VideoCallTips.com Recommended Video Call items

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Tips.com

• VideoCallTips.com has currently rated 32 solutions as of:  Nov 2008

Top Video Call Solutions (Only ones worth looking at)

• The Best Windows Video Call solutions
• The Best Apple/Mac Video Call solutions

      * All other Video Call solutions (Don't bother trying in our opinion)

GMail Voice and Video Chat - 1.0 - Updated Nov, 2008

• http://mail.google.com/videochat

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows, MAC and Linux)

Pros: 

• FREE
• Ease of use
• Browser based option
• No client to install
• Part of Google's GMail
• Works on any Operating system
• PC, Mac and Linux versions
• Free for two person Video Calls
• Picture-in-Picture window location flexible placement

Cons: 

• New solution, it will take time to refine and improve
• Must use your Gmail contacts or iGoogle portal page to initiate Video Calls

SightSpeed - 6.0 - Updated Sept, 2007

• http://www.sightspeed.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC)

Pros: 

• Best Commercial solution
• Best interface we tested
• Ease of use
• Browser based option
• Up to 4 person Video Call
• Record video Calls
• Video Mail that is Web based so no end user storage requirements
• Cost for features at $49.95 per year is worth every penny for the features.  With the latest addition of Video Mail and the multi-party Video Call capabilities, this is by far the best solution for an all-in-one product.
• PC and Mac versions
• Free for two person Video Calls

Cons: 

• Picture-in-Picture of sender is too small

GREAT Job SightSpeed.  New improved interface in version 6.0

Skype - 3.5 (Sept 2007)

• http://www.skype.com/skype.html

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows, MAC, Pocket PC, Linux)

Pros: 

• Everything
• Great Audio
• 640x480 Video Calls (Duo Core required for high frame rate)
• Windows to Mac OS X Video Calls
• Also can make PC to landline telephone calls (fee based)
• PC, Mac, Linux and PocketPC versions available

Cons:  Picture in Picture is too small

* Special note:  The latest version of Skype has improved video Quality with a setting to increase the video from 320x240 which is default to 640x480.  It is recommended that each end have the latest Intel Duo Core or equivalent processor to take advantage of this feature as high quality video is processor intensive.  See our FAQ page for the way to setup 640x480 video.

Windows Live Messenger - 8.1 - Sept 2007

• http://get.live.com/messenger/overview

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Many additional features for a free tool.
• Good video images
• Video or "webcam" feature "works anywhere"
• sender video window a good size
• Full screen
• Firewall Friendly

Cons: 

• Frame rate slows on slower connections
• does not work with Windows vista
• No Mac version

* Special note:  The addition of full screen capability makes this a good choice.

OoVoo - Sept 2007

• http://www.oovoo.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Multi-Party Video Calls (up o 6 people)
• Good interface
• Windows and Mac versions
• Video Messages

Cons: 

• video could be better and is processor intensive for multi-party calls

(6) Sony / GlowPoint - Instant Video Everywhere (IVE) - 4.4.0 - Updated Dec 22, 2005

• http://sony.glowpoint.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Integrates with ISDN H.264 Video Telephone systems
• Integrates with H.323 Video Conferencing solutions
• Ease of use
• Free for 1 on 1 calls
• Can have up to 4 in a Conference Call with the 'Premium offering'
• Can have up to 6 in a Conference Call with the 'Professional offering'
• WebEx integration for Web Conferences
• Good application for those needing Business Video Conferencing connectivity

Cons: 

• Not Firewall friendly - Exposes your system to open Internet for IVE to work
• Frame rate is slow
• Windows only version
• Additional Video Call and Phone call pay-per-use options more expensive than Skype

* Special note:  The only thing keeping this solution being a '5' is the firewall friendliness that requires you to add your system to the DMZ setting of your DSL/Cable router.  I have raised the issue with IVE/GlowPoint and they are looking into it.  It is possible it is my Linksys Wireless G router and not the IVE software.  This is one of the first solutions that integrates with commercial solutions.  You can call SIP devices and traditional Video Telephones.   

(7) MSN Messenger - 7.5.0311 - Updated Dec 22, 2005

• http://messenger.msn.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Many additional features for a free tool.
• Best video image of any of the solutions tested.
• Video or "webcam" feature "works anywhere"
• Can enable a video or "webcam" only session and use other audio solution
• Full screen
• Firewall Friendly

Cons: 

• Frame rate slows on slower connections
• Audio does not work in all environments - just mute it and use Skype

* Special note:  The addition of full screen capability makes this a good choice.

(8) WigiWigi - Early BETA - Updated Dec 2, 2005

• http://www.wigiwigi.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Crisp picture
• Good Frame Rate
• Works with any Instant Messaging tool (AIM, YIM, MSN, Skype, etc.)

Cons: 

• No full screen
• Windows only version

* Special note:  This is in early BETA testing and changes often.  So unless you are and advanced user, do not use this product until it is released.

(9) iVisit Lite and iVisit Plus - 3.3.4 - Updated Nov 15, 2004

• http://www.ivisit.com/index.html

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows and MAC)

Pros: 

• Commercial solution
• Cost for features
• Video quality is pretty sharp.
• Audio can be choppy, but mostly fine.
• PC and Mac versions

Cons: 

• Interface is not as friendly as others

* Special note:  iVisit Lite is a free version that has a smaller video screen (160x120) slower frame rate and limited to only 2 person video calls.  iVisit Plus has a larger video screen (320x240 and 640x480) and faster frame rate and multi-person video conference capability for $39.95/yr.

Apple iChat AV - 3.1.8 - Sept 2007

• http://www.apple.com/ichat/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (for Mac to Mac)

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 012345 (for Mac to Windows)

Pros: 

• Excellent user interface
• Video quality is the best available
• Audio is crystal clear
• Up to 4 users
• Easy setup

Cons: 

• Only on the Mac - No PC version
• AIM works poorly for PC to Mac Video Calls
• Trillian works poorly for PC Video Calls
• Audio and Video can fluctuate depending on either users Internet connection
• Support is only through Apple's website

* Special note:  For multi-party video a G5 or newer Duo Core is recommend.  The Isight webcam is one of the better webcams available.

SightSpeed - 6.0 - Updated Sept, 2007

• http://www.sightspeed.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows and MAC)

Pros: 

• Best Commercial solution
• Best interface we tested
• Ease of use
• Browser based option
• Up to 4 person Video Call
• Record video Calls
• Video Mail that is Web based so no end user storage requirements
• Cost for features at $49.95 per year is worth every penny for the features.  With the latest addition of Video Mail and the multi-party Video Call capabilities, this is by far the best solution for an all-in-one product.
• PC and Mac versions
• Free for two person Video Calls

Cons: 

• Picture-in-Picture of sender is too small

GREAT Job SightSpeed.  New improved interface in version 6.0

Skype - 3.5 (Sept 2007)

• http://www.skype.com/skype.html

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows, MAC, Pocket PC, Linux)

Pros: 

• Everything
• Great Audio
• 640x480 Video Calls (Duo Core required for high frame rate)
• Windows to Mac OS X Video Calls
• Also can make PC to landline telephone calls (fee based)
• PC, Mac, Linux and PocketPC versions available

Cons:  Picture in Picture is too small

* Special note:  The latest version of Skype has improved video Quality with a setting to increase the video from 320x240 which is default to 640x480.  It is recommended that each end have the latest Intel Duo Core or equivalent processor to take advantage of this feature as high quality video is processor intensive.  See our FAQ page for the way to setup 640x480 video.

OoVoo - Sept 2007

• http://www.oovoo.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Multi-Party Video Calls (up o 6 people)
• Good interface
• Windows and Mac versions
• Video Messages

Cons: 

• video could be better and is processor intensive for multi-party calls

Spontania - Video4IM - BETA 0.8.5 - Updated July 25, 2005

• http://www.video4im.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows

Pros: 

• Easy Installation
• Simple user interface
• Simple to use
• Full screen capability
• Side by Side picture
• Picture in Picture
• Firewall friendly
• Uses Skype for Audio
• Low bandwidth

Cons: 

• No MAC, Pocket PC or Linux version
• Product has not been updated in 2 years

* Special note:  This is the first good Video Call product for Skype.  If you only need PC to PC, then consider this application - it is a good one.

ZoomChat - (June 2005)

• http://www.zoomfriends.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (Windows)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Works with Skype
• Quality and timing seem pretty good

Cons: 

• Audio did not work properly - so we used Skype
• PC only version
• Video screens small - 2x3 for receiving and 1x2 for self view

* Special note:  This is just another Video Chat application that does not offer anything special.

Festoon (formerly VSkype) - BETA - (Out of Business)

This software adds video to a Skype Call.  It also allows multi-party calls.  Also works with GoogleTalk.

• http://www.festooninc.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345 (Windows)

Pros: 

• Full screen capable
• Using Skype Contact List to establish Calls
• Adds Skype "Video" menu
• Video rate is OK
• Multi-User call capable
• Can share screens (view only) with other caller
• Works with Skype and GoogleTalk users

Cons: 

• Audio is delayed by around 1 second
• Does not currently use Skypes Audio
• No picture-in-picture when full screen
• Video and audio Sync needs improvement
• Video size of sender fixed and small

* Special note:  This is just another Video Chat application that does not offer anything special outside multi-user and Skype integration.  IT also works with GoogleTalk.

Pulver Communicator - (April 2005)

• http://www.pulver.com/communicator/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Lots of options
• Works with Skype
• Quality and timing seem good in testing

Cons: 

• unstable in testing
• Not very easy to use
• Video screens small

* Special note:  This Video Call and Voice Call solution has the most features of any of the Video Call solutions.  If they get the bugs worked out, this could be a top notch Video Call solution.

KwalityTel - (April 2005)

• http://www.kwalitytel.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Uses the FireFox Internet Browser and plug-ins
• Nice auto-update utility
• Nice receive window size options
• Quality and timing seem good in testing

Cons: 

• Cost is too high for what you get at $19.95 per month
• Windows only version
• Not firewall friendly
• Sender screen looks like a cell phone and small

* Special note:  Testing showed this Video Call solution has promise.  When we tried to adjust the ports for existing firewall openings - the app crashed and was unable to be used again even after a full deletion and re-installation.

3wVP - (Out of Business)

• http://www.3wvp.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• PC, Mac and Linux using any browser
• No client software required on either side
• Firewall Friendly

Cons: 

• The lag time between clients is 3-5 second delay
• Video window size not adjustable
• Very few settings are adjustable

* Special note:  A total browser based solution seems to be the direction many solutions are going.  The fact that this solution uses Firefox is a good indication of things to come.  Needs some Video window sizing and improvement on lag time between clients.

CUWorld 6.3.37.1 - (April 2004)

• http://www.cuworld.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Adjustable screen sizes
• Ability to use full screen for incoming video
• Internet Explorer based - minimal client updates
• Firewall Friendly

Cons: 

• No option to block out the web content that may be offensive or unwanted by parents for use with their children
• Price per month for the full featured product is too high for the Personal Video Call space $240.00/yr

* Special note:  This is a REALLY good product!  Better pricing for the Video Call home consumer to $49.95/yr would raise this to a '4' and the creation of a Video Call only without all the website features would raise this to a '5' in our scoring.

VidiTel 2.2 - (Out of Business)

• http://www.viditel.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Document Sharing
• Multi-Party Video Conference
• More of a 'Business' Video Conferencing solution
• Firewall Friendly

Cons: 

• Price per month $29.95/mo. is too high for the Personal Video Call space
• Size of the Video Window
• Audio is 'OK'

* Special note:  This is a very good product but more for the business space and does NOT support H.323 for device like Polycom, Tandberg or i2Eye and CYou2

iSpQ - 7.1.35 - Updated Dec 29, 2004

• http://www.ispq.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and MAC)

Pros: 

• Nice installation routine
• Parental Controls that block 'adult only' chat rooms
• Adjustable send and receive video windows
• 21 day Trial version available
• Works well with Skype for audio to improve audio/video delay

Cons: 

• Hard to use
• Video and audio several seconds behind.  Use Skype to improve
• More of a Video Chat solution to find and meet people
• Requires the use of Chat rooms to communicate
• Too easily exposed to 'adult only' content
• Has roughly same cost per year as other solutions $39.95/yr.

QNext - 1.0.4.75 - BETA (January 2005)

• http://www.qnext.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Good IM Tool
• Good additional features for IM
• Gaming options
• Remote PC option (fee based)
• QNext Photo (fee based)

Cons: 

• Ease of use - hard to get started
• Small Video screen
• cannot see both parties, must switch between like AIM
• Delay is obvious
• Audio is "OK" at best
• Video is OK

* Special note:  If you want an all in one IM tool - QNext works, but for Video and Audio - Use MSN and Skype or SightSpeed or iVisit.  This is still Beta, but will need much improvement before it moves up the ranks with us.

Yahoo Instant Messenger - 6.0.0.1750 (Nov 2004)

• http://messenger.yahoo.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Good IM Tool
• Good additional features for IM
• Gaming options

Cons: 

• Delay between users
• Audio is "OK" at best
• Video is too small and the frame rate and quality poor even with "Super webcam"

NetGen "Clique Video Messenger" - 2.0.3.286 (Nov 2004)

• http://www.netgenvideo.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Record Video Call feature
• Cost for features

Cons: 

• Video was delayed and choppy
• Audio was poor and out of sync with video
• Send picture size is a bit small
• Has roughly same cost per year as other solutions $3.95/mo.

Microsoft Portrait - 2.3 (No longer supported)

• http://research.microsoft.com/~jiangli/portrait/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and Pocket PC)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Works on Windows and PocketPC platforms

Cons: 

• Video is pixelized
• Audio is 'OK' at best

Microsoft NetMeeting - 3.01 - Updated Dec 29, 2004

• Retired - Use MS Portrait or MSN Messenger
• http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and i2Eye and CYou2)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Works on slower connections
• Works with the DLink i2Eye and Blackcrow CYou2 VideoPhones

Cons: 

• Video is not as clear as other solutions
• Audio is 'OK' at best, but you could use Skype
• Not firewall friendly at all

* Special note:  This product is not recommended for PC to PC Video Calls as it is no longer supported by Microsoft, but if you are looking for a software solution to work with a H.323 compliant device like the DLink i2Eye VideoPhone or the Blackcrow CYou2 VideoPhone, then this software will work for this purpose

• Check out our 'Hardware Review' here on these products

EnVision SL - 1.0.304.0 - Updated Dec 29, 2004

• http://www.sorensonvrs.com/options/envision_download.php

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and i2Eye and CYou2)

Pros: 

• Ease of use
• Works on slower connections
• Works with the DLink i2Eye and Blackcrow CYou2 VideoPhones
• Designed to work with Hearing impaired needs

Cons: 

• Video is not as clear as other solutions
• Audio is 'OK' at best, but you could use Skype
• Not firewall friendly at all

* Special note:  This product is not recommended for PC to PC Video Calls, but if you are looking for a software solution to work with a H.323 compliant device like the DLink i2Eye VideoPhone or the Blackcrow CYou2 VideoPhone, then this software will work for this purpose

• Check out our 'Hardware Review' here on these products

Vibe Video Phone - 2.00.3470 - Updated Dec 28, 2004

• http://www.vibephone.com/vsg/htdocs/products/index.jsp

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• The same as Logitech VideoCall for Broadband
• Ease of use
• Very Simple
• Image Sharing

Cons: 

• Does NOT release the webcam or audio when minimized for use with other applications
• Does NOT play well with Skype on the the same system and locks up
• 'Audio Stream failure' caused program to crash
• Delay between users
• Audio was OK.
• Video was OK.
• Picture-in-Picture of sender is too small
• For the basic feature of a Video Phone - it may not be worth the $50 per year

Logitech VideoCall for Broadband - 2.00.3470 - Updated Dec 28, 2004

• http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/usertype/videotopics/BE/EN,CRID=2041

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Uses Vibe Video Phone engine
• Ease of use
• Very Simple
• Image Sharing

Cons: 

• Does NOT release the webcam or audio when minimized for use with other applications
• Does NOT play well with Skype on the the same system and locks up
• 'Audio Stream failure' caused program to crash
• Delay between users
• Audio was OK.
• Video was OK.
• Picture-in-Picture of sender is too small
• For the basic feature of a Video Phone - it may not be worth the $50 per year

iCUii - 7.0.0 - Updated Dec 29, 2004

• http://www.icuii.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Supports AIM, ICQ, MSN and Yahoo Instant Messaging
• Parental Controls that block 'adult only' chat rooms
• Adjustable send and receive video windows

Cons: 

• Hard to use
• Must buy the product to get full evaluation
• More of a Video Chat solution to find and meet people
• Requires the use of Chat rooms to communicate
• Too easily exposed to 'adult only' content

Tillian Pro - 3.0 - Updated Dec 22, 2004

• http://www.trillian.cc/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Good Multi - IM solution
• Does AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo and (iChat via AIM) Instant Messaging

Cons: 

• Failed to initiate a Video Chat between Trillian Pro and iChat AV (via AIM)
• Failed to initiate a Video Conference between Trillian Pro and MSN Messenger
• Not an easy interface
• VERY poor online help
• No tips or troubleshooting help online

* Special note:  If you want an all in one IM tool - Trillian works, but for Video and Audio - Use MSN and Skype or SightSpeed or iVisit

PalTalk - 7.0.1 (free version) - Updated Dec 28, 2004

• http://www.paltalk.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and MAC/emulation)

Pros: 

• Free
• Parental Controls allow only 'G' rated content and only talk with people on the Pal List, so no strangers
• Added Home Firewall support

Cons: 

• Can not test without upgrading.  We do NOT recommend you purchase a Video Call product without first testing its' full version
• Can only send video - you cannot receive video without subscription $40/yr
• Video and audio was out of sync around one second, no idea how much if it was receiving video as well
• Had to hold audio button to talk - not 'hands free'
• Requires subscription to block popup - advertisements $40/yr
• Content geared to "Adult Only', dating, etc.

LIvVE - 7.51 - Updated Dec 29, 2004

• http://www.livve.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC)

Pros: 

• Free
• Parental Controls to block 'adult' content

Cons: 

• VERY difficult to use
• Audio was very poor
• Video did not initialize
• Not firewall friendly
• Had to hold audio button to talk - not 'hands free'
• More of a Video Chat solution to find and meet people
• Requires the use of Chat rooms to communicate
• Too easily exposed to 'adult only' content

AOL Instant Messenger 'AIM Triton'- 1.0.2 (Nov 2005)

• http://www.aim.com/

VideoCallTips.com rates this a - 12345  (PC and MAC)

Pros: 

• Good IM Tool
• Good additional features for IM
• Gaming options
• Works with Apple iChat AV users
• Video is adjustable up to full screen

Cons: 

• Not firewall friendly for MAC video Calls
• New interface is not intuitive
• Banner ads are VERY annoying
• Delay between audio and video
• Video quality is poor, though still in BETA an improvement over the old version
• For AOL's 2nd attempt at a Video Call client, the quality was the poorest of the free solutions.

* Special note:  New version with a new interface that will be a love/hate for you and new improved Video Call interface, but same ol' lousy video performance and quality.  Nice try AOL, you still rate a '1' out of '5'.

NetVidea Broadband Video Communicator - 2.0 - (Nov 2004)

• http://www.netvidea.com

VideoCallTips.com rates this a -012345 - Do not bother

Pros: 

• Easy interface

Cons: 

• Locked up on Windows XP Home and Pro so unable to test

Ratings coming soon:

• None at this time - Send us an email if you want us to look at a solution not listed.

Recommended Books:

Everything you needed to know about Personal Video Conferencing by Michael Gough.

Everything you needed to know about the popular Voice over IP / Telephony application 'Skype' by Michael Gough.