Video Love for Mac and Linux

Two nice recent video-related developments on the main platforms that aren't Windows--last week the new Skype for Mac 2.7 beta came out, bringing with it 640 x 480 video at up to 25 frames per second (as well as full Leopard support). It's not certified High Quality Video because it doesn't use Logitech cameras with Carl Zeiss optics, but it's certainly a nice improvement over video at 320 x 240.

Last month the latest Skype for Linux 2.0 beta also added video. My current object of gadget lust is the Asus Eee PC, the small, relatively affordable Linux laptop (based on Xandros Linux) with flash memory rather than a hard drive. Skype comes preloaded on the Eee PC, but it's not the latest beta version with video support. If you've picked up an Eee PC and are a Linux novice, check out this video I spotted after the jump that gives a great tutorial on how to install the latest Skype beta and get video rockin' on the Eee PC.

The Eee PC has a built-in webcam, so using it for Skype calls with video is a no-brainer. It does take a few steps to set up though. YouTube user Primarius uploaded this helpful video:

Technorati Tags: video, mac, linux, eee pc, asus

Comments

I discovered today that I can use my Canon ZR20 DV camera with Skype via Firewire connection on my MacBook. In fact, I can switch between the Canon and the MacBook's built-in iSight camera. Though the Canon is tethered to the MacBook by a Firewire cable, it's easier to move the camera around and with the zoom lens you have even more flexibility. If you have a DV camera, try it & see if it'll work for you!

Hi! When you connect your DV Camera, is it possible to work in die High Quality Mode with the new skype version or do you need the new logitech cam?

Thanks for comment, Jens from Germany

Hi i was trying to follow your video to install skype for the Eee pc and cant seem to follow it when you go onto the black screen any chance of typing out a step by step to read thanks.

I found this video helpful but only until i reached the black screen, once i type in the sudo dpkg -i skype and need to press tab for the rest of the name, nothing shows. And that's as far as i can get.
What's another way of getting around this?