Abstract: A method for providing a multimedia connection between a first user of a user device and a second user of a peer device comprises connecting the user device via a wide-area public communication network to the peer device and via a local connection or the wide-area public communication network to a local AV device associated with the user device; capturing audio and video input signals from the first user using the user device; encoding at least a part of the captured audio and video input signals from the first user by the user device to provide encoded audio and video input signals; transmitting the encoded audio and video input signals from the user device to the peer device, wherein the encoded audio and video input signals are decoded and provided for the second user of the peer device; and receiving encoded audio and video input signals from the second user of the peer device at the local AV device, wherein the audio and video input signals from the second user of the peer device are decoded and provided