A method of controlling video signals in a multi-participant video conference
involves
assessing the level of video signal required from each participant to mix the desired
broadcast video signals, and using the result of this assessment to dynamically
control the video output from the endpoints of the conference participants. The
assessment of the required level of video signal preferably utilizes an audio mixing
algorithm, such that the video outputs of those participants whose audio signals
are currently being discarded in the audio mixing process are switched off at the
endpoints, or are transmitted in a lower bandwidth format, thereby reducing the
overall bandwidth requirements of the conference and reducing processor resources
to mix the broadcast video signals.