Video IM Services Face Off.

This article evaluates three video Instant Messaging (IM) services: SightSpeed Video Messenger; Clique Video Messenger from NetGen Video; and VideoCall from Logitech. Using Logitech QuickCam Orbit Webcams, a computer running Windows 2000, and a notebook with XP Professional--all three fee-based services worked not only through a corporate firewall, but also with a home-networked user. The largest distraction involved in using video IM is the delay between voice and picture. The test participants freely interjected comments and were able to interrupt one another on this broadband-only service. Text messaging appears underneath the video window. SightSpeed Video Messenger has excellent voice sync and short turnaround time. SightSpeed also installed a technical support contact. When using dial-up, Clique Video Messenger is the only option among the three services. The company strongly recommends a broadband connection for its Video Chat feature. Upon testing Clique over broadband, it delivered decent video quality at different image sizes. Clique's standout feature is its recorded click-to-send Video Instant Messages. Logitech's VideoCall has a telephone-like ring tone that alerts the user of an incoming call, and the photograph address book on the interface's right side.