Voice Chat Programs
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Voice Chat Programs
Many games these days include multiple methods of communication between yourself and your team-mates. However there will come a time when keyboard (typed communications) just doesn’t make the grade and this is when you will find the Voice over IP(VoIP) software tools available.
These tools allow you to chat in real-time with your team-mates to allow for more effective co-ordination / explanation of strategies.
All that is generally required to utilise such programs is a working microphone and to have a common-installed (i.e. the same program as your friends)
Ventrilo
Ventrilo, or sometimes called Venty or Vent is one of the best (VoIP) tools available. It has a very clean and easy to use interface. The Ventrillo client software is released as freeware and available for anyone to download and use (the Server software however requires licensing fees).
When connecting to a Ventrilo server, you can set-up or join different channels, many servers have different channels for different purposes or even different games. You can set a name of your character when joining a Ventrilo server, when some one is speaking - the speaker next to their name should go green.
3FL has it's own Teamspeak server, the address is teamspeak.3FL.net
You can download and learn more information about Ventrilo here.
| Ventrilo | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Requirements |
|
| Latest Version | 2.30.0 |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows 9x / NT / 2000 / XP, Macintosh PowerPC OSX 10.3 or higher. |
| Website | Ventrilo.com |
TeamSpeak
Also referred to as TS, TeamSpeak is another popular voice chat tool for online gamers. A TeamSpeak server is split up into separate channels/rooms - usually defined by game title or team side (be it clan or game opponents), they can also be password protected to disallow the general public or opposing team from joining a channel.
There are 2 different ways initiate the voice capture, you can either bind a key to utilise a push to talk setup or there is also an option to automatically engage when you speak. Each player has their own preference, so it's important to work out what works best for you.
You can download TeamSpeak, and learn more about it's capabilities by visiting this link.
| TeamSpeak | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Requirements |
|
| Latest Version | 2.0.32.60 |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows 9x / NT / 2000 / XP, Macintosh PowerPC OSX 10.3 or higher. |
| Website | GoTeamSpeak.com |
In-Game Voice Chat
Many new game titles in recent times are recognising the need for voice chat services and have as a result, included such a service built-in the game. Counter-Strike and Battlefield 2 are two examples of games which have a VoIP function built-in.
Voice Chat Etiquette
Here are some very loosely defined and upheld rules of voice chat programs. Use them as a guideline, and when in doubt - type what you have to say instead!
Test your Voice Chat
Many Programs have a in-built test function, this basically allows you to test and test how you would really sound through the program. This can address many problems, such as being too soft-sounding, too loud, distorted and will even test if your microphone works at all!
Keep it short and precise
The idea of voice chat programs is to deliver communication when typing may not be an option, such as in the middle of a firefight etc. With this in mind, try and keep all communication short and sweet, which generally means refrain from off-topic conversation if it is not warranted.
Speaking over one-another
Try not to speak over other players, wait until they are finished before you start speaking.
3FL Team Speak Server
3FL have their own team speak server, the server address is teamspeak.3fl.net
