[LINK] Propose Video Bandwidth Limit During COVID19 Emergency

[Tom Worthington]

On 20/3/20 9:20 am, Roger Clarke wrote:

> On 20/3/20 8:34 am, Tom Worthington wrote:
> 
> Tom, ... the vast majority of video transmitted during
> video-conferencing is valueless ...

Perhaps we can have a very advanced form of compression which
identifies the usual meaningless platitudes, and replaces them with
text message type abbreviations. ;-)

> ... the feeling of being in (metaphorical) contact ...

I pointed out to tutors and students, that they need to project a sense 
of there being a person on the other end of the link. This can be done 
with a video conference, but also in other ways.

> Individuals can turn off their video-uplink after 
> meeting-commencement pleasantries have been completed. ...

It is a difficult point to get across to people: "What, I am not 
fascinating to look at?".

> They can turn it back on during the (in most cases infrequent and 
> fairly brief) episodes during which they are actively participating.

In a typical presentation, it makes sense to turn the video on at 
question time.

> Indeed, flicking video back on, and showing a troubled face, is an 
> effective, attention-drawing form of non-verbal communication ...

You need to be careful if you have audio on, and you make a noise,
whereupon the system enlarges you to full screen.

> Service-providers can include, and promote ...  audio-only ...

Unfortunately it is difficult for the average user to understand video 
is not the most important. What sells the product is high definition, 
high frame rate, video.

> ... 'Are you *sure* you want to continue transmitting video and
> burning up network capacity?'. ...

Perhaps something more positive: "You can earn 3 social credits ...".

> I'm not criticising people for not thinking about this more often.

I did criticize people this week for poor use of a video conference and 
it did not go well. At the scheduled time I found a banner on screen, 
and people around the world waiting, each in their little video window, 
but no audio, and no presenter. When asked, the organizer said, "We are 
having morning tea, so we muted the audio, and will be with you in a few 
minutes".

In the interim they had left the video system burning through bits, and 
people around the world waiting, while the presenter, organizer and 
others were in a room spreading infection. When I expressed my 
displeasure at this, I was told they were all working very hard and I 
should be kind to them. What I would like to do is have them fired, and 
then detained under the health act, but instead I will attempt some 
polite positive suggestions.


-- 
Tom Worthington, MEd FHEA FACS CP IP3P http://www.tomw.net.au
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