An Analysis of Internet's MBONE: A Media Choice Perspective

This thesis examines the perceived effectiveness of Internets Multicast Backbone MBONE compressed-motion video-teleconferencing system and analyzes its capabilities and limitations. The analysis follows the media richness model of media choice and discusses seven influences on a managers media selection. This study expands the video-teleconferencing branch of the continuum of communication media to include compressed-motion video- teleconferencing and the distinguishing factors between systems. The study uses data gathered from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institutes MBARI internet conference experiment to compare MBONE versus face-to-face viewer perceptions of the different communication media and to support the theoretical analysis. The survey instrument used to gather data is presented in this thesis. Research results showed that the compressed motion video image of MBONE filtered and restricted the conveyance of some non-verbal cues and that feedback could be delayed in one-to-many situations. MBONE is found to be more effective for reducing uncertainty than resolving equivocal communication situations. This framework for analysis will enable those responsible for the selection of communication media within the Department of Defense DoD to have a basis for distinguishing between choices of video-teleconferencing systems. Media choice, Media richness, Teleconferencing.