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Conferencing Modes Overview
The MCU system offers the following types of conferences (Conferencing Modes), based on the video
protocol and the video display during the conference:
● AVC-based Conferencing - CP Only (Video Transcoding)
● AVC-based Conferencing - Video Switching (Collaboration Server (RMX) 1500/2000/4000 only)
● SVC-based Conferencing (Media Relay) - SVC Only
● Mixed AVC and SVC Conferencing - CP and SVC
AVC Conferencing
AVC-based Conferences allow endpoints that support AVC video to connect to these conferences. AVC
(Advanced Video Coding) video refers to the H.264 video protocols used to send and receive video. On the
Collaboration Server system it also includes all the standard video protocols such as H.261, H.263, and
RTV.
All endpoints (including SVC-enabled endpoints) have AVC capabilities and can connect to AVC
conferences running on the MCU. AVC-based endpoints can connect using different signaling protocols and
different video protocols.
Based on the video processing required during the conference, the Collaboration Server offers the
Continuous Presence Conferencing Mode for AVC-based conferencing.
In the Collaboration Server (RMX) 1500/2000/4000, the MCU also offers the Video Switching conferencing
Mode. Video Switching is not supported with Collaboration Server (RMX) 1800.
The Conferencing Mode determines the video display options (full screen or split screen with all participants
viewed simultaneously) and the method in which the video is processed by the MCU (with or without using
the MCU’s video resources).
Continuous Presence (CP) Conferencing
The dynamic Continuous Presence (CP) capability of the Collaboration Server system enables viewing
flexibility by offering multiple viewing options and window layouts for video conferencing. It enables several
participants to be viewed simultaneously and each connected endpoint uses its highest video, audio and
data capabilities up to the maximum line rate set for the conference.
AVC-based endpoints can connect to the conference using any:
● Signaling protocol: H.323, SIP, ISDN/PSTN (Collaboration Server (RMX) 1500/2000/4000) and RTV
line rate, up to a maximum line rate defined for the conference
● Video Protocol: H.261, H.263, H.264 Base Profile and H.264 High Profile) and at any resolution and
frame rate, provided they meet the minimum requirements set for the conference: