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Cool! I got a webcam for Christmas! I’ve always used Gaim as my IM client, but it’s time to change, since it doesn’t support video chat. I’m taking recommendations for multiprotocol IM clients that support video chat…
Thanks!Hi there O.F.
None of the major individual IM programs (AIM, WLM, Yahoo, etc) let you use cam – or voice – direct to another network.As for the multi-protocol programs, like Gaim, I don’t know of any of those that support cams either – generally any sort of communication from one network to another is simple basic TEXT.
I’d suggest if you DO want to use your cam that you choose whichever network you want to use it on, and download the “real” program.
I hope your nice present doesn’t turn out to be a millstone around your neck !
Yeah, I downloaded AIM today – sigh, I HATE it! I wonder if I can convince the rest of my world to move to something else…
Even more frustrating – some friends are on mac (ichat) why oh why isn’t there an ichat for windows??? That would solve everything…
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to manage this compatibility issue? There’s no ichat for windows, and I’m not sure that mac windows mgr will support webcam…Awww, nothing’s ever perfect, but gee, some things get close 😉
For PC to Mac video you can use Skype, or iVisit is good too.
Yahoo is OUT, as currently the Mac version does not include audio, or video if I’m not mistaken.
And I’m not sure if WLM and/or AIM have Mac/video versions.I think I’d suggest stick with your Gaim, as you #1 contact with ALL your buddies, then jump into specific programs if/when you do want to video or voice with someone. (There’s no harm in having all the individual programs installed – but just open each one as/when required).
Good luck. 🙂
I agree with Eagle Kiwi — stick with Gaim for basic instant messaging and jump into the appropriate IM program when you want to use the webcam. Personally, I use Windows Live Messenger the most for video chats, followed by Yahoo! Messenger and Skype. But it really depends more on the other end and what program they are using (unless of course, you can convince them to switch to something else).
As far as video quality, I’m happy with Windows Live Messenger, and there are two modes of operation. You can share your webcam, which adds live webcam to a text-based instant messaging session, or you can do a video chat, which combines voice and webcam, and can be maximized to a full-screen mode.
The advantage to sharing your webcam versus doing a video chat is that you can share your webcam with more than one person if you chose, while a video chat is exclusively one-on-one.
Yahoo! Messenger has pretty good video capabilities as well, including an elusive Super Webcam mode that can be difficult to achieve (firewall configurations and everything else has to be just right to work properly.
I never use the webcam capabilities of AIM personally, but mainly because most of my friends are on MSN (WLM).
Yes, I am starting to come to that same conclusion – right now I’m thinking of sticking with Gaim, and maybe using Sight Speed for video. But I like the idea of WLM (for the “Share webcam option”) – although will the mac version of MSN allow me to video chat with iMac of friends?
Many thanks!operaflute;212465 wrote:Yes, I am starting to come to that same conclusion – right now I’m thinking of sticking with Gaim, and maybe using Sight Speed for video. But I like the idea of WLM (for the “Share webcam option”) – although will the mac version of MSN allow me to video chat with iMac of friends?
Many thanks!Oh hell, I think for the Mac you’re better off using iChat AV. In fact, MSN for the Mac doesn’t even support video last I checked.
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