Maximizing satellite transponder utilization for video teleconferencing

Various techniques applicable for multiple video transmissions are examined from a systems viewpoint. It is found that split-scene techniques maximize the number of conferees without the problems of voice switching. Minor modifications of off-the-shelf video processing systems can be used to make the scene divisions, which present a normal display of adjacently-seated participants. It is shown that the subjective response of a small sample group indicates the desirability of separating the scene onto two monitors rather than leaving the split scene composed on one monitor, and a two monitor system optimizes the in-line shifting of the scenes. In addition, the split-scene offers the capability to multiplex the view of the participants and other forms of video on a field or frame basis. Frame multiplexing is found to offer better resolution than does field inter-leaving, and motion rendition is adequate for conference room scenes.