Video calls/messageing.

[karnevil]

My Dad is 82 and his brother 80 Lives in Australia.My Uncle has a computer and I would like to be able to give my Dad a surprise Christmas by having a video call with Australia Christmas morning instead of the usual phone call.
Now I know I can do it with MSN,but,is there a better application I/they could download,something more specific to video calling,better quality than MSN?
Thanks

 

[BillN]

Skype - easy to understand and seems to work - free as well

just download it in seconds and practice with your mates

 

[karnevil]

Ahh.I thought Skype was just calls.
Will check it out thanks.

 

[BillN]

takes you 3 mins

If you do it now - I'll PM you my number so that you can call me

Post when you want me too

 

[Fanum]

Do practice making the calls and setting up the camera and speaker/mic....they can be a bit of a PITA sometimes

 

[karnevil]

takes you 3 mins

If you do it now - I'll PM you my number so that you can call me

Post when you want me too

Thanks.I need to get a camera first.May I bear you in mind?

P.S Any recomendations on cameras?
Could i use my Video camera or still camera?both digital of course.

 

[BillN]

Cameras - mines in my new Laptop - search - there are lots around under £20

 

[karnevil]

Cameras - mines in my new Laptop - search - there are lots around under £20

OK thankyou.I will have a look round and get back to you if I may?

Emailed my Aunt and Uncle telling them what I want to do so hopefully they will go for it

 

[exeter_lad]

You can use a digital camera, I've done it - but then you need a separate microphone. As suggested buy yourself a web camera - make sure it has a built in microphone. AND, don't forget to make sure there will be camera/microphone at the other end. As previously said, Skyp is very easy to download and set up - plus it's free.

 

[karnevil]

You can use a digital camera, I've done it - but then you need a separate microphone. As suggested buy yourself a web camera - make sure it has a built in microphone. AND, don't forget to make sure there will be camera/microphone at the other end. As previously said, Skyp is very easy to download and set up - plus it's free.

Yeah I like the FREE bit LOL.
Just looked on EbayToo much choice! I will go toP.C world and some others see what they recommend THEN re-look at Ebay.

Just want a nice surpise for me Dad at Xmas.Parents both in their 80's so they dont want much.Suprises like this are best

 

[karnevil]

OK I have now confirmed with my Aunt and Uncle in Australia that we can both use Skype so I have downloaded it and have an account.

What I would like now is a recommendation for a camera to arm me with some info when i go to the computer store.I have looked at the Skype store and the cheapeast cam with mic there looks to be £35 there.

Any help please as Ebay seems a bit confusing.

Thankyou.