Definition
A telecommunications service used within the National Airspace System that transmits compressed video signals over switched network connections, allowing facilities such as air traffic control sites and FAA offices to share video information between locations on demand.
Plain English
A network service the FAA uses to send video between facilities. The video is squeezed down so it fits through standard communication lines, and the connection is set up only when it's needed, similar to placing a phone call.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA acronym, abbreviation, and NOTAM-contraction lists, and sometimes in communications or support-service documentation.
Derivation
Switched means the connection is established on demand rather than left permanently open. Compressed means the video data is reduced in size so it can travel over ordinary telecom links. Together the name describes a video service that connects sites only when needed and sends the picture in a slimmed-down form.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot is most likely to need this term for recognition. If SCVTS appears in a notice or FAA document, it points to a video communications service, not to navigation, weather, aircraft handling, or a required pilot action by itself.
Intuition Check
Do not read “switched” as a cockpit switch. Here it means the video connection is routed through a communications network when the service is used.
Example Sentence 1
The facility used SCVTS to hold a live video conference with the regional FAA office during the airspace coordination meeting.
Example Sentence 2
Dispatch used SCVTS to review the airport surface conditions via compressed video before clearance.