SightSpeed is a videoconferencing, VoIP and instant messaging client for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems. The service allows people to make video calls, computer-to-computer voice calls, and calls to regular telephones, with free and paid versions.

Technology

SightSpeed uses a proprietary algorithm for video compression. The video conferencing technology is capable of transmitting 30 fps video, and uses the standards-based H263 codec.

SightSpeed's video codec was originally developed at Cornell University's Discover Lab and is based on H263.

SightSpeed's network technology is SIP based.

Features

• SightSpeed users are able to have free video calls with each other.
• Video Mail messages can be sent to any e-mail address.
• The SightSpeed software is able to host video conferences with up to nine participants.
• "Phone Out" is the name of the service that allows users to make phone calls to landlines and mobile phones, paying with pre-paid credit. "Phone In" allows SightSpeed users to receive phone calls from regular telephones.

Limitations

The main criticisms are:

• Lack of true privacy features such as encryption.
• SightSpeed "Phone Out" does not support outbound caller ID in the United States, where people commonly reject calls from unrecognized numbers. The recipient sees "unknown" or a blank field instead of the caller ID number.
• Though it uses the SIP standard it is not interoperable with SIP networks and can only be used with a SightSpeed account.

Product Reviews

• SightSpeed 6.0 Review by PC Magazine
• PC World 100 Best Products of 2007
• ZDNet Review of SightSpeed

References

External links

• Video Conferencing - SightSpeed