Internet PC-based vs ISDN-based

PC-based vs Room-based Video Conferencing

The following are 2 different ways of Video Conferencing.

PC-based

Run on PC. User can set up on his own.
Require extra PC hardware like video capture card, digital camera, etc and software like NetMeeting
A low cost and low bandwidth solution. Even with a 56K modem dialup at home can also have video conferencing with others around the globe.
Marginally acceptable video quality
Transmit on Internet only
Network bandwidth shared by others. Less reliable and bandwidth not guaranteed

Room-based

Run on dedicated video conferencing equipment of ITSC
Good audio and video quality
Transmit on either Internet or ISDN
For Internet transmission
- network bandwidth shared by others. Less reliable and bandwidth not guaranteed
- support 384 or 768 kbps
For ISDN transmission
- Special type of phone line
- Reliable and guaranteed bandwidth
- support 3 lines with an aggregated 384Kbps bandwidth
- Connection charge on per minute basis.

Comparison

	Internet PC based	Room based
Application	Casual use Chat with friends around the globe	serious use Interview across the country PhD Viva Remote Lecturing Project Meeting
Quality	Marginally acceptable	Best picture
Usage Price	Free over the Internet	Free over the Internet Per minute charge over ISDN. Only caller side pays.
Requirement	PC Digital camera Connected to Internet MS NetMeeting	Special equipments provided by ITSC Remote party needs either good Internet connection or ISDN
Venue	At user's own room	Normally ITSC conference room
Setup	User can follow our web page to get start easily.	User contacts ITSC for details