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Introduction

Until iChat came along, video conferencing on a Mac computer wasn’t particularly easy. Finding a supported camera and drivers, finding application software – getting a working system wasn’t much fun, and the results were variable.

Now, thanks to iChat, not only is it straightforward and easy to use, but the results blow away all competing systems. Using iChat makes other computer-based and standalone systems look antiquated. Once you’ve used iChat to talk to someone on the other side of the world, with it’s full-screen, TV speed frame rate and high quality sound, you’ll understand why using iChat is so much better than any other system.

However, to operate, iChat needs a broadband internet link and a fast Mac at both ends, and unfortunately not everyone has that luxury. If you are interested in other solutions, or linking a Mac to a PC, then this website is for you. It contains all the information I’ve amassed in the several years I’ve been experimenting with Mac and PC video conferencing. Good luck!

My Story

Do to family requirements, my goal has always been a good quality, Mac-based video conferencing system linking Seattle in the US with Belfast in N. Ireland, Europe. The Seattle side of the equation was an flat screen iMac, connected via Airport to a DSL connection. The Belfast side was an iBook connected via modem. The modem was a serious bottleneck.

After much experimentation, the best program for the job turned out to be an application called SquidCam. SquidCam is a great program with a lot work behind it. It has the advantages of working over a slow link (such as a modem) and having both Mac and Windows clients. For a year or so, this was the way my weekly video calls were made.

Then Apple released iChat, and things changed. The quality of iChat is amazing – the catch is that it requires broadband connections at both ends. This prompted the upgrading of the Belfast side to DSL, and as a result, iChat is now the application of choice and the quality has improved dramatically.

I don’t want to run SquidCam down – it’s still cross-platform, something that iChat can’t do, but for ease of use and quality, iChat has to be the program of choice on Mac-only set-ups. If you don’t have broadband at both ends, or one of you uses a PC, definitely check out SquidCam. You should also try iVisit - another cross-platform program that operates over modem speeds as well as broadband and LANs. iVisit is available in a "lite" form that's free to use.

Your story

Whatever you want to achieve with your video conferencing plans, before you even get started, you should know what's involved. Here is a brief summary of what you'll need.

1. Apple computer running OS X 10.2 or 10.3. Jaguar and Panther support cameras better than previous versions of OS X.
2. Compatible webcam (Firewire, DV Camcorder, or USB camera)
3. Driver software for webcam (not required with a Firewire camera)
4. Microphone. Some Macs and come cameras have built-in microphones, some don't.
5. Internet connection. Broadband is a lot better than modem, and I'm not kidding.
6. Someone else to talk to! :-)

If you and your friend have a Mac capable of running iChat, then do it - it's by far the best solution available. Although it's easier if both parties have Macs, if you need to talk to someone who is using Windows or Linux, there are solutions. Check out the cross-platform options in the column to the right.

Video Conferencing Software

You have all the hardware you need? Now it's time for the software. There are both free and commercial solutions available, and if you want cross-compatibility with Windows, that's available too. Check out the list to the right. However, the big news is that now Apple have their own solution, and it rocks!

Cross Platform Video Conferencing

A common question is "How can I perform a video conference with a PC user?". Sadly, iChat is not available for Windows, and MSN Messenger for Mac does not support video (or sound). One ray of hope is that the link between AOL and iChat may mean video will be supported in the future (AOL was unable to provide video in their chat programs until recently, under court order. Rumors are buzzing about new software coming from AOL or even an iChat port to Windows!).

However, there are solutions available right now that will allow you to see and hear your PC owning friends. And if these programs aren't suitable, you can always set up a webcam so they can at least see you while you type messages using MSN Messenger or iChat.
 

Camera hardware

Theoretically, it's possible to use either USB or Firewire webcams with a Mac running OS X. In practice, Firewire is recommended for better image quality and speed. USB cameras require extra drivers, and compatibility is limited, so do NOT rush out and buy a USB webcam without checking you can get drivers for it first.

Logitech have released drivers for many of their QuickCam USB cameras!

Note: you can also use almost any Firewire compatible Camcorder. Digital camcorders are dropping in price all the time. Using a camcorder you could even send pre-recorded material over the video link - for example, sending your holiday footage to Grandma.

I bought the iBot, and it works perfectly as a video source, with no extra drivers, on an iBook system 4000 miles away. iMovie and Final Cut Pro did NOT detect this camera - or any Webcam - which is a shame as it would have been easy to make little movies. The reason is that Webcams don't stream video in DV format, which is what iMovie/FCP require.

Camera Driver Software

The iSight doesn't require drivers when used with Jaguar or Panther, just like almost all other Firewire cameras. However, some cameras, particularly USB models, do need extra software. You may need to pay for this. Jaguar/Panther support most FireWire cameras (including Camcorders and FireWire WebCams) out-of-the-box. If you don't have a compatible camera, check the list to the right for drivers.

Microphones

Just when you thought you had everything covered, you realize that your particular Mac doesn't have a microphone - or even a socket to connect one to. What are you going to do now? The answer is to use a camera with a mic, or a USB based microphone or microphone adaptor. There are several to choose from - and even if your Mac does have a built-in microphone, a desk-top mike or headset might give better results. If you use a camcorder, you can use the camcorder's microphone as a source.

What's New
Fancy new website look. This new design should make it easier for me to add new content. Also, the blog is now an integral part of the website.

iChat Beta Adds Support for AOL AIM
Apple have just released a beta version of iChat that allows Mac users to video conference with AIM users with video and sound support! This is the first ever Apple-supported cross-platform video conferencing system! Download the demo and try it out with your PC owning friends!

Capture your iChat conversations
Thanks to SnapzProX from Ambrosia Software, you can capture your iChat conversations to disk. By the way, check out this sample if you want to see how good iChat looks compared to other video conferencing applications.

Chat with Windows users
Two new recommendations for cross-platform users: iVisit Lite and SightSpeed. Both have PC and Mac clients available. Talk to your Windows using buddies!

iLife v4 Updates iMovie to Support iSight
If you have iLife v4, you’ll find that iMovie now has an extra feature and can important video directly. After recording, it does a little processing to convert it into the format iMovie requires. This is a great way to record snippets of video easily and quickly. Well done Apple for listening to what users have been asking for!

SightLight From Griffin Technology
If you are looking to improve your image, lighting is important. This lighting system attaches to the iSight, and looks great.

MacMice and GCam
Free application GCam allows you to make mini movies with your iSight. You can then download them into iMovie, and export them as Quicktime movies, you can get 10 secs of video for about 768 Kb.

Complete Macam driver for Panther fix!
Macam now supports Panther! The Macam/ichatusbcam combination allows g3 Macs and Macs with processor speeds as low as 333 to work with iChat. It's not pretty but it works ;-)

iSight problem? - If you have an iSight and are experiencing issues with the camera not being detected, see this Apple service site.