OpenCU

openCU is a cross-platform, open source implementation of CU-SeeMe, a video-conferencing protocol, written in C++.

While the SIP and H323 needs human intervention, it is not really recommended for large conferences.

openCU is made to close the gap between Multipoint Control Unit based expensive hardware solutions and proprietary, web-based subscription solutions like Adobe breeze (Macromedia Breeze) or Webex from Cisco.

The project, was initiated in October 2008 after Roozbeh joined the project. The goal is to create a self-configuring, scalable, interactive, social , streaming platform for all operating systems.

openCU employs a conference control protocol that has proven to be quite robust and allows for the expression of detailed state regarding the relations of each conference participant to each other participant. In conjunction with a reflector software it allows for customized distribution of conference media, so that nothing is transmitted unless it is used. The protocol is limited in the size of the conference it can serve, but our^[who?] investigations have shown that this can be extended. The video is encoded in an ad hoc format that was designed for a particular family of desktop machines that were widespread in the past. What it lacks in mathematical elegance, it makes up for in quickness. Comparison of Radvision Hardware MCU and CUSeeMe Networks Software MCU^{[citation needed]}

The client software has "alpha" status and binary packages for Windows XP are available. The software is double licensed under the Agpl.

Recently added compressed media communication (Xvid/Speex_encoding) beside Raw format (Gray16/PCM). Currently^[when?] working on text chat, x264/Advanced_Audio_Coding and porting to Linux/BSD/OSX.

References

• Internet TV with CU-SeeMe
• protocol description
• iana registered port 7648
• DNS SRV Service Type «openCU»
• Creativity Cafe

External links

• Old openCU project website