Is video chat to a pc user with AIM possible?

I've had sporadic success using my Intel iMac for video connections with PC users running AIM 5.9, but I've stopped trying to troubleshoot these connections.

Others may disagree, but I don't think it's worth the effort with Intel Macs. There are other options, including PC to PC, Mac to Mac, and Mac to PC using SightSpeed or other third-party software. You also can install Windows XP on your Intel Mac using Boot Camp and do PC to PC video conferencing with other PC users. I've been doing this, and I'm pleased with the results.

I'm not permitted to speculate on what Apple might do to facilitate Mac to PC video connections, but I do know that Skype is scheduled to release software this calendar quarter that will allow Mac to PC video conferencing using Skype software.

opps dual post



10:46 PM Wednesday; April 19, 2006

Hi euanj,

First the PC user must be on XP (Service Pack 2 prefered)
They must use the AIM 5.9 Or Trillian.

The AIM application then needs to be tuned to the camera and mic in use on the PC These Instruictions were written for AIM 5.5 but still hold true. It is only the access to the Properties that is different (from the Buddy LList Menu items). It is message #570 onwards that are important.

Then the person need to enable the AIM application through the XP Firewall.
Go to the Start button.
Then Control Panels
Select the Firewall directly if in Classic view or Security Center and then Firewall if not.
Select the Exceptions tab in the window that opens.
Use the Add button.
Add AIM to the list
Also enable UPnP in the first part of that window.

If their modem does not do UPnP then get them to open port 1024-5000

The Trillian app only needs the Firewall and modem open for the same ports as AIM.

<hr>
On the Mac and your modem you need to do a few things.

Go to System Preferences > Quicktime > Streaming tab
Set the drop down speed to match your download speed or a max of 1.5meg

In iChat Preferences > Video section > Bandwidth Limit set it to NONE if it is not.

If the Mac firewall is On it will need the ports opened in there as well
System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall
Select New button
Select Other in the top drop down
Add 5190 for the TCP line (5220, 5222, 5223 for Jabber and 5298 for Bonjour)
Add 5060, 5190, 5678, 16384-16403 (None for Jabber, 5297, 5298, 5353 for Bonjour)

These ports will need to be open in the modem by whichever means you use. (Port Forwarding, UPnP or Port Triggering)

Note:
If you have a modem and a router only one should be doing DHCP if used and Port Triigering or Port Forwarding sholuld only be used once.

http://www.mvldesign.com/videoconferencetutorial.html This site also has the instructions.



10:46 PM Wednesday; April 19, 2006

Hi euanj,

You don't need to have both unless you feel more secure.

Having said that having all those ports open is obviously not as secure as it could be.

You also have not said if youy have set those ports as TCP or UDP in the Mac firewall.

These should be
TCP 5190 for AIM 5220, 5222, 5223 for Jabber and 5298 for Bonjour
UDP 5060, 5190, 5297, 5298, 5353, 16384-16403 for AIM and Bonjour.

As the ports are all open then the Bonjour chat you had will have worked if they were UDP settings although it seems that people report success even if they are only open in the modem/router.



11:25 PM Wednesday; April 19, 2006