Abstract: A contribution encoder receives media from a source, encodes the media, and transmits the encoded media to a network-adaptive encoding system for eventual distribution to end users. The network-adaptive encoding system tests a network connection between the contribution encoder and the network-adaptive encoding system before transmission of the encoded media begins. The network-adaptive encoding system uses the results of the test to select appropriate values for parameters that define the encoding and transmission of the media. The selected parameter values are transmitted by the network-adaptive encoding system to the contribution encoder for use in encoding and transmitting the media.

Abstract: A video conferencing terminal includes an encoder that receives a baseband audio signal and a baseband video signal and creates compressed audio packets and compressed audio-video packets. A network interface driver receives the compressed audio packets and the compressed audio-video packets, IP encapsulates the compressed audio packets and the compressed audio-video packets, transmits the IP packets onto an IGMP network. The network interface driver also requests audio packets and audio-video packets from the network and recovers compressed audio packets and compressed audio-video packets from the IP packets received from the network. A decoder receives compressed audio packets and compressed audio-video packets from the network interface driver and generates a baseband video signal and multiple baseband audio signals.