One-way Video iChatting in OS 10.4

Got a Mac with an iSight? Got a buddy who uses iChat, but does not have an iSight? You can still initiate a one way video chat with them.

In OS 10.4, to initiate one-way video chatting, launch the latest version of iChat. Right-click or control-click on the green phone symbol next to your buddies icon. You will see an option that says “Invite to one-way video chat.”

An invitation to join the chat will pop up on your buddies computer. They can choose decline, accept or text. If they choose accept, they’ll see and hear you (over their Mac’s built-in speakers), and if they have a microphone built into their Mac, they’ll be able to talk to you. If they choose text, the video screen will freeze frame and regular text messaging will commence.