University of Calgary

Video Conferencing with iChat AV

Submitted by powlesla on Tue, 2007-03-20 14:24.

Introduction
Requirements
Accounts Needed for iChat
Configuring iChat
Creating a Buddy List
Calling
Editing Your Profile
IM and File Transfers
Configuring Settings
Getting Help

Introduction

iChat is the premiere video conferencing program available on the Mac OS X platform. iChat AV 3.1 supports instant messaging and is easy to setup and use. iChat provides very clear video when used with the iSight camera. The best quality video conferences are between Mac users with iSight cameras. However, you can conference with Windows users as well, provided all are using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).

The following instructions explain how to use iChat and AIM for video conferencing.

Requirements

  • iChat
  • iSight camera (or USB compatible camera)
  • Headphones and microphone are optional

An iSight camera is necessary to use iChat AV straight out of the box. However, there are third party software programs that enable the use of any USB camera with iChat.

Accounts for iChat

To use iChat, you will need either a .Mac account or an AOL account. Both services offer the same functionality. AOL is free.

You can sign up for a Mac account at http://www.apple.com/dotmac (Note: There is a charge involved with signing up for, and maintaining, a .Mac account)

The following instructions pertain to using AOL.

To sign up for a AOL screen name:

When you have obtained your AOL account, you can then configure iChat.

Configuring iChat

iChat AV comes bundled with all versions of Mac OS X.

To open iChat:

  • Open your Hard Drive
  • In the Applications folder, double-click the iChat icon

When the welcome to iChat AV window appears, click Continue.

In the Set up window:

  • Enter your AOL Instant Messaging (AIM) screen name and password
  • (If you wish to purchase a .Mac account, click Get an iChat Account.)
  • Click Continue.

In the Jabber window, click Continue.

In the Bonjour window, click Continue.

In the Set up iChat AV window, click Continue.

In the Conclusion window, click Done.

When the Buddy List appears, iChat AV is configured to use AOL.

Creating a Buddy List

Before starting a video conference, you first need to add the other parties to your buddy list.

To add a buddy:

  • Click the + button

  • Click the New Person button

  • Choose the type of account used by your buddy from the Account Type pop-up menu (eg. AIM or .Mac)
  • Type their AIM (or .Mac account) name
  • (You can also enter your buddy's first name, last name, and email address to the address as well if you wish)
  • Click Add

The new user will be added to your buddy list. Repeat for each person you want to add to your Buddy List. When finished, you are now ready to start your video conference.

Calling

Placing a call

To place a call, double-click iChat to open your buddy list. Select the green camera icon beside the name of the buddy you wish to call. A window will pop up showing your status and whether your call has been accepted or declined. If your call has been accepted, the other conferencer should appear in the iChat window (provided they also have video conferencing enabled). iChat will notify you if the call has been declined.

Receiving a Call

If you do not already have an open chat window with the caller, one will open. A request will appear in your chat window. Click Accept to start the call.

Ending Calls

To end a call, simply close the Video window.

Editing Your Profile

On the menu bar, go to 'Buddies' followed by 'Change my Profile'

A blank profile page should appear allowing you to add whatever information you wish to include. When you've completed your profile click OK.

IM and File Transfers

IM (Instant Messaging) is also possible alongside or independent from video and audio conversations. Conversations are displayed through text bubbles making it easy to identify multiple users within a conversation.

Through IM, any kind of file can be quickly transferred to another user by simply dragging and dropping the file into the chat window. If a picture is being transferred, a thumbnail of the picture will appear in the message window.

Configuring Settings

iChat automatically configures the video options when using the iSight camera. If using another camera or microphone you may need to configure the options manually.

To modify your video and microphone options:

  • Under iChat on the menu bar, select Preferences

  • Click the Video icon in the window

You can then modify and configure the microphone, sound, and bandwidth settings. Other settings are available under the Alerts, Messages, and Accounts icons. When finished, close the Video window.

Getting help

For help using iChat, select iChat Help under Help on the menu bar.

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