iChatAV: we have it working

I’ve recently entered the world of “video chat” - and while I never thought I’d be interested, it’s been really rather nice.

It started with my new iMac (20″, with the built in camera). Then my friend Freda was ready to get a new computer, and decided to go Mac. And my collaborator on the various FAMVIN sites finally worked out a way to get past some firewall issues with his MacBookPro, and we were off to the races… the fourth party is also a Mac person in Denver.

Details: we are using AIM accounts (I think .mac accounts would work as well); My old router had to be replaced with one that would allow the proper ports to be opened (the old one is EOL - and had no clue that this was a possibility!); Freda had to do nothing except remember her AIM password;

Yesterday we had a 3-way “conference” going for a while. And right now I’m on with the friend in NY.

Issues: Sometimes the pictures aren’t very clear - my guess is bandwidth; I need better lighting, because the current setup makes me look like a purple people eater. I have to be sure I’m semi dressed for the day when I answer a call. And, how on earth do we get this to work with the folks on PC’s?

A Saturday afternoon

Saturday afternoon: spent with David, Michelle and Lily. Got to try out the Wii, play with the baby girl and try Bison Short Ribs at Ted’s Montana Grille. Oh, and see Kevin and Marie when they came by to get the top of the wedding cake to celebrate their first anniversay with a trip to Atlanta. All good things to do…

She’s a beautiful baby

Lily brought her parents by for dinner last night — since I saw her last she’s learned to laugh a lot more!