Definitions for "Multipoint Videoconference"
Videoconference with three or more participants. A multipoint conference generally requires the use of an MCU (or equipment with built-in multipoint capability). During a multipoint conference, there are two modes available to present the participants. In a continuous presence videoconference, all participants can be seen at the same time on the far end monitors. Microphones at all sites can be active, which may lead to extraneous noises and interruptions. This mode is not the best choice if data is to be displayed (e.g., via document camera, whiteboard, etc.) as the presentation will be limited to a portion of the screen. Conversely, in the voice activated mode, only the participating site that produced the most recent audio input will be visible. Other sites must ensure their microphones are muted to prevent inadvertently switching the video away from the intended speaker. Where several speakers take turns in voice activated mode, they must realize there is a tangible delay as the view switches from one site to the next.
Videoconference with more than two sites. The sites must connect via a video bridge. (Compare with point-to-point videoconference.)()