Should we accept anything less than TV quality: visual communication

This paper surveys experimental and empirical evidence which demonstrates that users of full service networks (FSN) will not be happy with less than TV quality images, especially for personal communication. It examines the technical consequences of these findings, and the implications for mature broadcast networks looking towards new service opportunities. The conclusions of this paper contribute to a more detailed exploration of the larger set of technical considerations. We conclude that whilst no single service will justify the costs of network evolution from broadcast CATV to FSN, the added value of videotelephony and its utility as a component in more complex service offerings make it a candidate for inclusion in any 'core service' menu. The experimental findings suggest that to implement videotelephony successfully, and in a manner which responds to real requirements, the video quality must approach TV quality.