Matchmaking, Videoconference-Style

Love it or hate it matchmaking by way of the Internet is becoming more and more popular and is fast replacing bars and night clubs as a place to meet interested parties. This two-dimensional world has gotten a boast with the ever-evolving technologies that have invaded cyberspace. Both the ability of audio and video online has vastly improved over the past few years and coupled with that, the increase and sophistication in bandwidth has caused the dating scene on the world wide web to enlarge tremendously and it is enticing new people in search of love to try it all of the time.

Videoconferencing has given the matchmaking scene even more of a lift online. Together audio and video have come together to create a form of communication that before was unimagined. Improvements in the ability of audio and video as well as a greater bandwidth have made two-dimensional communication via the Internet one of the newest and most innovative ways to connect online with others. This advancement goes far beyond point-to-point conferencing (which is one on one conferencing and is “basically a communication link between any two locations”). When video conferencing is paired up with a matchmaking experience that is live it makes the experience very secure and about as realistic as you can get in cyberspace.

Before you dive into the enjoyable world of video conferencing and matchmaking you need to make sure you have all of the necessary equipment. First of you must start with the staple which is a computer. A PC is best and make sure it comes with at least 256MB of RAM as well as 32 MB of video memory, a sound card and a graphics board with accelerations in 3D. For an even great effect you might want to go with a computer screen that is 17” or larger but this is not an absolute necessity.

Next comes a proper operating system installed on your computer. The very best systems going for video conferencing purposes are Windows 98 (second edition) and Windows 2000 (either workstation or the server edition). Windows XP is not recommended whatsoever, as it does not manage to create the type of impact you are seeking in matchmaking video conferencing.

A reliable and speedy Internet connection is very important. The best options for this include cable, wireless, ADSL or radio. The choice you decide upon has a lot to do with what is available in the area you live in as well as cost.

Finally the last order of business is a webcam and a webcam driver. Some of the most well known webcams on the market today include Creative Labs Web Live Pro, LogiTech QuickCam and MaCAlly Icecam USB Video Camera. Two of the most popular webcam drivers include the Philips PCVC 665K Webcam Driver 1.1 and the IOXperts Webcam Driver 1.1.

Once everything is properly assembled for the video conferencing experience the fun can begin! But first before going “live” you must take some time to design your profile. Put some careful consideration into your profile before you post it for others to see. Are you interested in friendly conversation only or more stimulating sexually charged dialogue? Either is fine as long as you let others know your intent.

All profiles carry some common information such as a first and last name, an e-mail address, the location of where the person is in the world and lastly, any and all comments relevant to the matchmaking session (these might include what you are looking for in the people you converse with, your likes and dislikes, etc.) You should create a special e-mail address for your matchmaking excursions and remember to be as unique, creative and original as you like. It is recommended that you allow the e-mail address to reflect to a certain extent, what you are hoping to glean from the whole video conferencing matchmaking whirlwind. For example, if it is friendship you are primarily seeking then including the word “friend” or “friendly” in your e-mail address would be a good idea. The same thing works if you have sex on your mind. Consider using the word “sexy” or something sex oriented (but not too explicit) in your e-mail address. Keep in mind that competition is fierce over the Internet especially in matchmaking situations. For example, there is often only one woman for every four men on a video conferencing matchmaking session.