A method of reducing bandwidth by selectively sending media information over a communications network, comprising:
- selecting a format for sending different types of media information;
- combining the media information in tandem in accordance with said format;
- sending the combined media information from a calling party terminal to a called party terminal within a transmission period;
- and
- sending voice information from the calling party terminal to the called party terminal, the voice information being sent with the combined media information within a call period, said method further comprising:
- pre-storing a virtual image in the called party terminal, the virtual image being built by the called party based on prior knowledge and his/her own perception about the calling party, and
- displaying the virtual image on the called party terminal.