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Self contained video conferencing unit? (self.raspberry_pi)

submitted ago by mindspread

This idea came from the recent merger of my small company, and another company on the other side of the state.

We want to be able to video conference our weekly production meetings.

I thought the Pi might be a good option. a small self contained unit with the web cam built in to the housing, and a wifi dongle. Just plug it in and connect to the TV via hdmi, and you're good to go.

Do you think the Pi can run Skype for Linux, or some other Linux based video conferencing software?

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[–]McGlockenshire 2 points3 points ago

Do you think the Pi can run Skype for Linux, or some other Linux based video conferencing software?

Skype for Linux is probably not going to be an option, unless they recompile for ARM. Ekiga might be your best bet, as the internet at least suggests that it has or had the ability to compile on ARM.

[–]dekomote 2 points3 points ago

There's an ARM based Skype for the Nokia N900 (meego). Theoretically, it should work on the RaspPi.

[–]ShaneQful 1 point2 points ago

Yep and the repos are still up even for the n810 so people can always try the binaries. Don't know what the chances of it working.

[–]mindspread[S] 1 point2 points ago

shit. I keep forgetting the ARM part. Thanks. I'll check out Ekiga.

[–]localtoast 0 points1 point ago

I have an ARM N800 with Skype. The N800 runs Maemo 2008, which is a pretty pure form of Debian etch.

No video, just audio in it though.

[–]vilette -2 points-1 points ago*

is your company so small that it can't afford an Intel 59$ mother board + 12$ 2GB ram ? They can run any OS and software without the need to compile anything

[–]mindspread[S] 6 points7 points ago

It's not so much about the price, just about having an interesting project with the Pi.

[–]elucubra 3 points4 points ago

A lot of the projects here are not necessarily the cheapest or easiest. Often the goal of a project is to scratch a DIY / "beacuse I can" itch.

[–]ShaneQful 1 point2 points ago

I wonder how much of Skype for Linux is actually x86 specific. I'm sure there is a dev or two that wouldn't mind working under a non disclosure agreement to port whatever x86 asm into ARM asm to get it working. Unless its some externally library that only works on x86. All that said ARM assembly is a mess which is probably why they don't have an ARM version.

[–]meeb 2 points3 points ago

There are ARM versions, assuming that's what runs on all the Skype-branded mobile phones.

[–]ShaneQful 0 points1 point ago

Yeah I realised that a while ago. Considering I'm running it on my n810. Sorry

[–]frcepeda 1 point2 points ago

implying x86 ASM isn't a mess

[–]ShaneQful 1 point2 points ago

Good point I'm to used to mips which is really nice :)

[–]SquireOfFire 1 point2 points ago

ARM assembly is a mess

Compared to x86? Uhm..

[–]meeb 1 point2 points ago

Something browser based would probably work, Chromium with the Google chat plugin and Google+ hangouts might be OK.

[–]spicypixel 0 points1 point ago

Install Android, install skype?

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