Abstract: In one implementation, a conference hosted on a conference bridge that includes an echo control device that classifies the echo return loss of a plurality of endpoints. The endpoints may include endpoints on internet protocol (IP) networks and public switched telephone networks (PSTN). The echo control of the endpoints is controlled independently. An echo classification module calculates the echo return loss value of the associated echo tail of the endpoint and chooses an appropriate echo control mode. If the echo return loss is above a high threshold, a pass through mode is activated. If the echo return loss is below a low threshold, a full echo cancellation mode is activated. If the echo return loss is between the low threshold and the high threshold, an echo suppression mode is activated.

Abstract: Disclosed are video conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for transcoding, transrating, and the like, to facilitate video streaming in a distributed arrangement. An exemplary translator in accordance with embodiments can include: an input configured to receive a first video stream in a first format, the first video stream being from a first media switch, the first media switch being associated with a first stream group having one or more first endpoints; and an output configured to provide a second video stream in a second format, the second video stream being sent to a second media switch, the second media switch being associated with a second stream group having one or more second endpoints, whereby the translator is configured to convert from the first to the second format.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes dropping an initial series of video frames received by a video conferencing system from a first endpoint that has entered a video conference session as a first participant. One or more fast video update (FVU) messages received by the video conferencing system from the first endpoint during an enabling time period are then discarded. A single FVU message is then to the first endpoint after the video conferencing system has become enabled with respect to the first endpoint. An I-frame received from the first endpoint in response to the single FVU message is then sent back to the first endpoint. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: In one implementation, a conference hosted on a conference bridge that includes an echo control device that classifies the echo return loss of a plurality of endpoints. The endpoints may include endpoints on internet protocol (IP) networks and public switched telephone networks (PSTN). The echo control of the endpoints is controlled independently. An echo classification module calculates the echo return loss value of the associated echo tail of the endpoint and chooses an appropriate echo control mode. If the echo return loss is above a high threshold, a pass through mode is activated. If the echo return loss is below a low threshold, a full echo cancellation mode is activated. If the echo return loss is between the low threshold and the high threshold, an echo suppression mode is activated.

Abstract: Disclosed are video conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for using media notifications to coordinate switching between video in a distributed arrangement. An exemplary media switch in accordance with embodiments can include: a first interface configured for a first type communication with an endpoint; a second interface configured for the first type communication with another media switch, the second interface being configured to receive a first video stream having a first characteristic and a second video stream having a second characteristic; a third interface configured for a second type communication with a stream controller, the stream controller being configured to provide a notification; and a fourth interface configured for the second type communication with a controlling server, whereby the media switch is configured to re-target an active stream in response to the notification or a difference between the first and second characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting messages in a communications network is disclosed. A signaling gateway receives a message directed to a destination circuit. The signaling gateway is coupled to multiple voice gateways, including a destination voice gateway coupled to the destination circuit. The signaling gateway determines the destination voice gateway and sends the message to the destination voice gateway.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for maintaining video capability includes receiving at a device from a source a plurality of packets representative of video data. The plurality of packets include a payload and a header. The method also includes transmitting a copy of the plurality of received packets back to the source with a modified header and an unmodified payload. The transmitted copy provides data representative of the video data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes dropping an initial series of video frames received by a video conferencing system from a first endpoint that has entered a video conference session as a first participant. One or more fast video update (FVU) messages received by the video conferencing system from the first endpoint during an enabling time period are then discarded. A single FVU message is then to the first endpoint after the video conferencing system has become enabled with respect to the first endpoint. An I-frame received from the first endpoint in response to the single FVU message is then sent back to the first endpoint. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed are video conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for using media notifications to coordinate switching between video in a distributed arrangement. An exemplary media switch in accordance with embodiments can include: a first interface configured for a first type communication with an endpoint; a second interface configured for the first type communication with another media switch, the second interface being configured to receive a first video stream having a first characteristic and a second video stream having a second characteristic; a third interface configured for a second type communication with a stream controller, the stream controller being configured to provide a notification; and a fourth interface configured for the second type communication with a controlling server, whereby the media switch is configured to re-target an active stream in response to the notification or a difference between the first and second characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed are video conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for transcoding, transrating, and the like, to facilitate video streaming in a distributed arrangement. An exemplary translator in accordance with embodiments can include: an input configured to receive a first video stream in a first format, the first video stream being from a first media switch, the first media switch being associated with a first stream group having one or more first endpoints; and an output configured to provide a second video stream in a second format, the second video stream being sent to a second media switch, the second media switch being associated with a second stream group having one or more second endpoints, whereby the translator is configured to convert from the first to the second format.

Abstract: A method and system for providing on-hold content in a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) environment includes receiving an indication of a call on-hold. On-hold content for the call may be selected based on revenue generation criteria such as, for example, prices advertisers and other content providers are willing to pay for provisioning of their content to the call.

Abstract: This method for music-on-hold in a voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP) environment includes determining a quality value for each of a plurality of audio streams communicated in the VoIP format. One of the audio streams may be selected for playing to a call on hold based on the quality values for the audio streams. In that particular embodiment, the quality values may be determined at and/or near the endpoint handling that call on hold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for maintaining video capability includes receiving at a device from a source a plurality of packets representative of video data. The plurality of packets include a payload and a header. The method also includes transmitting a copy of the plurality of received packets back to the source with a modified header and an unmodified payload. The transmitted copy provides data representative of the video data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a call resource from a call session are disclosed. A call resource detects if a media stream communicated from a device via a communication network becomes inactive during the call session and deletes the inactive media stream. The call resource deletes the inactive media streams until one media stream remains in the call session, which is terminated to release the call resource from the call session.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting messages in a communications network is disclosed. A signaling gateway receives a message directed to a destination circuit. The signaling gateway is coupled to multiple voice gateways, including a destination voice gateway coupled to the destination circuit. The signaling gateway determines the destination voice gateway and sends the message to the destination voice gateway.