🚀 go-pugleaf

This is just a quick information file I decided to
write to help new-comers in the Video Conferencing world.

There is information around the internet about this, but it's
usually only related to the USA, and not allways pertinant 
to Australian conditions.

This file is by no means complete, and certainly not comprehensive
but it should help most people get started.

1. Were do I get a camera ?

At the moment, the only easy to get hold of camera
is the Connectix Quickcam for MAC. There greatly over prised
in Australia. They retail for $99 US overseas.

As for Windows/PC people, there is a Windows version released
but the Australia distributer can't sell them now (for some
alledged political reason?!?!?).. And even so, they will
be selling them for $299 RRP AUS.. Which I think is outrageous.

I bought my Quickcam from The Cyberian Outpost for under $160 AUS.
This is a site on the Internet, who can sell you computer products
online, and ship in 48-72 hours via DHL express.

The quickcam is $95 US, and approx $20 US for shipping, use
Netscape and have your VISA or MASTERCARD ready and go to this URL
and search for "connectix" item number 11251
WEB URL http://www.cybout.com/

2. What software should I use?

This really depends on what OS you run. If you run a MAC or Windows
PC, then theres no question but "Cu SeeMe".
There are two strains of this program, one is produced by the
origional author, and the other is maintained by a company
called White Pine.

URL for the main CuSeeme pages http://cu-seeme.cornell.edu/
URL for White Pine http://www.wpine.com/cuseeme.html

What about Linux?

Well.. your in luck.. there is now software available that you can
use with the Windows based Connectix Quickcam that will run
under linux. Due to the diligent and hard work of several key
people, they have reverse engineered the protocols of the camera
and published them on the net... you can get more
information about this at URL http://www.crynwr.com:80/qcpc/

Now... There isint CuSeeme for linux, which poses a problem..

But.. it's not that difficult to get around. There is a program
called 'nv', and it's used mainly on Multicast systems.

NV has a special mode called "CuSeeme encoding", this is used in
conjunction with a properly configured "Reflector", to 
send and receive images from the reflector and display
them using 'nv'. Unfortunately, NV's Cuseeme code was written
for a different platform, and by itself doesn't work.
It requires patches and other toyings..
Luckly, ive allready done most of the hard work, and you
can pickup the binaries and patches from :-

ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/system/Network/chat/nvbin-3.3beta.linux.mcast-cu.tar.gz

or locally in Australia

ftp://ftp.dstc.edu.au/pub/Linux/system/Network/chat/nvbin-3.3beta.linux.mcast-cu.tar.gz

or local to Microplex

http://ftp.mpx.com.au/arch/m1/info/disk4/system/Network/chat/nvbin-3.3beta.linux.mcast-cu.tar.gz

Now, unfortunately as yet there isint a decient working NV with Connectix
support yet, but there will soon.
Until then, what you can do is use the other QCAM utilities..
(I use xqcam) and then set NV to capture the xqcam screen.

Tips for new players..

You MUST select Greyscale and Small size.. Set the CuSeeme encoding
and you wont receive video until you start sending.

Microplex operate a local reflector with NV options enabled
this is how you would start a typical session...

nv reflect.mpx.com.au 8000

Set the options, and start transmitting at a low bit rate.

There are other NV enabled sites, you need to check the listing :-
URL http://www-personal.umich.edu/~johnlaue/cuseeme/csmlist.htm

Any changes/additions/suggestions to 
anthony@rumble.waratah.id.au

-- 
Anthony Rumble - aka SmilieZ
Mobile 015-955-042 Pager 016-634-997
Home Page/PGP key http://www.infotainment.com.au/smiliez/