SightSpeed 6.0 Review by PC Magazine

By Davis D. Janowski

Version 6.0 further cements SightSpeed position as the top provider of free Internet video calling. This release features some subtle but noticeable changes to video quality, Windows and Mac compatibility, and a new, streamlined interface. Under the hood, it boasts totally revised code, which is now fully SIP-based. These improvements to SightSpeed already excellent service are more than enough to garner the app an Editors' Choice

SightSpeed is available in both Basic (free) and Pro (paid) versions. Basic users get unlimited computer-to-computer video and voice calls, free access to the SightSpeed community (where you can find other users), unlimited chat sessions, and unlimited 30-second video e-mails to other service members. In order to take advantage of the app's brilliantly clear free video calls, all you'll need is a broadband connection (at least 128 Kbps of available bandwidth) and a webcam.

Setup is simple. After downloading the client, new users complete a short registration process (name, e-mail address, and password). If you already have a webcam, make sure it's plugged in and installed. SightSpeed has tested dozens for compatibility, so any reasonably new big-name manufacturers' models should work fine. Do make sure that your webcam supports 30 frames per second, however; otherwise you can't take advantage of SightSpeed main claim to fame: full-motion video. A frame rate of less than 30 fps will look jittery and jumpy. All that's left is to log in and go through the six-step wizard that helps you test your webcam, speakers, and microphone and optimize your video. Once you're finished, the client makes contact with the SightSpeed service, and you'll see either your list of contacts (if you're already a SightSpeed user) or a button giving you the option of adding some. You can always call the Fish Tank demo or SightSpeed technical support if you're lonely.

An even greater portion of the app's QoS monitoring and control has been moved away from the server side and is now handled by the downloaded client, which means less dependence on remote central servers. Another key improvement to SightSpeed video quality is the app's ability to recognize when backgrounds don't change. When backgrounds remain constant, the video is required to do less refreshing and less bandwidth is consumed, resulting in a smoother stream.

Long-time SightSpeed users will notice tweaks to the service's text-chat feature. Text chatting takes a more prominent place in this version of the app, boasting an improved look and feel similar to that offered by Skype. The most welcome improvement is the ability to open multiple chat windows at once, a glaring omission from earlier versions. The instant-messaging function is nowhere near as powerful, however, as that of dedicated IM services such as those offered by AOL and Yahoo!. Still, it's reasonably good, and users will appreciate being able to run as many types of communication as possible through one app.

Another minor but noteworthy improvement is the ability to watch video-mail playback from the comfort of the SightSpeed video window, instead of the added pop-up required to view mail in past versions. Recording and viewing video e-mails is simple and requires no more than a couple of mouse clicks. You'll also receive e-mail notification (at the e-mail address you used to register for the service) when you have video mail waiting. Users of the free version should note that, for them, video mail is retained on SightSpeed servers for just 30 days.

Version 6.0 also introduces SightSpeed TV, a feature similar to the popular Slingbox device and Orb online service. Users with a TV tuner card in their PC can log into their SightSpeed account and stream television content to other Internet-connected devices. The video isn't HD-quality, but it can, under optimum circumstances (a connection with more than 128 Kbps bandwidth, the minimum required) look as good as standard-definition TV.—Next: Going Premium