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: 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 coolant sub-assembly is provided for use in a DNP apparatus. The sub-assembly comprises a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends. The jackets are adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region. A coolant supply path extends adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube. An auxiliary coolant supply path supplies coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one aperture in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region.

Abstract: A coolant sub-assembly is provided for use in a DNP apparatus. The sub-assembly comprises a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends. The jackets are adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region. A coolant supply path extends adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube. An auxiliary coolant supply path supplies coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one aperture in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a medium encoded with instructions for providing layout selection, participant selection, and/or participant-to-participant far end camera control of the selected participant for use in a continuous presence multipoint videoconference. The method includes receiving one or more far end camera control messages over a packet network from a first participant of a multipoint videoconference; maintaining an indication of a far end camera control mode for the first participant, the mode being one of a set of modes; and depending on the far end camera control mode and on controls possible, carrying out a control according to one ore more the camera control messages.

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: 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 for executing a video conference is provided that includes receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more end points and determining an active speaker associated with one of the end points. Audio information associated with the active speaker may be received at one or more media switches. One or more video streams may be suppressed except for a selected video stream associated with the active speaker, the selected video stream propagating to one or more of the media switches during the video conference. The selected video stream may be replicated such that it may be communicated to one or more of the end points associated with a selected one of the media switches.

Abstract: A method for executing a video conference is provided that includes receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more end points and determining an active speaker associated with one of the end points. Audio information associated with the active speaker may be received at one or more media switches. One or more video streams may be suppressed except for a selected video stream associated with the active speaker, the selected video stream propagating to one or more of the media switches during the video conference. The selected video stream may be replicated such that it may be communicated to one or more of the end points associated with a selected one of the media switches.

Abstract: A method for executing a video conference is provided that includes receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more end points and determining an active speaker associated with one of the end points. Audio information associated with the active speaker may be received at one or more media switches. One or more video streams may be suppressed except for a selected video stream associated with the active speaker, the selected video stream propagating to one or more of the media switches during the video conference. The selected video stream may be replicated such that it may be communicated to one or more of the end points associated with a selected one of the media switches.

Abstract: A sounder control system, including a converter circuit for converting a drive signal to a signal for activating a sounder and a drive circuit for generating the drive signal. The drive circuit includes a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal representative of one of a plurality of control parameters for the sounder control system and for adjusting the drive signal on the basis of the at least one input signal, such that the sounder exhibits a predetermined sound pressure level characteristic.