Is it really a baby shower if she opens presents alone?

August 10, 2009 7:51 AM

Multi-continent baby shower! I am trying to host a baby shower for someone in the US, while all of the guests are abroad. I sort of assumed that Skype would be able to do this, but it looks like I won't be able to get video for everyone, just voice (?). What are my best options?

I can run up to three laptops on a decent wireless network here in the US. It looks like we'll have maybe 15 (maybe less) guests, joining mostly from Europe. Most of these guests already use and are familiar with Skype, but some are not very tech savy at all, like grandparents. I would like this to be free for all the guests, but I can pay a little bit if I need to.

In sum:
-15 or slightly less people, some can probably be in the same room using one computer
-easy to use
-free for the guests, but not necessarily for me

What do I do??

I stupidly already sent out the invites saying that Skype would work, so if I can make Skype work that's my best option. Thanks!

posted by ohio to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Do you want the people in Europe to see the US shower or do you want the US shower to see the Europe people or both?
posted by k8t at 7:56 AM on August 10

Both, if possible, but the essential I guess is that everyone can participate by voice and that everyone can see the US (so they can see the gifts).
posted by ohio at 8:15 AM on August 10

If you want them to see the US, maybe setting up a simple webcam would be easier?
posted by k8t at 8:37 AM on August 10 [1 favorite]

Tinychat supports up to 12 people on video and up to 200 on text-chat.
posted by Memo at 10:39 AM on August 10

ooVoo claims to video conferencing. Like Skype, it's an application that runs on each participant's computer. I'm sorry I don't have direct experience to offer (nor any connection with the company), but it may be worth looking into. .... From their website it seems 2-way video calls are free; n-way requires payment. They seem to have several ways to pay (pay as you go, monthly, etc.).
posted by TruncatedTiller at 12:11 PM on August 10