iChat with AIM from a PC, text chat only, no video or audio

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Level 1

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iChat with AIM from a PC, text chat only, no video or audio

Hi,

I have been trying to chat with my PC buddy in China, who has AIM 5.9. Both of us are connected to ethernet.

We could chat by text, but not by audio or video.

I have iChat 3.1.4(v432) and have no problem iChat with other Mac users.

Any help would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on May 27, 2006 6:03 PM

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Answer 1

Rj in WI

Level 6

8,065 points

May 27, 2006 6:08 PM in response to Rong

Hi Rong:

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

I would focus on one end at a time. Are you able to connect with the various testers listed here: http://www.ralphjohnsuk.dsl.pipex.com/ContactTesters.html

Once your sure you are able to connect with a user with no known issues, I would focus on the Windows Machine. If all the necessary ports are opened, it's the Windows firewall is probably getting in the way.

This should also be of some help: http://www.mvldesign.com/videoconferencetutorial.html

Good luck!

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Answer 2

Rong Author

Level 1

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May 28, 2006 4:40 AM in response to Rj in WI

Hi RJ,

Thanks a lot for your prompt response.

I tried two tester accounts, appleurest01 and nqmcuser. Both worked well. I was not able to test the only PC account shown on Table 1 (RJinWI PC), as the error message says that the iChat cannot post the account name on the buddy list.

Thanks,

Rong

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Answer 3

Rj in WI

Level 6

8,065 points

May 28, 2006 4:45 AM in response to Rong

Hi Rong:

Glad to hear you have some iChats up and running.

For the windows machine, try adding RjinWIPC with no space. That should allow you to add it.

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Answer 4

May 28, 2006 9:56 AM in response to Rong

Hi Rong,

I would also ask James Weston from the list if you can test against his PCs as well.

After you get success with a PC, you may need your Buddy to look at this page http://www.mvldesign.com/videoconferencetutorial.html

5:56 PM Sunday; May 28, 2006

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Answer 5

Rong Author

Level 1

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Jun 18, 2006 11:01 AM in response to Rj in WI

Hi,

Thanks to your useful tips, I finally were able to iChat with my PC buddy in China using AIM. Both sides could have the audio and video going. However, the video that I received had very low resolution (fuzzy and large pixels, i.e. large squares in the image). The images and sound they got were of decent quality. I was told that the PC and attached camera are the high-end products.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

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Answer 6

isuzufan

Level 1

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Jun 30, 2006 8:31 PM in response to Rong

Yes! I am interested in resolving this very same problem. I'm iChatting with my father in California and the image I receive from him is blocky and pixilated. He sees me just fine.

I'm using a new iMac with built in camera, and I'm on a wireless network. He's using a G5 with an external iSight, and he's on a hardwired internet connection.

Is the problem with some resolution setting on his iSight or with my iMac or wireless setup?

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Answer 7

Jul 1, 2006 4:08 AM in response to isuzufan

Hi isuzufan,

Welcome to the Apple Discussions

It will depend on his connection speed to the internet and if it is being capped by Quicktime in System Preferences or in iChat itself.

He needs an connection of at least 100kbps both Up and Down.

Go to System Preferences > Quicktime > Streaming tab
In the drop down se the speed to anything but Automatic.
It should match your download speed and not exceed the 1.5meg setting.

In iChat > Preferences > Vidoe section there is a Bandwidth Limit drop down.
This should be set to NONE.

Test site http://www.bplspeedtest.com/broadband-speed-test.php

12:08 PM Saturday; July 1, 2006

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