Video Conferencing
by Dr. Robert R. McKieva3mck@sympatico.ca

Getting started in videoconferencing is quite elementary. I have a son in B.C., and wanted to see as well as talk to him. He has a Pentium 120, 16 meg RAM, and I have a Pentium 133, 32 meg RAM. We both have micropphones and speakers.

Some of the equiptment available are:

a)Serial Port equiptmets (using printer ports-I have a 4 position splitter box as I use slow scan tv, and pakrat as well as my printer also on this Port)

b)USB Port equiptments (faster and is available on most newer computers-can be adopted by add ons to older models in a couple of ways –check with computer shops-be careful – some have the add ons –but they may not work in your computer) – some have a separate USB 8 pin connector block USB ports for this run $12.00 or so you require the correct pin alignment (many shops don’t know which is which) – others can fit USB Port boards into the PCI slots – work on any board with free PCI slots –about $75.00 each board .

c)Snappy Cards: available at most computer shops-available very cheaply at Selltek Computers 25 Northfield Dr, just west of King St in Waterloo for $56.00 – works excellently with your camcorder.

Cameras:

With Snappy cards:
a)Camcorders-many require you to keep a film running as most will shut off after 3minutes of not running.

b)miniature cameras- some golf ball shape-others fold over to protect the lens when not in use.

With Video Conferencing Equiptment:
a)many can call direct to another e-mail address.

b)or work with either Net Meet or ICUII which each have several free servers – several ratings- Family- adult-sexual.

Servers and Programs:
a) Net Meet- available free on Microsoft Web –use:realtime typing;talk realtime voice;and or realtime video, with Snappy, or Video conferencing programs. Go to: http://www.netmeet.net/

b)ICUII- free trial program - and full program available for$25.00 – same programs as net meet- and several servers- easier than Net Meet to log on to- so far- much better picture- Go to: http://www.icuii.com/

c)Video Blaster: program and camera: direct dial to e-mail of other user if they also have Video Blaster- if not use Net Meet or ICUII. $149.00- at Office Place- next to KW Record Fairway Rd- $30 US rebate- I bought one- works great. Go to: http://www.idg.net/new_docids/webshopper/creative/blaster/webcam/video/

You can talk and see people in all countries.ICUII and Net Meet Programs have video and speaker icons to tell who has what equiptment. You can talk and see others without a camera they just can hear you or see you type- not see you!!!You may on the adult servers- see out of this world sights!!!Hi!!! Hi!!!

As the old song goes – "I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places"

Dr. Robert R. McKie VA3MCK