a woman who is barely breaking even. Therefore, I don't predict this to be a major concern for the anti-pornography organizations, and not worth the cost of law enforcement attempts. The questions are "who," "what laws," "where," "with what technology," "for how much" and "why" if it's minute now, and going to diminish on it's on.

Personal VideoConferencing:
This is the area that's exploding. It's cheap, it's new, and it's fun. My family uses it for communications with other family members and with old friends that live some distance from us. In other words, we chat with it.


The Details:

CU-seeme stands for "Cornell University, see me." It is live video, in a little picture on your computer monitor or, on your TV if you have that technology and the knowledge to hook it up. For the average person, CU-seeme is complicated and requires some study.

A camera is required to transmit a picture to others. However, only the software is required to view someone transmitting to you. If you do not have a camera, you will be restricted in the methods and locations of communication.

Connection can occur in two ways. You can connect directly to another user (called "direct connect" or "DC). You can also meet several people at one time in a reflector. You can see them, and they can see you. If you don't want to see someone you can turn off their video window. The quality of the transmission and reception primarily depends on your equipment, the speed of your connection to the Internet, and the capabilities of the reflector software and computer if your connected to a reflector.

There are public reflectors, and private reflectors. Lists of public reflectors are available from Web sites with a search. A private reflector requires membership. Some charge a small monthly fee, others are free. In most free reflectors you must be invited to be a member. Members are often recruited from public or semi-private reflectors. Yes, just like Web pages, there are "levels of privacy."

Reflectors have rules that are strictly enforced--just like a private Internet relay chat (IRC) channel. Private reflectors are often associated with a chat channel for this purpose, and the channel operators administer one or more reflectors. Operators (called "monitors") have the ability to disconnect you from a reflector, and even ban you. Every reflector has a set of rules, usually published on a Web page. The Web page should also inform you of the theme of the reflector, so you should not be surprised. If you are invited to a reflector, and you have not been given advance information, as soon as you enter ask who the monitor is, and for the theme of the reflector. If you are not recognized, you will be "challenged" with questions as soon as you enter the reflector. You should be very nice, the monitor often works long hours without pay, just for your enjoyment of the reflector.

A Little About Required Equipment This overview is about communications, not technology. There are several sources for technology information on the Internet. However, I will provide a technology summery necessary for understanding the communications process.

CU-seeme transmission and reception requires a digital camera or digitizing video card, the CU-seeme software, a computer with at least 12 megabytes of memory, and a 28.8 or higher speed connection to the Internet.

The most popular brand of digital camera (referred to as a "cam") for this purpose is the Connectix QuickCam. They make a black and white model for about $80, and a color model for about $120. Other brands, that have different or more features are available. The Quickcam is connected via a cord to the printer port on your computer. I prefer to use a digitizing video input card, and a regular video camcorder. This provides a higher quality picture, and I already had an AV Macintosh that includes a digitizing card.

Videoconferencing software is available from several makers. The CU-seeme software is available from two sources. The Cornell University version is free from their Website. The second is the White Pine Software available for about $50, and currently seems to work better than the Cornell version. the White Pine software is available from their Website. White Pine provides several pages of information important to the user. Other CU'rs will expect you to know this information. They consider a person that does not study this information lazy, and many will ignore you if you ask for help. On the other hand, if the question you are asking is not available in these pages, they will gladly help you.

You connect by using your IP number, an Internet connection "address" assigned by your Internet Service Provider when you sign on to the Internet. Most IP's are "dynamic," that is they change every time you sign on. However, for an additional fee you can request a "static" IP from your Internet Service Provider so the number remains the same.


Conclusion:

Although starting slowly, Video conferencing is increasing rapidly as part of Internet communications. Personal use is already increasing rapidly. Business usage will increase dramatically in as we move nearer to the 2000's. This is going to be a headache for Internet Service Providers because, CU requires more bandwidth (signal power) than Web page browsing, and significantly more than chat--the current most-popular form of live communications.

This will provide a great opportunity to communications professionals knowledgeable in a combination of writing, visual, computing, and photographic/video skills, with a knowledge of marketing and advertising. Communities who do not install this education in their schools will lose business to those that do.

Additional information can be found at:

http://www.indstate.edu/msattler/sci-tech/comp/CU-SeeMe/index.html

*A Web page is not a self-contained form of communications like a printed article or book. There are other sources so, the duplication of information is not necessary.

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About This Page and Author:

I have 9 years experience in advertising, and 13 years teaching college mass-media communications courses, while also a college administrator and academic advisor. I am currently an Internet communications consultant and teach art history. Links to some of my other papers are located at: Gerard Bowles: Articles for Art Students and Resume.

The page was written in minimum HTML to speed loading, reading, and minimize server space.