Voice and video E-Mails

When used with SiteKiosk e-mail client and a webcam, the Webcam plugin allows you to send photo, voice, and video e-mails.

Important:

You must configure and enable the e-mail client in order to send multimedia files.

System Requirements

PC System

Necessary software components
We licensed the latest Microsoft technologies in order to achieve optimum file size and quality. While the actual compression of messages is done with the help of Microsoft's DirectMedia technology and VfW (Video for Windows), Microsoft's DirectShow is used for both recording e-mail messages in the SiteKiosk e-mail client and for playing them back.
The following software components have to be installed:

Microsoft DirectX 8.0a or higher
(http://www.microsoft.com/directx)
Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 or higher
(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia)
make sure that you are using the Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or later!

Webcams
You can basically use any customary webcam (e.g. by Logitech, Phillips, Dexxacam (constructed almost identical to Logitech)). Camera operation depends on the driver that ships with the device. Always download the most recent driver from the Web (if the newest version does not work, please try an older one). Install the camera on your system following the manufacturer's instructions. Unless it works with the applications that shipped with it, the camera most likely will not work with SiteKiosk either.
In most cases, it will be best to record sound by using an external microphone, to ensure a better quality sound.

Note:

Devices older than 2 years
Creative Web Cam 3 USB
Creative Web Cam 4 USB

Customers have approved of the following devices:

Creative Web Cam 5 USB
Logitech Web Cam Pro

Configuring the Webcam plugin

	In the majority of cases, the Webcam plugin is a "one-click" configuration. Since SiteKiosk will automatically recognize all devices plugged in, further adjustments will not be necessary, in most cases. As soon as you enable the Webcam plugin, a Webcam button will appear in SiteKiosk's toolbar and further options will be enabled.
Enable Webcam support

Allow user to send video e-mail
Provided your system meets the necessary requirements, you can check this box. If the box is checked, a button will automatically be displayed in the SiteKiosk e-mail client allowing the user to record videos.
The file format of the recorded videos is .asf

Allow user to send voice e-mail
If your system has a sound card and a microphone, you can check this box. This places an appropriate button in the SiteKiosk e-mail client which will allow the user to record voice mails.
The file format used for recording a voice mail is .wav

Allow user to send photo e-mail
Provided your system meets the necessary requirements, you can check this box. A button will then be available in SiteKiosk's e-mail client, allowing the user to take a picture and send it to a recipient.
The file format used is .jpg

Video Source

The Webcam plugin will automatically recognize all (functioning) video sources (usually webcams). We suggest that you try different models to see which ones work better on your system (there is a suggested list above). In addition, you can adjust the settings for your preferred model under "Advanced".

Audio Source

Note:

Advanced Settings

Here..»

Notes and tips:

Some webcams have problems recording sound. If this happens, use an external microphone and specify your sound card as the audio source.
Your camera will work great as long as it works with the software that is shipped with it, in combination with the operating system of course.
If you are using a Logitech webcam you can find a selection of drivers on the Logitech web page.
If you are using the Payment Module, you will be able to charge your users for using the Webcam plugin. Configure the service rates of the Payment Module and specify a higher price per multimedia e-mail.