What actual audio and video codecs (compression/decompression methodologies) does the more broadly defined “codec” support?
In order for a successful videoconference to take place, endpoints must be able to negotiate a common methodology for both audio and video exchange. Any given video terminal/codec (using the broader definition) may support a number of audio/video codecs (the narrower definition.) For a device to be considered “standards-compliant” (such as with H.323), a subset of audio/video support that enables basic communication with other devices of the same standard must be supported. A video terminal/codec may also support proprietary audio or video codecs of the system developer’s own design. When two of these video terminals are in the same videoconference, they may have access to improved functionality, quality, or reliability between them because they can each understand and use the proprietary features. When selecting a videoconferencing terminal, you should be aware of its range of support for various types of audio/video compression. You then need to consider whether or not this range cov
