In video conferencing, television cameras and monitors are used to provide one- or two-way links between locations in the same building or in different cities or countries. Video recording usually uses magnetic tape cassettes or video disks, multiple cameras, and recording equipment to provide a visual and audio record of events. Playback involves replaying the video recording through a monitor. These technologies can be used in a court building to allow child witnesses or victims of serious crimes to provide evidence without being present in the courtroom; to link courts, jails, and remand centers for routine hearings; and to provide testimony from witnesses located abroad. Video recording equipment can provide a record of proceedings from which transcripts can be prepared, it can facilitate understanding of complex testimony, and it can summarize parts of previous hearings. Optical disks provide for more long-term storage and rapid retrieval of information such as court registers. 3 references.