Webcam linkup over Xmas-Hardware & Software suggestions?

RainyDay

I want to arrange a family webcam link up on Christmas day, and I'd welcome suggestions for the hardware & software that would be required. Both houses have broadband connections. I have a wireless router (with Ethernet ports available at my house).

What webcams would be not too expensive and easy to use/install/configure? Would a wireless webcam add risk/complexity or result in loss of quality or reliability?

Any suggestions for software or webservice that we can use to link our machines (both running Windows XP) together? I prefer the idea of a direct connection between the two PC's rather than a webservice that might be very busy on Xmas day?

All suggestions (or better still, direct personal experiences) welcome.

Tom Dunne

Any web cam will do the trick, even the cheap ones. Just remember the sound/video quality won't be television quality.

As for software, any of the messengers, Yahoo, MSN, etc. allow a video link (with sound).

However, as you are looking for a direct one-to-one connection, try Net Meeting (comes with Windows). It allows both parties to put in each other's IP address - no middle man, so in theory, better quality (though of course that may not always be the case).

I have used Yahoo web cam before with, well, acceptable results. I have also used Net Meeting, with better results, even over a wireless connection.

I am MAN

That sounds like one cringey xmas party hehe