General Requirements
Logitech QuickCam Orbit -- Auto Tracking Camera
Data Points:
Both utilize AOL's Instant Messenger as a way to connect
Both utilize SIP, a new protocol for voice over IP telephony and video
See a sort of dumb cartoon about SIP
AOL for Windows requires Windows XP.
*AOL for Windows appears to only work with usb or firewire cameras. I haven't been able to get it to work with a DV source (via firewire) or a usb video capture device that works with all other video capture applications.
Data Points:
Both utilize the h323 protocol to transmit video and audio.
OphoneX doesn't support ILS (Internet Locator Service), so you have to know the ip address or registered host name of the other party in order to conference
Netmeeting supports application sharing, whiteboarding and filesharing, in additing to the chat, video and audio that OhoneX supports.
In order to have multiple participants in a conference, it's best to use a Multiple Conferencing Unit (MCU), dedicated software or hardware that acts as a central connecting point.
OphoneX is open source code based on some of the same code as GnomeMeeting.
Microsoft is slowly de-emphasizing Netmeeting. It's semi-hidden in Windows XP. Many are predicting it's demise in the next version of Windows.
Good page on Windows XP and Netmeeting
Sourceforge page for GnomeMeeting
Beginnner's guide to Netmeeting
Dlink's inexpensive h323 videoconferencing device (uses a phone handset to be able to talk and listen at the same time)