The Unsorted BBS Collection/thegreatunsorted.tar/thegreatunsorted/misc/cuseeme.txt

Text File | 1994-07-20 | 17KB | 342 lines

CU-SeeMe for Windows  README file
7-13-94

CU-SeeMeW0.34b1     BETA VERSION  for (self-selected) Testers ONLY

        CU-SeeMeW0.34b1 is now available on gated.cornell.edu /pub/video
for anonymous ftp.  ***WARNING***  This is beta software.  It has been
alpha tested for a couple of weeks, and there are still a few problems.
If you pick it up and use it, you are volunteering to be a beta tester.

-------Bugs fixed in 0.34 ------


*   Fix for "Error binding to videosend port (1048)" bug.  This bug occurred
    when users were using the UDP socket for something else, like NFS, or
    Lan Workplace.

*   Fix "Divide by zero" error when the 'max kbits/sec' preference setting
    was set to zero.

------ Known Bugs remaining in 0.34 ------

*   Sending video with the Trumpet Winsock does not work at all well.
    After a couple of minutes, packet reception stops and all other
    winsock applications are broken as well.  This problem may also
    apply to FTP Software's PCTCP stack.

*   Some users of Lan Workplace get an error message: "Unable to create
    UDP socket (10055)".  This error message means that there are not
    enough buffers; too many connections.  I'll figure this out when I
    get a copy of Lan Workplace.

*   Some users find that Eudora is not able to find its files as though
    the PATH were damaged after CU-SeeMe is started.  It works fine for
    me, of course.

*   If you try to connect to yourself, you get stuck in a loop and have
    kill CU-SeeMe w/ cntrl-alt-del.  You have to restart Windows to get
    access to the video capture again.

------ New Stuff in 0.34 -------


*   Conference ID.  Reflectors can be set up to require a conference ID in
    order to connect (a number from 0 to 65535).  If the reflector Conference
    ID is set to zero, any user with any ID can connect.  Otherwise, only
    users who know in advance the correct conference ID will be allowed
    to connect.  The Conference ID is set in the 'connect' dialog box.

*   Message-of-the-Day and Reflector-Message.  A Window appears when you
    connect to a reflector (if the reflector is configured with one) telling
    you relevent information about the reflector and/or any upcoming
    conference information.  The Reflector-Message tells you about any
    errors that have occurred, such as your code version is too old, or you
    have the wrong conference ID.  If you operate a reflector, you might
    want to use this facility to explain policies, etc.  that apply to use
    of your reflector.

*   'Max Open Windows' preferences feature.  You can now limit the number of
    open windows that can be open at one time on your screen.  This is most
    useful if you have limited bandwidth and you want to exclude windows
    with no relevant activity and keep new windows from popping up automatic-
    ally.  Enter a number between 2 and 8 (includes your local window).

*   Video window positions are remembered between sessions.


------ Other New Features / Future Plans

REFLECTOR        There is also a new version of the reflector, which you
need to run to have the audio properly handled.  (Note: we are one release
further to b2 compared with the version released last week.  You need this
new version to support the new MOTD feature in the reflector/client.)  It
will also permit the use of stand-alone Maven.  It is on the usual
anonymous ftp site, gated.cornell.edu /pub/video.

AUDIO   This is the next major feature to be added to the Windows version.
I hope to have a test version by early this Fall.

-------------Basic CU-SeeMe Info---------------

The following info has been lightly updated for version 0.34, but is
basically the info about the prior version.

A Macintosh and PC videoconferencing program, CU-SeeMe, is available free
from Cornell University under copyright of Cornell and its collaborators.
CU-SeeMe version 0.70 provides a one-to-one connection, or by use of a
reflector, a one-to-many, a several-to-several, or a several-to-many
conference depending on user needs and hardware capabilities.  It displays
4-bit grayscale video windows at 160x120 pixels or at double that diameter,
and does now includes audio.  So far as we know, CU-SeeMe was the first and
may still be the only software available for the Macintosh which supports
real-time multi-party videoconferencing on the Internet.

CU-SeeMe is intended to provide useful conferencing at minimal cost.
Receiving requires only a Mac with a screen capable of displaying 16 grays
and a connection to the Internet.  Sending requires the same plus a camera
and either an AV-Mac or a SuperMac VideoSpigot board, Quicktime and
SpigotVDIG extensions added to the system folder.

At this time CU-SeeMe runs on the Macintosh (with audio) and the PC
(without audio) using an IP network connection.  With CU-SeeMe each
participant can decide to be a sender, a receiver, or both.  WARNING:
Although being improved with each version, CU-SeeMe is not mature
production software--USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  And also, PLEASE TREAT THE
INTERNET KINDLY--keep b/w limits set down under 100kbps, or less if you
share limited bandwidth with others.  Many, many folks connected to the
Internet can use CU-SeeMe with default settings and cause no problem to
anyone else; but unfortunately, not everyone.  If you don't know whether
using CU-SeeMe will mess up the network for someone else, CHECK IT OUT
first, please.

CU-SeeMe was initially written for the Macintosh by Tim Dorcey with design
assistance and sponsorship by Richard Cogger of the Advanced Technology
group in the Network Resources division of Cornell University's Information
Technology department (CIT).  Important early contributions came from:
Cornell University Medical Colleges (CUMC), Scott Brim, and John Lynn.

Since Oct.  1, 1993, the CU-SeeMe Project receives funding from the
National Science Foundation.  A very significant collaborative effort at
Cornell University Medical Colleges (CUMC) is contributing substantial
expertise and code.

Development contributers to CU-SeeMe0.70 (Macintosh):  Cornell:  Richard
Cogger (Project Director/PI), Tim Dorcey, Scott Brim (Co-PI), John Lynn,
Larry Chace; CUMC:  Steve Erde, Aaron Freimark, Aaron Giles.

Development contributers to CU-SeeMeW0.34 (PC Windows):  Cornell:  Richard
Cogger (Project Director/PI), Steve Edgar, Richard Kennerly.

This material is partially based on work sponsored by the National
Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement No. NCR-9318337.  The
Government has certain rights in this material.

*****The fine print*****

Copyright 1993, 1994, Cornell University

Cornell hereby grants permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this
program for any purpose and without fee, provided that these copyright and
permission notices, and those of Cornell's collaborators included below,
appear on all copies and supporting documentation, the name of Cornell not
be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to distribution of the
program without specific prior permission, notice be given in supporting
documentation that copying and distribution is by permission of Cornell.
CORNELL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.  By way
of example, but not limitation, CORNELL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR THAT
THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY PATENTS,
COPYRIGHTS, TRADEMARKS, OR OTHER RIGHTS.  Cornell shall not be held liable
for any liability with respect to any claim by the user or any other party
arising from use of the program.

The audio portion of CU-SeeMe for the Macintosh was provided by Charley
Kline's Maven.

 Charley Kline, [e-mail]
 University of Illinois Computing and Communication Services
 28 Feb 1994

 Copyright (c) 1994 by Charley Kline and the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

  Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
  modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions
  are met:

  1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
     notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
  2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
     notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
     documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
  3. All advertising materials mentioning features or use of this software
     must display the following acknowledgement:
       This product includes software developed by the University of
       Illinois, Urbana and its contributors.
  4. Neither the name of the University nor the names of its contributors
     may be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software
     without specific prior written permission.

  THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE TRUSTEES AND CONTRIBUTORS ``AS IS'' AND
  ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
  IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
  ARE DISCLAIMED.  IN NO EVENT SHALL THE TRUSTEES OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE
  FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
  DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS
  OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
  HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT
  LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY
  OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
  SUCH DAMAGE.

*****What do you need to use CU-SeeMe?*****

Specifications to RECEIVE video:
- PC system with a 80386 SX processor or higher.
- Windows 3.1 or Windows for WorkGroups 3.11 running in enhanced mode.
- VGA or better display with ability to display in 256 color mode.
- A Winsock TCP/IP stack
- An IP network connection

Specifications to SEND video:
- The above RECEIVE requirements except 80386 DX or higher.
- Video Spigot capture board or compatible board.  (As time goes on more
  boards will probably be supported).
- Video Camera w/ standard NTSC output (like a camcorder) and RCA cable.
  (Read on to find out how to get a tiny electronic camera for cheap).


*****To obtain CU-SeeMe*****

Use ftp (File Transfer Protocol) to:

Server:        gated.cornell.edu
UserID:        anonymous
Password:   <none>
directory:     /pub/video

Download the latest README file, if there is one later than the date at the
top of this file you are reading.  Then get the application and other files
you need.  More detailed instructions for doing ftp downloads are further
along in this README.

All of the software you need is available on the server except for the
Winsock TCP/IP stack and, of course, Windows itself.


****Where to get a camera****

A small monochrome CCD camera, suitable for CU-SeeMe is
available from:
     Howard & Associates
     545 Calle San Pablo                 Phone [phone]
     Camarillo, CA 93012-8550          FAX [phone]
      AOL: HOWENT
for about $200 or a bit more.  The price varies from time to time depending
on the dollar/Yen situation.  Howard Enterprises will fax you complete
specs and the latest price list.   A few specs:
   - The part number/name is: NCK - 9102 TeleCamera
   - 1/3" B/W FT CCD Pixels 400H x 504V (Effective 378H x 486v)
   - Video Out 1.0vpp 75ohm (Negative) RCA connector
   - Electronic Auto Iris (Magnification 260)
   - Resolution: Horiz Lines >230 picture center, >200 edge
   - S/N >40db - Min Illumination: 8 lux or less
   - Focal length 6.1 mm, Focal Distance 600mm
   - Power 12VDC 130mA
   - Dimensions 43 x 67 x 120 mm

Developer Comments: Subjectively, it seems to give a picture somewhat less
crisp than a typical camcorder, but perfectly useable.  At 28-30 inches, it
seems to frame about the right size for my taste.  He has color models too,
which provide better balance of tones even in b&w, but a little less light
sensitivity.  Note with earlier versions of CU-SeeMe, the lower sensitivity
was a problem, but with 0.60, the brightness and contrast controls in the
software allow you to compensate.  The color model is probably a better bet
and worth the small extra cost.

Please send comments and suggestions to [e-mail].
Please send bug reports to [e-mail].
You can be a great help in making CU-SeeMe a good, stable application.

Be Seeing You.

The CU-SeeMe Development Team

Cornell University Information Technologies (CIT)
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
***********************************************************
CU-SeeMe Maillist

For anyone interested in following developments in CU-SeeMe or its use, an
automated maillist has been established.  The list is provided for
unrestricted discussion of the CU-SeeMe packet video software under
development by the Cornell CU-SeeMe project and its collaborators.
Developers and project management all read the list.  Currently, there
are over 460 members on the list, and there are usually several messages
each day.  We, and other users, would also like to hear about
and discuss innovative uses of CU-SeeMe.  Please write and tell us your
story.
     To join the list, send a message with the following line as the entire
message body to [e-mail]:

subscribe cu-seeme-l  <first name> <last name>

(Substitute your actual name, please; it's amazing how many don't.)
You should receive a confirming message with extensive instructions on
use of the list.

You can send mail to be distributed to the list to: [e-mail].
 Please be sure to send to this address ONLY when you want your message
redistributed.

************************************************************
How to FTP CU-SeeMe Materials

To obtain CU-SeeMe, use ftp (file transfer protocol) from gated.cornell.edu
in the directory /pub/video.  The software (CU-SeeMe, vdig, etc.) are
stored in MacBinary II format which will automatically be unpacked by
Fetch.  Documentation files have README and version numbers of
corresponding software in their names and are simple text.

        Using Fetch to ftp:
Fetch software may be used to ftp your CU-SeeMe software The Host is
gated.cornell.edu, the User ID is "anonymous" and the directory is
/pub/video.  Be sure to select the 0.70 version (later versions are for
developers) of CU-SeeMe and the latest ReadMe file.  Select "Automatic" for
file type and use "get file" to transfer the software to your desktop.  The
CU-SeeMe ReadMe file has all of the information included in this e-mail.

        Using Mosaic to ftp:
NCSA's Mosaic software can be used to ftp your CU-SeeMe software via
gopher.  Select "Open URL" from the file menu.  Type
gopher://gated.cornell.edu/ in the URL window.  Select the directory
/pub/video.  Be sure to select the 0.70 version of CU-SeeMe and the latest
ReadMe file.  The CU-SeeMe ReadMe file has all of the information included
in this e-mail, plus instructions for operating CU-SeeMe.


************************************************************

HOW TO OPERATE A CU-SeeMe REFLECTOR:

Obtain software and documentation -- a tar file may be obtained via
anonymous ftp from gated.cornell.edu in directory /pub/video/reflector.
Untar and install in the usual way on a Sun Sparc with a good Internet
connection.  (Reporedly, it also runs on SGI's.) The README is available as
txt file seperately if you want to read about it first before downloading.

We have carried up to 16 participants on a reflector (a real bash).  But
give some thought to how reflectors are linked together and how many
streams are flowing on which paths.  Currently, CU-SeeMe limits open
windows to 8, but trying to have 8 folks each send one stream and receive 7
thru the same reflector, assuming it has just one ethernet interface, would
mean 8 streams in and 56 out.  If each tries to get 100Kbps through at some
point in time, you would be trying to get 6.4 Mbit/sec thru the ethernet.
That would probably be deep into the collision realm.  With reflector
networking features, you can set up a reflector net which could give a
fairly large conference; PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE LOAD YOU PUT ON THE
INTERNET.