N.J. Courts Video-Connected via Lucent

By Jennifer Freer, Staff Writer




APRIL 17 ? Lucent Technologies Inc.'s new Enterprise Networks Group has provided the New Jersey Judiciary with one of the largest videoconferencing networks for court systems in the country.



The network, called the Lucent Multipoint Conferencing Unit, began operating in mid-March. New Jersey has set up 29 sites throughout the state, allowing the courts to use videoconferencing to help with activities such as testimony, arraignments and education and training programs. Each unit ranges from $25,700 up to $66,000.


Lucent's technology aims to increase the efficiency of court proceedings by spending less time and money on traveling and transportation.



The network allows up to 25 locations to participate simultaneously in a conference with both video and audio. Each site also can connect directly to one another and to other videoconferencing sites on the state network or elsewhere.



The network is in every courthouse in New Jersey, the state Supreme Court, most appellate division chambers and the New Jersey Law Center. The hub of the network is located in the Administrative Office of the Courts in Trenton.



"The videoconferencing network virtually gives people the means to be in two places at one time," said James Rebo, chief information officer of the Judiciary.