Computer to Computer Video Calls

[Padlin]

With my recent retirement I'm looking forward to extended trips, my wife not so much, seems her big issue is missing the grand kids.

With that in mind I'd like to start looking into the possibility of making phone calls computer to computer with video. Has anyone successfully done this? If so I'd appreciate some pointers on where to get started. Informative web sites, vendors, equipment needs, that sort of thing. I just started checking out Skype, says you can do video chat which sounds like what I'd like to do.

[almo5]

I use an app called Tango on my Galaxy S3 and laptop. Works very well for chat and video.

Lou

[Simplygib]

Another vote for Skype, with the ability to go audio only in case the connection is too poor. It worked flawlessly for my touring partner and myself using free Wifi exclusively during a 9-week tour of Central America (Mexico to Panama) in 2009, with the exception of Belize where it was blocked country-wide by the state-operated Belize Telemedia Limited (all VoIP was blocked by BTL at that time). They have since lifted that restriction, however.

[bcsdguy]

Alfred622 wrote:
We have Skype on our laptops for routine video-conversations. Works just fine. However, I do have a Verizon Mifi Jetpack that gives me excellent bandwidth. I would not try this over public WiFi (ie, McDonalds, Starbucks, campground, etc) because the connection quality could vary a bunch. With the MiFi it stays pretty good almost all the time.

I have to say, when you can't be there in person, being able to have a good video-chat with the kids is just wonderful.

Oh.. PS.... Facetime works fine on Apple products - but only on Apple. Won't help if you want to talk with someone using a PC, Kindle, or a new TV set (yeah, they come with Skype built-in now too). Skype works on everything which is why I like it better. Skype is also simple to use and the quality is high enough that major networks conduct broadcast interviews using it!

X2 on Skype.

[RFCN2]

Skype works quite well with Apple iPads. I have used both Skype and face time on my iPad. A 4G connection will easily run a video call. I have done it frequently. With slower service just use voice. I have used Skype voice when I even a fairly slow connection. However, some park wifi is super slow and not good for much of anything.

[docj]

ReadyToGo wrote:
I would be supprised if you get get video to video to work on any CG wifi. Same is true with any hotspot. You will need a decent high speed connection.

A hotspot with a 4G connection provides an ideal internet connection for using Skype. We've done it many times. Skype's bandwidth usage is less than streaming video and we do that frequently on our hotspot with no problems.

[JRS___B]

A campground can have enough bandwidth to handle Skype, but then some jerks stay connected on video from 8 am to the end of the day. They use it like a baby monitor, which I guess makes sense since they have baby brains.

[ReadyToGo]

I would be supprised if you get get video to video to work on any CG wifi. Same is true with any hotspot. You will need a decent high speed connection.
Skype is the only way to go unless both ends are Apple products. Typical.
I use both and find either does a good job.

[RFCN2]

Padlin - I have used Skype for a number of years. Now it is owned by MicroSoft. Used to be owned by ebay before that. I also use FaceTime on my iPad. FaceTime gives me a much clearer image but only works between Apple products. However, that is any Apple. Phone, Pad, Computer.

I have also used Google hangouts. This is part of the many Google services like gmail. I think the phone image is better with Google. But for simplicity and the fact that it is a stand alone app it is hard to beat Skype.

Do not spend a lot of time worrying about poor internet connections. I have used Skype many times with just so so internet. The voice part works with anything but the slowest internet.

[ktmrfs]

we've had good luck with skype, even talking to my brother in Saudi Arabia. BUT for anything resembling decent video you do need a good internet connection and a computer with enough processor power. Worst case, if the internet is slow, you can default to voice only, or just use a cell phone.

We've used skype on our laptops and kindles with good luck.

[Chris_Bryant]

Another option is Google hangouts- you can do video chat with any number of people. There are a number of security issues with Skype.

[_1Flyboy]

. . .iPhone works GREAT!! for me even in Mexico, Philippines, etc. All you need is a decent WiFi, Internet, hotspot, etc. . .EZE as pie & can send videos with a click. . .

[MrWizard]

a number of 'smart phones' will do skype calls
whether using the PC or the phone.. you are going to need a high speed data connection for 'internet' for the skype

[wa8yxm]

I will give you a TV show (Well internet vision) to download..Ham Nation, you can google it or go to www.twit.tv/hn

Now.. I do not care if you are a Ham or not, I do not care if you are a fan of Last Man Standing (Tim Allen's character is a ham and actually talked about it last week)

I do not care if you have the slightest interest in Radio.

I want you to LOOK at the show.

There are On Screen folks in Mississippi, California, Colorado, And a few other states. All linked one to the other and to the studio (A different address (usually) in CA) and then out to the web.

There are other video chat programs too. But the one they use is SKYPE.

Oh, one of the guys in MS. won an award last may....... My fault.

[Padlin]

Thanks folks
I'll look at MIFI but I really don't want to pay $80 a month for something I need for 6 or so weeks a year. If I can get it to work house to house I'll try free WIFI somewhere and as a last resort, MIFI.

I'm taking it MIFI coverage is similar to cell phone coverage.