Technical Implications of Teleconference Service

Definitions of separated-groups teleconferences, as opposed to person-to-person video telephone service, are reviewed. The teleconference facility, in terms of an audio mode, a graphics mode, and a video mode, can have an impact on the interactive, interpersonal communication process. Recent audio and audio/video teleconference experiments are summarized. Audio and video limitations of current technology have the potential of increasing transmission bandwidths and terminal complexity. For a large channel CATV network of more than 60 channels, teleconference service in the intracity context implies that CATV networks may have limited capacity for this service.