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Thread ID: 70069 2006-06-21 05:44:00 VideoChat PC to MAC solution sought? timj (10593) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
464917 2006-06-21 05:44:00 Grandparents wish to videochat with grandchildren.

Problem is we have Dell PC laptop with Windows XP , while they have Mac OS X.

We need to purchase Webcams.

Can anyone suggest best Hardware/Software solution?

Both parties have Xtra Broadband
timj (10593)
464918 2006-06-21 07:04:00 Hi TimJ, welcome to PressF1.

In terms of hardware, any cheap webcam (which is compatible with a Mac) wll work on the Mac, and likewise, one which is compatible with Windows, will work on the dell. They are available from upwards of about $25 nowadays - obviously cheaper ones will give a poorer quality video image, but in saying that, would you really care?

Software wise, Skype is a multiplatform program which will run on Windows and Mac, and allow you to have video conversations. It's free, and works quite well. See: http://skype.com/
somebody (208)
464919 2006-06-21 07:31:00 Hi TimJ, welcome to PressF1.

In terms of hardware, any cheap webcam (which is compatible with a Mac) wll work on the Mac, and likewise, one which is compatible with Windows, will work on the dell. They are available from upwards of about $25 nowadays - obviously cheaper ones will give a poorer quality video image, but in saying that, would you really care?

Software wise, Skype is a multiplatform program which will run on Windows and Mac, and allow you to have video conversations. It's free, and works quite well. See: http://skype.com/
skype doesn't support video on the mac yet :groan:
If you have a firewire video camera you can use that as a webcam which would save buying one and the quality is good.
there is a program that will work on both mac and pc for video, but currently at work and the name has vanished
plod (107)
464920 2006-06-21 09:37:00 Thanks - for info

Would apprec. name of multi-platform platform- given Skype does not yet support MAC for video
timj (10593)
464921 2006-06-21 09:58:00 couldn't find what I was looking for but with a quick google found this http://www.ivisit.com/ plod (107)
464922 2006-06-21 10:01:00 Also http://www.ispq.com/ Safari (3993)
464923 2006-06-21 10:33:00 Both parties have Xtra BroadbandIf you are on a plan with 128k upstream then the video quality will be pretty bad (I guess it doesn't matter so much about getting a high quality webcam in that respect). :)

I've never done it myself, but according to this article (www.macworld.com) iChat AV (part of Mac OS X) and AIM support cross platform video conferencing.
maccrazy (6741)
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