I need to videoconference between two Linux machines. They are both
running RedHat 9.0, with video cards that include composite video in
(RCA) supported by video4linux. What camera should I buy, and what
software should I use? I'm willing to spend $200.

Software: Gnomemeeting (http://www.gnomemeeting.org)

Camera: As you have compsite input, you have a wide choice. You can
pick up cheap security cameras that can do the job, or use a cheap
digital camera with a composite output. Nothing special required... I
am loathe to give a recommendation as just about anything could be
used.


OK, for example. this
one:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2940219020&category=30012
comes with a docking station which provides a composite video out.
That would do the job.

As you have the video capture card already, there are no compatibility
issues with Linux.

Of course that one is outside your budget, if you want two... try
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2939660639&category=30003

for $85. Olympus cameras are pretty good.

If this video conferencing is at all serious, I expect your $200 would
be best spent on crack.  I have not seen any solution to video
conferencing anywhere near this price range.

The more expensive of the two cameras mentioned by anonymouse doesn't
give very good video:
Web Cam : 320 x 240 @ 20FPS

If I were you, I'd try this out with a real camera first to see what
kind of video you'll be able to transmit.  The computer is going to
have to compress the input from the video card, which is very
processor intensive.  Any usable solution that I've come across uses a
hardware CODEC to do this.  I'm sure you know *someone* that will lend
you their plain old Hi-8 camera to do some testing.

It may be of assistance to other commentors and researchers if you
tell us the video card, processor speed, and available bandwidth for
your application, too.

Also, I'd be happy to be wrong.  So, if someone has some solution that
fits this, do please respond.

Bradley