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, starting at 1.5Mb for true HD on up to 3 Mb. HD will most likely be in the future for KUCTT.
ISDN and IP are two ways that data is carried for video conferencing. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) lines are designed to carry voice, data, and video over an existing telephone network infrastructure. There are two types of ISDN lines that the KUCTT uses, BRI (Basic Rate Interface) and PRI (Primary Rate Interface). The main difference between the two are the amount of bandwidth each can carry.
IP and ISDN video systems can not communicate with each other directly. A video bridge or ISDN/IP Video Gateway is needed for an ISDN-based site to connect to an IP-based site.
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 of a patient. With the assistance of a nurse or other medical professionals, the doctor is able to hear breath sounds, see inside the ear, nose, or throat, view echocardiograms, etc. Any medical device that produces a video signal is compatible with the teleconferencing technology used by the KUCTT.
Some of the peripherals used by the KUCTT include:


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