TAConf

Copyright (c) 2002-2006 by Tom Grandgent -

Introduction

TAConf is a voice and video conferencing program that runs on Windows.  It features:

Audio

• High quality - 16kHz 16-bit audio using the Speex audio codec - roughly twice as good as a regular telephone.  Also uses a very good noise filter.
• Low bandwidth - uses variable bit rate with a peak of 30kbps by default, can do 15kbps peak without sounding too bad
• Low latency - total audio latency, taking all factors into account, can be under 200ms over the Internet
• Adaptive buffering - attempts to strike the best balance between low latency and low # of audio dropouts

Video

• High quality - good-looking 320x240 at 20-30 frames per second can be achieved on a slow broadband connection (128kbps)
• Low bandwidth - capable of high quality video even with a 128kbps upstream cap, and decent video over dialup
• Compatibility - supports DirectShow-compatible capture devices and Video for Windows codecs
• Efficient display - video can be sized to any size you want, including full screen, without incurring a performance penalty

General

• Multi-point - connect to as many people as you have bandwidth for (supported for both audio and video)
• Lightweight - consists of one ~250KB EXE file, requiring only DirectX 8 (which comes with Windows XP)
• Non-intrusive - coexists peacefully with games running, minimizes to system tray, doesn't pop up windows that steal focus
• Easy to use - directory service for connecting by name, auto-update feature
• Configurable - many options are adjustable, unlike most programs of this type
• Doesn't keep you in the dark - lots of information is displayed so you can tell what's going on

Requirements

Audio

• Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP
• DirectX version 8 or higher (comes with Windows XP)
• 400MHz or higher CPU
• PCI-based sound card or integrated audio capable of full-duplex operation (most hardware made since 1995)
• Audio input device, such as a headset or microphone
• Audio output device, such as a headset, headphones, or speakers (headset strongly recommended)
• Network connection (28.8 dialup modem or better) - without other programs or users using significant bandwidth!

Video (optional)

• 400MHz CPU ok for receiving, 900MHz or higher CPU recommended for sending
• DirectShow / WDM-compatible video capture device - the following devices have been tested successfully:
  • USB webcam
  • DV cam connected via IEEE1394 (FireWire)
  • Video card with video input and attached composite camera
  • TV tuner card with video input and attached composite camera
  • Digital camera connected via USB (DirectShow / WDM support required)
• A good Video for Windows based video codec - the program currently uses Windows Media Video 9 by default.  On2 VP6 and VP7 are also good.  XviD can also be a good choice, but make sure you follow the instructions here if you want to use it, and make sure everyone is using the same version of it!
• Broadband network connection with at least 128kbps upstream recommended (test your speed here)

Obtaining

TAConf is currently under active development and is not yet ready for the general public.  It's being tested by a small group of people.  This group will be expanded by invitation only until the program is ready for a more widespread release.