Abstract: Techniques to dynamically control the allocation of resources between audio and video (and perhaps data) streams of a video conference are disclosed. By providing the dynamic control, a participant to a video conference is able to alter the quality levels for the audio and video (and perhaps data) streams that they receive while the video conference is ongoing. A tool bar, window or the like can be used to enable a participant to dynamically control the quality levels. The techniques are particularly well suited for personal computer based video conferencing.

Abstract: A video conferencing system (10) for providing enhanced security to a conference room. A local video conferencing system (10) establishes a conference call with a remote video conferencing system. A security system within the local video conferencing system (10) monitors activity in the local video conferencing system's (10) conference room and disconnects the conference call if no activity is detected after a predetermined period of time. If activity is detected after a period of nonactivity, users of the local video conferencing system (10) are alerted that a call is in progress. The users are then given the option of continuing or disconnecting the call. In addition, the security system detects the presence of a black screen or no video signal from the remote video conferencing system and if detected, alerts the users that a call is in progress.