sively for the use of executives, one should avoid posh settings that may discourage others from using the facility. De-emphasize technology (cameras, monitors, microphones and cables) to avoid a studio feel. Cables should be concealed in conduit, ducts, or raceways where they cannot cause accidents. Conference tables should be modified to accommodate cables for microphones and wired control units. Wall colors should be muted; grays and blues work best (system integrators generally recommend a light gray-blue). Many television backdrops are blue, because blue shades make skin tones appear warm and natural. It is best to avoid stark white, creamy yellows, and dark colors because these colors confuse the white balance functions a camera performs and causes skin tones to appear unnatural. Wall, ceiling and floor treatments that do not greatly differ in reflectance minimize contrast ratios. Avoidance of highly reflective (chrome, polished metals or glass) or very light-color surfaces that cause glare minimizes effulgence values. Highly patterned wall coverings, carpets and upholstery fabrics, and surface textures or decorative details show up as distractions when viewed through a camera. It is important to develop a schematic drawing of the conference room and to include all equipment and furniture in the plan. This helps to arrive at room dimensions that can comfortably support the maximum anticipated number of participants. One should not forget to place tables, chairs, lecterns and, of course, the video communication equipment itself in the floor plan. To accommodate the eye, one should maintain a distance between viewers and monitors of no less than four times the height of the picture. Most videoconferencing installation guides recommend separating the monitor from viewers by a distance of seven times the picture height. Video Communications: The Whole Picture Monitors should generally be at least 26 inches above the floor. This schematic can also show the coverage a camera affords with its lens set at the wides