We have all seen it on TV: Those commercials where families are using their computers, cell phones, and TVs to hold live video chats. They make it look so easy. And the quality is always perfect.
Well, up until a few months ago, I would have suggested those results were exaggerated. However, with today’s fast Internet and snappy new applications, I’m all about using video to communicate. Three sites lead the pack in the video conferencing race:
TokBox – Want to chat with up to 20 people, simultaneously, for free? Of all the programs, this one seems to work the best for large settings. You can import your contacts from Gmail, Yahoo, and Facebook and text chat during the call. They have some paid plans which give more features to businesses, but I’ve found that the free service works in most situations.
ooVoo – If crystal clear video is your goal, check out ooVoo. What sets it apart, simply, is the quality. I haven’t seen another service be able to match the sharpness of the video. ooVoo comes closest to “TV-quality” video. Chats between two people are free. To add more participants, or include calls to land-lines, paid plans are available.
Skype – The 800 pound gorilla of video conferencing is Skype. Most people have heard of it. And most people will try it first – primarily because it is one of the easiest programs to install. One of the unique features in the Skype free plan is the ability to share screens. Other services typically reserve this feature for paid plans.
So, which is best? Well, I tend to use Skype, but only because the people I conference typically already have it. Enjoy!
