Abstract: A conferencing system for interactive video (and preferably also audio) communication, which includes a composite video signal generation means. The system preferably also includes a recording unit for producing a permanent, combined video and audio record of a conference (which may be a court proceeding such as a criminal arraignment). The system includes a monitor for each conferee, which displays a composite video signal including a principal video image in a large picture region of the monitor screen and secondary video images in small picture regions of the monitor screen. Preferably, all of the large and small picture regions have substantially the same aspect ratio, full secondary video images are displayed in the small and large picture regions, and the full video images displayed in the small picture regions do not obscure any portion of the full video image displayed in the large picture region.

Abstract: A conferencing system facilitating interactive video and audio communication between an individual (such as a criminal, defendant, or a witness in a court proceeding) at a remote station, and a group of individuals at a local station (such as a judge, defense counsel, and a prosecutor or plaintiff's counsel in a courtroom). The system preferably includes a recording unit for producing a permanent, combined video and audio conference record. Preferably, the system includes a local module, a remote module, and a control module. The local module includes a loudspeaker, and a video camera, a video monitor unit, and a microphone for each conferee. It is contemplated that the local module equipment may be disposed in a courtroom, for use by a judge, two attorneys, and a witness. The remote module includes a video camera, a video monitor unit, a microphone, and a loudspeaker. Where the remote module is intended for use by a criminal defendant in police custody (i.e.