MOREnet Videoconferencing Current Statement of Direction

• MOREnet will continue to offer ISDN dial-out access on a cost-recovery basis.
• Beginning with the Summer 2006 semester, MOREnet will use the H.264 video algorithm as the default video protocol for most conferences instead of the H.263 algorithm. Using the H.264 algorithm will raise the quality of videoconferences at 384 Kbps.
• Members may have to upgrade some video units to take advantage of this increase in video quality. Most Polycoms and Tandbergs support the H.264 algorithm.
• Video units not capable of using H.264 at 384 Kbps will still have the option of transcoding through MOREnet bridges at H.263.
• Connecting to a videoconference using H.261 will require a special request and will be accepted on a case by case basis.

Benefits/Rationale

MOREnet is dedicated to providing robust and reliable network and video services. Using H.264 video as the default video protocol will enable MOREnet members to take advantage of the advances in videoconferencing technology currently implemented on most equipment in the field.

H.264 video ensures that more parts of the picture (motion) get transmitted more smoothly than with H.263. Using H.264 will improve the quality of videoconferences that incorporate continuous motion video, such as videotapes, animations and close-up demonstrations. H.264 picture transmission is not affected by packet loss in the same way as H.263; its error-recovery mechanism is better, providing more reliable video with fewer artifacts. H.264 video at 384 Kbps delivers the same video quality as H.263 at 768 Kbps.

Guidelines/Effects of Change

• MOREnet will continue to provide ISDN dial-in and dial-out access on a cost-recovery basis.

• H.261 video transcoding will still be supported in ISDN connections.

• Transcoding H.261 or H.263 and H.264 in the same videoconference will be supported until all MOREnet members have video units capable of using H.264 at 384 Kbps and above.

Glossary

H.261. The first encoding algorithm for videoconferencing.

H.263. The second encoding algorithm for videoconferencing (better for motion and more tolerant of packet loss).

H.264. A new encoding algorithm that effectively doubles video compression, increasing videoconference quality.

H.320. ISDN-based videoconferencing using either H.261 or H.263.

H.323. A protocol for real-time audio and video transmission over packet-switching networks.

Transcoding. The process of converting H.320 to H.323 and vice versa.