DECspin: A Networked Desktop Videoconferencing Application

The Sound Picture Information Networks (SPIN) technology that is part of the DECspin Version 1.0 product takes digitized audio and video from desktop computers and distributes this data over a network to form realtime conferences. SPIN uses standard local and wide area data networks, adjusting to the various latency and bandwidth differences, and does not require a dedicated bandwidth allocation. A high-level SPIN protocol was developed to synchronize audio and video data and thus alleviate network congestion. SPIN performance on Digital's hardware and software platforms results in sound and pictures suitable for carrying on personal communications over a data network. The Society of Technical Communication chose the DECspin Version 1.0 application as a first-place recipient of the Distinguished Technical Communication Award in 1992.