Online Video Chat

[shaker]

Does anyone use video chat?

I would like to use it between two computers but don't know the first this as to what camera I should buy or if I should use a service. I think that this will be used a few times a week.

Is it good enough just to buy a Buddy Cam (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=86204E&vpn=961375-0403&manufacture=LOGITECH)

Or should I buy a couple of better ones?

Can I use the new Messenger Live or should I use an online service?

The one computer is an AMD 1200 and is slow, will this make a difference.

Both computers have Highspeed Internet

Thanks,
Shaker

[willy]

My parents (overseas) 'video-chat' with us just fine** running MSN with ordinary webcams on both sides. Of course, you need a mic for audio. However, I suggest you use headphone with mic to minimize feedbacks.

I think the bottleneck is the uplink speed of your internet connection. I would say your current CPU is good enough.

** Fine = Jerky video but watchable ... It is caused by the slow connection speed. Video is smooth on local LAN.

[hondansx]

I use the Quickcam Messenger for the same reason with relatives in Hong Kong.
Like willy says, the motions look a bit laggy, but I don't think there's any solution for it, due to the connection speed.

A recommendation could be to use those new 1.3MP webcams. I personally haven't used them myself, but if you can utilize that, you'd get a better picture.

I use Windows Live Messenger, previously MSN Messenger 7.5 - it works fine, and easy too :D

[shaker]

The 1.3 megapixel camera Logitech QuickCam Fusion (OEM) for $89.99 (http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=file&memx_menu=EmbedProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=7444&SID=)
Specifications

* Video capture: Up to 640x480 pixels
Still image capture: True 1280x960 pixels; Up to 4 MP (software enhanced)
Frame rate: Up to 30 frames per second (with recommended system)
Interface: USB



http://www.memoryexpress.com/productfiles/images/7444.jpg

Seems Like a good camera and is rated well

Here (http://cowboyfrank.net/webcams/#revews1)

And

Here (http://www.consumersearch.com/www/computers/webcam-reviews/index.html)

But is the difference that big for the extra $$$$

Logitech QuickCam Communicate (OEM) $39.99 (http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=file&memx_menu=EmbedProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=4998&SID=)
Specifications:

* Hardware Specifications:
Sensor: High quality QVGA CMOS
Video Capture: Up to 640 x 480 pixels
Still Image Capture: Up to 640 x 480 pixels
Video File Type: AVI
Still Image File Types: BMP, JPEG
Frame Rate: Up to 30 frames per second (with recommended system)
Field of View: 42 degrees horizontal
Optics: Fixed focus
USB 2.0 and 1.1 compliant
Cable length: 6 ft. thin USB cable

Applications for Windows®:
- Live video calls with free trial of Logitech VideoCall for broadband
- Live video integrated with MSN® Messenger
- Live video on AIM®/AOL® Instant Messenger™
- Works with Yahoo!® Messenger
- Works with Windows® Messenger (XP only)
- One-click video email
- Capture stills; record videos
- Web camming

http://www.memoryexpress.com/productfiles/images/4998.jpg

Any one know?