MCU

(1) (MicroController Unit) A computer on a single chip. See microcontroller.

(2) (Multipoint Control Unit) A device used to moderate a videoconference of three or more endpoints (an endpoint is one or more users in a single location). In the more common "continuous presence" mode, the screen is split into one large and several smaller windows. The MCU sends the video of the dominant speaker to the large window. "Voice switch" mode has only one window, which is used for the speaker. In "chair mode," a human moderator controls the screen. The MCU's audio bridge mixes the audio from all end points. See videoconferencing.

Emblaze-VCON MCU

A complete videoconferencing solution, this earlier MCU supported both H.323 and SIP. It included an H.323 gatekeeper for translating user names into IP addresses, a video PBX for call switching and video network management for quality of service (QoS) and bandwidth control. (Image courtesy of Emblaze-VCON, Inc., www.vcon.com)

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References in periodicals archive

The MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) performs switching and mixing necessary for conference connections.

Real-time data transmission protocols for industrial networks

According to the company, this patent describes a way to significantly improve the performance of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) and relates to using a video stream manipulator as needed to scale or resize each video stream, encode the resulting video, and augment the encoded data with position information to allow video information to be positioned at a given location on a display as part of the decompression process.

ClearOne announces new US patent award

In addition, the new bridge or multipoint control unit (MCU) allows IT administrators to take advantage of existing network architectures and put the bridge anywhere they have extra capacity, minimizing the need to make large bandwidth or other network infrastructure investments to fit their video conferencing needs.

Peak IP Solutions Offers LifeSize Bridge, Ushering in Modular Video Conferencing at Highest HD Quality Available

It provides XML and SIP APIs and integrates with the Polycom MGC-50 multipoint control unit at HRPDC, to deliver video conferencing, and with the Raytheon ACU1000 for cross-connecting the various radio networks of the jurisdictions.

HRPDC deploys Alcatel-Lucent's OmniTouch My Teamwork LMRCC application

The HD3000 high-definition videoconferencing system combines streaming, videoconferencing and embedded multipoint control unit (MCU) functionality in one system.

High-definition conferencing

Under the terms of the agreement Polycom will supply its iPower videoconferencing systems, an MGC-100 multipoint control unit, Global Management System and PathNavigator call processing server.

UK Government department installs Polycom communications network

For H.323 videoconferencing, the HSC has a 24-port VideoServer NetServer multipoint control unit and utilizes a VideoServer gatekeeper, primarily for establishing traffic control and bandwidth management policies.

IP videoconferencing aids research: university saves costs while improving staff productivity. (Network management: conferencing)

By installing the MCU (multipoint control unit) at the customer site, the solution provider is able to offer a complete package of videoconferencing services while allowing the end user to have control over ISDN line costs.

Matchmaking pays off

The ViewStation MP system features an integrated multipoint control unit (MCU) that provides continuous-presence videoconferencing capability for four sites at 128 kbps or three sites at 256 kbps.

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