How to Make a Mac-to-PC Conference Call Using Webcams
Webcams allow people to interact face-to-face over large distances using a high-speed Internet connection. Many small businesses have taken advantage of the advent of webcam technology for conference calls. People also use webcam conference calls to keep in touch with friends and family. A conference call between a PC and a Mac requires different setups for each computer.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 webcams
- iChat Instant Messenger for the Mac
- AIM Instant Messenger for the PC
- High-speed Internet connection
Instructions
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Setting up the Mac
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Connect the webcam to the Mac computer. All Macbook laptops have a built-in webcam.
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Launch the iChat instant messenger program, pre-installed on all Mac computers. Click "Applications" in the dock on the bottom of the screen and double-click the iChat icon. If you previously uninstalled iChat, you may download it from the Apple website (see the Resources section).
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Enter your AIM screen name or .Mac screen name into the iChat sign-in screen. If you do not have an AIM screen name, you may obtain one by registering for a free account on AOL's website (see the Resources section).
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Log in to your AIM account through the iChat interface. Follow the instructions in the next section of this article to set up the PC for a Mac-to-PC conference call. Then, follow the last section of this article to initiate a webcam chat session.
Setting up the PC
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Connect a webcam to your PC using its included USB cable.
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Download and install the most recent version of the AIM instant messenger program for Windows-based PCs. Some computers, such as those from Dell, come with AIM pre-installed. To download the latest version of AIM, visit the AOL website (see Resources).
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Launch the AIM program by double-clicking its icon on your Windows desktop. Alternatively, click the "Start" menu and click the AIM icon in the pop-up menu.
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Sign in to your AIM account in the AIM login screen.
Initiating the Conference Call on the Mac
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Return to the Mac computer on which you wish to initiate the Mac-to-PC conference call. Check that the people involved in your conference call are listed in your iChat or AIM buddy list. If they are not, add them by clicking "Add" and typing their AIM account name. Once they have approved the request, they will appear in your buddy list.
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Click the green camera icon listed next to a participant's name to initiate a one-to-one Mac-to-PC call.
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Wait for the individual to accept the webcam conference call invitation. When he has approved it, his webcam feed will appear next to his name. Drag the corner of the picture to make the webcam video feed bigger or smaller.
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To talk with more than one person, press the "Command" key on your Mac keyboard and click the name of each person on your buddy list with whom you wish to initiate a Mac-to-PC conference call. Click the green camera icon.
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Wait for each individual to accept the conference call webcam invitation. As they accept, their video feed will appear in the video feed window. If they do not have a webcam installed, you can also choose to add their audio feed (if they have a microphone).
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Close the webcam window when you wish to end the Mac-to-PC conference call.
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Tips & Warnings
Position a bright light behind the webcam and facing you to create a well-lit image on your webcam feed.
When buying a webcam for your PC, verify that it will work with your version of Windows. Some webcams are better than others, and price is not always a factor in the quality of the webcam. If you are unsure which webcam model to buy, check an online review website such as Cnet (see Resources).
The most popular webcam for the Mac is Apple's iSight webcam, though any compatible webcamera will be suitable.
You must have a high-speed Internet connection to prevent grainy, choppy webcam feeds.
Avoid sitting against a bright light or window, or your webcam feed will appear dark.
