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What's the best way to do this?
Bandwidth is a constraint (ADSL connection for them). Cost isn't (willing to spend up to $5k)
Thanks for your help!
Install skype on a computer in the play room, create a new account, and add your parent's skype account as the only contact on this fresh account.
Set skype to auto-login, auto-answer but reject calls from non-contacts - thus only your parents can call but when you they do the cam/mic will immediately turn on.
You could install a big monitor, better speakers, etc if you think that would help your son interact better with them.
I would consider the privacy issues, however, of having a dedicated always-on setup (rather than 'call in when you like'). Even from your parents, it would be like they are always listening in to what is going on in the house.
I considered setting this up for a similar project but I was concerned about doing 'always on'.
The best thing about this set up is that it probably will come in well below $5k if you already have a spare computer, etc.
I have got my best results on vlc both sides (stream from one machine to the other), videoconference is not 100% realtime (there is a slight delay of about 1 second) but the image quality beats skype on linux. I use different processes for sending and display video. I use a couple of cheap low power computers and microsoft 720p usb webcams. It is not perfect, the image quality could be improved, but it is filling an emational void.
Why not use www.Justin.tv (A YC company)? It will cost you an always on internet connection, a web browser and a webcam (video subjects nor included :-)
Why not use www.Justin.tv (A YC company)? It will cost you an always on internet connection, a web browser and a webcam (video subjects nor included :-)
I use Justin.tv to stream my dachshunds while I'm at work. Same idea, different species: http://daswiener.com It works great, currently running the stream from a Linux host.
What's the upload/download speed of your parents connection?