What are the most important components of a computer system when
trying to optimize for video conferencing over the H.264 protocol and
a simple 30 Frames per second, 640X480 pixels?

I am trying to set up a video conferencing solution for 5-10 people,
and want to purchase webcams, computers, and software that work
together well. I'm on the verge of buying a cheap Dell system and
trying it out,
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/dimen_2400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd.

Can anyone rank the importance of the following components:
Processor Speed (Hz)
Processor Manufacturer
Processor Model (pentium, athalon etc)
Video Card
RAM
Bus speed
Input method (USB two, Fire-wire, etc)
Operating system (I'm restricted to a PC OS such as win 2000 or XP)
Network Card

Other (Any other categories I'm ignorant of)

Additionally, Software is of great interest

I have compiled a list of software that seem to be acceptible,
however, there don't seem to be any off-the-shelf secure systems that
are really easy and intuitive to install.
www.accessgrid.org
http://www.marratechfree.com/
http://www.camfrog.com/
http://www.ivisit.com/
www.sightspeed.com
http://www.vrvs.org/index.php
http://www.wave3software.com/
http://www.gnomemeeting.org/


The wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_conferencing has
proven useful, but does not go into the depth of computer
understanding that I'm interested in.

Any additional informational links are of great interest as well.

Web-cam reccomendations and reviews are also welcome, but not required.

Thank you for your help.

Alexander

First of all you have to be sure that the cameras themselves support
that resolution and frame rate, not all do.  That is up to the camera
not the computer on how fast and clear it looks.
My computer runs at 933 mhz pentium 3 with a nvidia 5700 video card
and 512 mb ram and I have absolutly no problems running video and
sound conferences at the same time. 2.4-2.8 ghz should get you what
you want with no problems and the video card I would recommend at
least an nvidia fx 5700 video card but its not required to do what you
need it would increase performance.  The ram you would need anywhere
from 256-512 but is also not important for only video conferencing.
256 at minimum will do a good job for that but if you want to be safe
go for 512.  Processor manufacturer doesn't matter all that much, they
will both get you what you want, either Intel or AMD.  The bus speed
is important but any computer you get now will do what you need, if
your not playing games and stuff I wouldnt worry about this a whole
lot, the default that new computers have is good enough easily.  The
input should include usb 2.  Fire wire is a way to connect your
computer to anothers at a faster speed then a normal network does but
as far as I know thats only for a direct connection and not for over
the internet.  The network card is a must but which one you choose is
not imporant.

Does anyone have examples of multi party conferencing software that is
cross-patform, operates on the H.264 Protocol, and is free?
How important is the graphics card?
What programs do evillifrank-ga use to run video conferences?
Thanks so much,

/Zander

Order of importance of the following components:

Processor Speed (Hz)
RAM
Video Card
Input method (USB two, Fire-wire, etc)
Operating system (I'm restricted to a PC OS such as win 2000 or XP)
Network Card
Bus speed
Processor Model (pentium, athalon etc)
Processor Manufacturer

That according ot me is the ideal order. Win xp would work wonders.

I checked the configuration of the system you plan to buy. It is more
than enough for your video conferencing requirement. I htink you could
easily and comfortably get more than a 30 FPS.

About the software, why dont you try http://www.ispq.com

I will look for the best software for you, but why dont u try using
the WEBCAM function in MSN MESSENGER or even YAHOO MESSENGER. Im not
sure if GOOGLE TALK has that option.

The webcam thing in these messengers is as good as video conferencing.
There used to be lags in the earlier versions of MSN but MSN 7 works
wonders.

And the main thing that would matter is the internet speed of the
users involved in the conference. A fast speed, say 256 kbps or above
would work wonders. Even speeds of 128 shold do it. 64 kbps would
probable have a small time lag.

The operating system would play a role too. And also the RAM and
processor speed to some extent. Dont worry about any other factors.

I have a PC with half the configuration you plan to buy and an
internet speed of 64 kbps and a logitech webcam and i do what you want
to through MSN MESSENGERS and it just works WONDERS!

Another thing, buy a good branded webcam like LOGITECH with good
resolution/camera quality for better images.

Let me know if any clarifications are required and if the information helped.

Regards,

RG

Good breakdown. looking into secure cideo conferencing software
solutions that are easy to install, and relatively cheap (free is
better) will be very helpful as well. Thanks for all your help. I've
just purchased a new computer to demo various software and hardware
configurations. The specs are 3.2 Ghz processor, 1 gig ram.. and a
large harddrive.... This may be overkill for the broader requirements,
but will not limit me from trying new high-level components.

Thanks again.

/Zander

Any new system from Dell will be fast enough to run your typical video
conferencing software at the maximum framerate, resolution, etc. Based
on computer averages, as long as you do not go below the $600 mark the
PC will be fine.

According to your original post you are hoping to be able to organize
video conferencing between 5+ people. If you use MSN, Yahoo!, etc. I
do not believe you can video conference with more than one person at
the same time (in conference mode).

If I were you, I would check out the new Skype plug-in that allows for
video conferencing based on the Skype VoIP tech model. I believe that
it is located at http://www.video4im.com.

Good luck to you!