In video conferencing, what is the function of a codec?

The function of a codec in video conferencing is to compress and decompress video signals for transmission. This process is crucial because video files are typically large, making them difficult to transmit over networks efficiently. A codec, which stands for "coder-decoder," reduces the bandwidth required for transmission by encoding the video data into a smaller size without significantly sacrificing quality. When the data reaches its destination, the codec then decodes the information back into a viewable format.

In the context of video conferencing, this function allows participants to share live video feeds smoothly in real-time, enabling effective communication. An effective codec ensures that both video and audio quality remain high while optimizing network usage, which is essential in collaborative settings.