VZOchat 6.3.2

This software application allows free video chat via the Internet on any broadband or even dial-up connection. It works with most PCs and web cameras and does not require special skills to use. Its advanced network support allows connections when both users are behind a firewall and even works through HTTPS and SOCKS proxies. Group video conferences with up to 120 participants are supported. The software provides good video quality with full-screen video support and a noise-reduction feature for noisy USB cameras. VZOchat includes a video recording feature, that allows to record video conversation if your party agrees. It contains a proprietary video codec that has been specially designed for online video communication at lower connection bandwidths from 30 to 512kbit/s.

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ManyCam Virtual Webcam 2.4.39

ManyCam is the freeware tool for you if you use both CamFrog and ICQ, or any other video chat program, and you want to use them simultaneously. It creates a "virtual" Webcam that replicates your currently installed camera. It then lets multiple applications access the video stream without conflict.

ManyCam is compatible with Yahoo, MSN, CamFrog, PalTalk, ICQ, Skype, YouTube, and more. Once you've installed ManyCam, you need to set ManyCam as the primary input for program that you want to use. ManyCam will automatically start when activate your Webcam through that program. The application includes a bunch of gimmicky features that let you change aspects of the background and foreground. You can map a new pair of cartoon eyes over your face, and they track pretty well to your movements, or you can show that your life is hell by replacing the background with flames.

There is an unfortunate toolbar that will install unless you opt out during setup, but other than that ManyCam is worthy of a Webcam Oscar for cool and useful tech.

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Trillian 3.1.12 Multi messenger

After nearly two years, Trillian is back to claim its rightful title as king of all chat clients. Version 3 offers a completely overhauled interface, tabbed chatting, enhanced messaging functionality, improved file transfers, and a new Instant Lookup feature. The program offers simultaneous access to the fab-five chat clients: Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, ICQ, mIRC, and AIM. By importing your passwords, buddy lists, and client preferences into its own interface, Trillian acts as a hub for all your chat traffic.

Installation and setup are simple, and the included features are useful. You can check supported e-mail accounts with one click, view detailed event logs for each client, and, of course, chat. Plus, each supported chat client has options such as video and voice messaging, SMS support, and file transfers. Trillian also offers skin support, although they can be a bit testy to install. While you'll occasionally lose contact with AIM, that's AOL's fault. Credit Trillian for fixing these blocks quickly.

The best thing about Trillian is that it's absolutely free--there's no adware or functionality limitations. So if you need help managing your schizophrenic chatting identity, this puppy's for you.

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SplitCam 4.2

SplitCamera is a virtual video clone and video capture driver for connecting several applications to a single video capture source. Usually, if you have a Web camera connected to your computer, you cannot use it in more than one application at the same time, and there is no standard Windows option that makes it possible. SplitCam driver allows you to easily multiply your Web camera video in any conferencing software like ICQ, Yahoo, MSN Messenger, or whatever... and to broadcast it to many users at a time. With SplitCam you can connect up to 64 clients to a single video.
Version 4.2 send video file or photos like Web camera to any programs, send live video with your photos (slide show).
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PaltalkScene 9.8

Paltalk's integration of video, audio and text chatting unified into one window makes for a strong chatware program that includes a wealth of features.

Parental controls employ a password to change settings or block groups; adult content is hidden by default and all rooms are moderated. Add in the room ratings of G, R and A, and safe chatting is a cinch. Right-clicking a person's name gives a user-defined amount of personal information, with private room invite and file sending options. Sessions can be printed and saved, and buddy lists from other chat accounts can be automatically imported. Latest updates include screening rooms to share online vids, music feeds from Rhapsody and multiplayer games in case you get bored talking.

However, the abundance of pop-up ads, which strike even while you're in the middle of joining a room, might motivate users to pay for a subscription or look elsewhere. Free accounts only can open Webcams for a few seconds, while paid users can open multiple video windows. The app crashed for us when closing, and the system slowdowns were disappointing. Uninstalling Paltalk left an icon on the desktop.

Still, the thousands of rooms for politics, karaoke, tech advice, and porn mean that anybody can find a connection on Paltalk.

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