No how can you find a video conference here, this website dont have this function. its so ridiculous when your partner do not want to use skype or yahoo! because its effective and cheap, of course its weak point is at low security level! if ur partners want to set-up a conference using IP of IDSN, I am sure that its complicated and expensive hehehehe

I don't know what you (and anhhd) mean by IP of ISDN. I think 'of' should be 'or' because they are two different systems. I don't know enough about either but here's why they want to use ISDN.

Advantages and disadvantages for both video conferencing systems

Advantages for ISDN-based systems:

* Great video quality, allowing participants to clearly see each other
* Ideal for large groups
* Sharp camera quality that can accommodate sophisticated PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) and remote cameras, as well as cameras that are voice-activated
* Has vendor quality standards
* Is easily able to synchronize audio and video functions

Disadvantages for IP-based systems:

* Video and audio images may be spotty and/or poor
* Not good for large groups since the picture would have to be projected, which would diminish the video quality
* Cannot fully guarantee Quality-of-Service (QoS)

Here's why they might want to use IP

Disadvantages for ISDN-based systems:

* Can be expensive because of the equipment and the bridge, ISDN (some of these cost $120-$240), plus local and long distance fees
* Not easy to move around
* Multimedia integration is difficult

Advantages for IP-based systems:

* Cost effective since the user only pays for unlimited broadband service and the cost of the software and camera
* Can integrate with groupware, whiteboards, and other web collaboration software

I don't have much more to offer, especially about where to go. Hopefully there's someone out there better informed than me on the subject.

The main issue with IP (computer-based) video conferencing is network speed. In China, even with Broadband access there are 30+ hops inside China's Data filtering system (Bamboo firewall) which tends to limit the rate at which video can stream.

In recent times, I've found that my broadband access here in VN is woefully slow, and Skyping with my wife and son has frequent glitching in the video, sound and more than the occasional dropped call.

You may be able to find a Video Conferencing Studio in some larger/prestigious Universities, or possibly in one of the high end Hotels.

BTW, who's gonna pay for your end of the hook-up?

Might check the Sofitel Metropol. I'm pretty sure they have a business center that might help you out.

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/business-meeting-hotel/index.shtml

Regis Press Club 59A Ly Thai To has video conferencing capability but for those that work there. I don't know if they rent out their conference room, maybe worth a look. Sorry can't find their number.

Thanks for the responses. It looks like the Press Club is the place. I don't know anything about the technical stuff, but the woman there seemed to think it was no problem. Tempest was right that there are also video conferencing facilities at some of the high-end hotels. It is all pretty expensive. In the region of around 3-400 USD for a couple of hours! Thank God I'm not paying!

Thanks again for your help.

Just on the skype issue, has anyone had any difficulty in downloading and setting it up here in Hanoi or is it just me?

Just you. Many of us use it.