Video conferencing uses an Interactive Tele-Video System which consists of some version of a video monitor, video camera, speakers, microphone, and a CODEC. The CODEC (stands for coder-decoder) uses hardware and/or software to simultaneously code and decode (compress and decompress) digital video and audio information and sends it to another CODEC where the same process is also being done.
There are several brands of ITV systems currently
available on the market, most are compatible with one another.
The KUCTT
has
connected with ITV systems all over the world including Europe
and Australia.
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted at one time. The greater the bandwidth, the more data can be transferred. Greater bandwidth allows for a higher image and motion quality, but at a higher cost (over ISDN lines). Currently, the KUCTT does most of its clinical consults at 384 kbps H.323 Internet Protocol. For consults more visually intensive (dermatology, rehabilitation therapy, etc.), a higher bandwidth of 512 kbps is used.
The newest type of video conferencing uses High Definition over H.323 which requires quite a bit more bandwidth, ranging from 1 for true HD and up to 4Mb.
IP (internet Protocol) is becoming the primary means for connecting telemedicine sites. An IP address consists of 4 Octets, ranging from 0 to 255, separated by a period. (example: 192.168.1.126).
What really separates telemedicine from ordinary video conferencing
is the use of peripherals. Peripherals enhance what a specialist
can examine without having to be at the same location as the patient.
With the assistance of a nurse or other medical professionals,
the doctor is able to hear heart and lung sounds, see inside the ear,
nose, or throat, view echocardiograms, etc. Any medical device
that produces a video output signal is compatible with the teleconferencing
technology used by the KUCTT.
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The University of Kansas Medical Center