Abstract: In some embodiments, methods comprise: receiving a communication request from the IM client using a first server; delivering the received communication request to the mobile phone using the first server; recording information regarding the communication request; receiving a communication response from the mobile phone; associating the received response from the mobile phone with the communication request from the IM client based on the recorded information; and sending the received communication response to the IM client. In some embodiments, methods comprise: receiving a call from a mobile phone at a first server, wherein the call is made by dialing a number from the mobile phone, the number indicating that an IM client is an intended recipient of the call and identifying the IM client; sending a communication request to the IM client based on the received call using the first server.

Abstract: Method for dynamically optimizing bandwidth allocation in a variable bitrate conference environment. Conference means with two or more outputs are provided, where each one can output data at different rates, in order to support two or more endpoints which may have different media rates. Two or more endpoints are connected to these conference means for participating in the conference. Whenever more than one video rate is used by participants during the conference, each set of output rates is selected from all possible combinations of output rates in the conference means, wherein the lowest output rate in each selected set is the entry rate of the endpoint joining the conference at the lowest rate. A Quality Drop Coefficient (QDC) for each endpoint that joins the conference is determined for each selected set, wherein the QDC is computed according to the endpoint entry rate and the highest rate, among the output rates of each selected set, that is lower or equal to said endpoints' entry rate.

Abstract: A media portal is provided that is used to connect multimedia devices to other multimedia devices and content servers. When a call directed to a multimedia device busy in a call with the media portal is received, the media portal can provide a call waiting indication to the busy multimedia device without breaking the connection that is making the device busy. For example, if a first multimedia device is connected through the media portal to a content server providing streaming content of a football match, when a second device attempts to place a call to the first device, the media portal can provide a call waiting alert to the first device as part of, or as a substitute for, the delivery of the football match. Additionally the media portal can provide for the eventual connection of both devices while the previous call is still active.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and media for providing multi-point video conferencing unit functions are provided. In some embodiments, devices for providing multi-point conferencing unit functions comprise: a combination of at least one input interface that receives a plurality of video signals, and that receives a visual layout from an EMCU end-point; a processor that selects a subset of the plurality of video signals; a combination of at least one output interface that sends the subset of the plurality of video signals to the EMCU end-point and that sends the visual layout to a video conferencing end-point, wherein the visual layout incorporates the subset of the plurality of video signals.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and media for determining and assigning optimal media characteristics in communications sessions are provided.

Abstract: Systems for providing interactive video using scalable video coding comprise: at least one microprocessor programmed to at least: provide at least one scalable video coding capable encoder that at least: receives at least a base content sequence and a plurality of mutually exclusive added content sequences that have different content from the base content sequence; produces a first scalable video coding compliant stream that includes at least a basic layer, that corresponds to the base content sequence, and a first mutually exclusive enhancement layer, that corresponds to content in a first of the plurality of mutually exclusive added content sequences; and produces at least a second mutually exclusive enhancement layer, that corresponds to content in a second of the plurality of mutually exclusive added content sequences; and perform multiplexing of the first scalable video coding compliant stream and the second mutually exclusive enhancement layer to provide a second stream.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and media for determining and assigning optimal media characteristics in communications sessions are provided.

Abstract: Method for dynamically optimizing bandwidth allocation in a variable bitrate conference environment. Conference means with two or more outputs are provided, where each one can output data at different rates, in order to support two or more endpoints which may have different media rates. Two or more endpoints are connected to these conference means for participating in the conference. Whenever more than one video rate is used by participants during the conference, each set of output rates is selected from all possible combinations of output rates in the conference means, wherein the lowest output rate in each selected set is the entry rate of the endpoint joining the conference at the lowest rate. A Quality Drop Coefficient (QDC) for each endpoint that joins the conference is determined for each selected set, wherein the QDC is computed according to the endpoint entry rate and the highest rate, among the output rates of each selected set, that is lower or equal to said endpoints' entry rate.

Abstract: Method for dynamically optimizing bandwidth allocation in a variable bitrate conference environment. Conference means with two or more outputs are provided, where each one can output data at different rates, in order to support two or more endpoints which may have different media rates. Two or more endpoints are connected to these conference means for participating in the conference. Whenever more than one video rate is used by participants during the conference, each set of output rates is selected from all possible combinations of output rates in the conference means, wherein the lowest output rate in each selected set is the entry rate of the endpoint joining the conference at the lowest rate. A Quality Drop Coefficient (QDC) for each endpoint that joins the conference is determined for each selected set, wherein the QDC is computed according to the endpoint entry rate and the highest rate, among the output rates of each selected set, that is lower or equal to said endpoints' entry rate.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and media for providing multi-point video conferencing unit functions are provided. In some embodiments, devices for providing multi-point conferencing unit functions comprise: a combination of at least one input interface that receives a plurality of video signals, and that receives a visual layout from an EMCU end-point; a processor that selects a subset of the plurality of video signals; a combination of at least one output interface that sends the subset of the plurality of video signals to the EMCU end-point and that sends the visual layout to a video conferencing end-point, wherein the visual layout incorporates the subset of the plurality of video signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for incorporating video into voice-only call centers are provided. These systems and methods incorporate video by separating the video from the audio portion of incoming calls, routing the audio through the voice-only system to an agent telephone, routing the video separately from the audio to an agent terminal, and re-joining the video with the audio for outgoing portions of the call.

Abstract: Method for dynamically optimizing bandwidth allocation in a variable bitrate conference environment. Conference means with two or more outputs are provided, where each one can output data at different rates, in order to support two or more endpoints which may have different media rates. Two or more endpoints are connected to these conference means for participating in the conference. Whenever more than one video rate is used by participants during the conference, each set of output rates is selected from all possible combinations of output rates in the conference means, wherein the lowest output rate in each selected set is the entry rate of the endpoint joining the conference at the lowest rate. A Quality Drop Coefficient (QDC) for each endpoint that joins the conference is determined for each selected set, wherein the QDC is computed according to the endpoint entry rate and the highest rate, among the output rates of each selected set, that is lower or equal to said endpoints' entry rate.