Skype - Videoconferencing - NYE 2008: Can we make this happen, or is the point moot?

[blueerica]

What little research I've done points to 'there's no such thing'. But is there? Is there a work-around? Help?

I'd like to be able to have something set up for NYE 2008, for those of us unable to attend the big bash... *crossing fingers*

[Morrigoon]

Well, since Skype only allows video if you have just one person Skyping in, I think we'll need multiple computers to make it work. Not that that's all that hard to deal with.

[Kevy Baby]

I've got an easier solution: come to the party!

[keith - SuPeR K!]

We could broadcast on a site like http://stickam.com

[Kevy Baby]

Or you could show up to the party...

[Morrigoon]

Here's a start: how many people are hoping/planning to Skype in?

[Chernabog]

I have a laptop with cam that I could bring if need be.

[Morrigoon]

As do I

[€uroMeinke]

Just picked up a webcam for my laptop

[Stan4dSteph]

I will probably try to Skype in.

[Not Afraid]

This is who I suspect will be Skyping in:
The LashPair
Steph
BD Bopper
Erica

[CoasterMatt]

We'll be launching fiery thought bubbles of love and prosperity - maybe some of them will land in Long Beach?

[BDBopper]

This is who I suspect will be Skyping in:
The LashPair
Steph
BD Bopper
Erica

Yep. I'll be there. I won't be up when 2009 hits SoCal...since it will be 3 AM on the Bitter East Coast but I will come and hang for awhile to toast the new year with y'all! :)

[lashbear]

I've got an easier solution: come to the party!
Ha ha - you suck. :p

Here's a start: how many people are hoping/planning to Skype in?
The LashPair will be there. We will eat Pappadums at you all. And maybe some Chicken Everest. There may be Bindis, but I can't find the Bedazzler™ .

[blueerica]

OK, so I never got my webcam. I think I know what trip I am making tonight!

[Chernabog]

There may be Bindis, but I can't find the Bedazzler™ .

For some reason, the fact that the Bedazzler was in Australia made my morning both happy and gay. :)

[Kevy Baby]

I think I know what trip I am making tonight!Acid?

[Disneyphile]

Well, if everyone had Macs, iChat can support up to 3 people in simultaneous video conferencing.

Google Chat can handle at least two simultaneously. Not sure if it can handle more.

I'd offer up my private pro online video account, but I haven't paid to upgrade to the broadcast service yet.

[Morrigoon]

Since Skype seems to be the order of the day, do you need extra laptops/webcams?

[Stan4dSteph]

Well, if everyone had Macs, iChat can support up to 3 people in simultaneous video conferencing.

Google Chat can handle at least two simultaneously. Not sure if it can handle more.I have an iMac that has video-capable iChat. I can also do Google chat.

[Moonliner]

Since Skype seems to be the order of the day, do you need extra laptops/webcams?

And a couple of RC cars to strap them to.....

[Cadaverous Pallor]

BTW, the big issue we had at the last skype-in (Brad's going away party) was that we could not hear Lashbear at all with the tiny laptop speaker and loud party going on. If we're going to skype anyone we need to address that issue. Maybe we should have headphones available so that at least one person at a time can hear what the skyper has to say?

[Disneyphile]

I'll bring my laptop as well. Gotta see if I can find my iSight that goes with it though.

[Morrigoon]

BTW, the big issue we had at the last skype-in (Brad's going away party) was that we could not hear Lashbear at all with the tiny laptop speaker and loud party going on. If we're going to skype anyone we need to address that issue. Maybe we should have headphones available so that at least one person at a time can hear what the skyper has to say?
Excellent point!

[BDBopper]

I'll join you guys some time between 12:30 and 1 AM Eastern

[JWBear]

Plug in some external speakers that you can crank-up.

[Chernabog]

I'm also bringing some headphones (but some of that has to do with me having to do work the next day, oh bother).

[lashbear]

For some reason, the fact that the Bedazzler was in Australia made my morning both happy and gay. :)
Which led me to this Spoof Commercial (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ifX-mzh_ZgM&NR=1)based on the "Gem Magic" product. Watch all the way through and see the MANY ways it can be used !!!

[Stan4dSteph]

So how is this working? I'm on Skype but there don't appear to be any other people on.

[BDBopper]

Greetings from 2009!

I'm on Skype now as well waiting patiently with an IBC Root beer in hand

[BDBopper]

Hello. Anyone out there? I can't wait around too much longer. It's not about you...it is just getting late for someone on the East Coast.

[lizziebith]

As in past years we ended up huddled at home. Happy New Year to those in 2008 and 2009. We might not be up at midnight!:)

[BDBopper]

oh and if it helps my screen name is bdbopper1

[blueerica]

I'll ad you BDB - I'm on as.... blueerica...

I may be making some phone calls soon!

[Stan4dSteph]

So should I call or do I wait? I'm not sure who is busy. I have NA and blueerica now.

[€uroMeinke]

You can also see our webcam if you go to my yahoo IM

[Morrigoon]

So how is this working? I'm on Skype but there don't appear to be any other people on.

What's your screen name? Mine is... well, me :)

[Stan4dSteph]

You can also see our webcam if you go to my yahoo IMI tried to view it, but it won't work. Do you have to grant permission?

[Morrigoon]

Whats your Skype name, Steph?

[Snowflake]

I'm on IM, but nada and chatting with Lash on skype

Hippy Pappy Laffy Dingle New Year all!

[lashbear]

Me same - can't get Chris's cam.

[lashbear]

So what happened? We were very sorry we couldn't get Lisa on Skype - then re-checking this thread, we tried Chris's webcam on Yahoo, but no answer. :(

[Snowflake]

So what happened? We were very sorry we couldn't get Lisa on Skype - then re-checking this thread, we tried Chris's webcam on Yahoo, but no answer. :(

Ditto, I fear I was too late, it was after midnight when I was finally able to check in. But, I enjoyed a nice new year (or new year + one day) skype chat with Lashbear.

Bacon was on my breakfast table as well! But no sari or kirta for me, just pjs

[BDBopper]

It was nice chatting with Erica and interacting a little with Cindy's webcam. Sorry I had to cut out so soon. It was getting really late. I hope everyone had a great time at the party!

[Not Afraid]

I'm sorry the Skype thing didn't work out too well. It's difficult for me to "man" the laptop when I'm needing to greet guests, our drinks and do other hostess stuff. I like Chris' web cam idea - I know Steph got on at some point, but I'm not sure how.

JWBear DID get us on Skype in my laptop after Erica called me. When she called in, I couldn't answer because I can only handle one video conference at a time. Sigh.

Anyways, there must be a better way to both see AND hear people. Jen brought some speakers to attach to my Mac, but even then I couldn't hear John and Bill very well.

It's frustrating on this end and I'm sure it must be equally fristrating on those trying to connect. I'm not sure what to do other than do a Yahoo web cam thing and maybe a group chat via yahoo simultaniously. Then we can just set up a station for communication and leave it to man itself.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

JWBear DID get us on Skype in my laptop after Erica called me. When she called in, I couldn't answer because I can only handle one video conference at a time. Sigh.We did have Erica on a laptop and I carried her around the party to say hi to everyone. Even though she did not have her own cam, she could see and hear us and we could hear her. It was very fun. I'd like to know whose laptop it was, because the audio was great - even in the thick of the party, everyone could hear her, no need for extra speakers.

For the future, I agree with Lisa. A stationary webcam and text chat are the only way to deal with so many people. If someone knows a lot about videoconferencing and wishes to provide IT, perhaps then we could get everyone on board at once....but as it is, it's tough.

[Morrigoon]

CP: I believe that was my laptop. (The one where the camera was external)

Funny you should say that (about the audio), because I tend to think it's not loud enough, but I'm glad you were pleased with the sound (and hey, I'm deaf, right?)

FWIW, it's a Toshiba Satellite

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Just found this.

http://www.oovoo.com/

I'm going to download it. Who wants to test with me?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ok, I've got it downloaded. PM me for my screenname if you want to test this with me at some point. Of course we'll have to figure out a time to get a bunch of us together and test it fully. It supports up to 6 people at a time.

I bet as soon as I log off (which is soon, I have errands to run) others will log on.

[€uroMeinke]

There are some limitations but it works - even in Australia ;)

[lashbear]

And.. it's not just for hoomans, either !!

[Snowflake]

And.. it's not just for hoomans, either !!

I'm there as rudyfan, btw

[Cadaverous Pallor]

That was too much fun. Impromptu convo with the Aussies. :D

[lashbear]

it was like 90 mins of improv.

...and Thurston snores cute !

[Moonliner]

Next year, yeah baby!

QA the Robot (http://getrobo.typepad.com/getrobo/2009/01/qa-new-telepresence-robot-from-anybots.html)


QA is designed to look like a human albeit on wheels.It stands 5 feet tall and a 5-megapixel camera is situated on the neck. The great advantage of this is that it is much easier for the person who is controlling the robot via a PC thousands of miles away from the robot, to communicate with the people that are in the same room as the robot. (It's difficult when your eye-level is like 5 inches from the floor when using other telepresence robots.) QA is connected to the world using corporate Wi-Fi or public 3G networks. It has a screen in the front which can show a photo of the operator or whatever the operator wants to show the people on the other side.


http://dvice.com/pics/Anybots-QA-CES-2009.jpg

And it even has a frickin laser beam in it's head!

[lashbear]

I Want !!