InPerson vs. Skype

There is nothing "wrong" with using Personal Computer based videoconference systems. In fact, we support such systems, and the  inPerson system enables webcams to connect to inPerson systems. The question is whether webcam-type systems rise to the level of quality and dependability that is required for more than casual ("granny-cam") use.

At some level, inPerson vs. Skype (or similar webcam systems) is an "apples to oranges" comparison. It may be like comparing your home cooking oven to your toaster: one is a general-purpose device that takes a long time to heat-up, is costly to purchase and operate, but can toast bread; the other is a simple dedicated appliance that is inexpensive, is for a single purpose, and is inexpensive to operate.
 

Item	inPerson	Skype
Type	Physical Appliance	PC Software for webcam
Video Quality	Very Good	Poor to good, many dependencies
Audio Quality	Good	Good
External Video Out for Display on TV	Yes	No
Built-in Echo Cancellation	Yes. Use hands-free or use headset	No. Headset only. Very difficult if there are multiple parties in a room.
Reliability	Appliance, not susceptible to virus/worms.	Only as reliable as host PC and 3rd party webcam. New software loaded on PC can affect operation.
Camera	Built-in	External webcam
Microphone	Built-in	External/Webcam/Headset
Connection Bandwidth	Free	Free
Directory Services	SIP	Proprietary..Skype users only
Interconnect	H.323/SIP 3rd party systems	Proprietary, Skype users only
Portable	Yes	Laptop computers
Picture-In-Picture, self view	Yes	Yes
Requires software install	No	Yes
Cost	$850 purchase $120/year Registration Service (1st year free)	PC (~$1,000) + Webcam (~$100) Optional: Skype Videophone: $229.50