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November 12, 2007
Voice Communication 101
Linden Lab's Second Life recently acquired a deal earlier this year with Vivox which allows any Second Life "resident" to use real-time voice communication with the integrated software now included in Second Life. Vivox provides integrated voice communication to multiple online game platforms, virtual worlds, and other online communities.
This article provides a better explanation on the partnership between Linden Lab, the creator of Second Life, and Vivox.
If you are interested in getting into the voice communication scene, there are two simple things to consider before jumping in.
The first thing you need is a microphone! While more and more laptops are beginning to adapt built in microphones into the configuration, if you don't fit into this category, then this entry might help you when considering purchasing a microphone. There are many microphones that can be purchased in the market for less than $25. You need to also consider if you want the microphone to be a standalone product or one that is attached to headphones; also known as a headset.
A great online retailer to find top quality brands such as Logitech and Plantronics at the lowest possible price is Newegg. It is the top rated online store according to http://www.resellerratings.com/ in case you need a sense of security before purchasing. Still, if you are against online shopping, these microphones and headsets can be found almost at any appropriate store nearest you.
Now that you have a microphone and Second Life... you're almost there! Log in to Second Life with your unique avatar name and password. Once logged in, navigate to the top toolbar and click on "Edit", then "Preferences".
Once you click on preferences, a new box will pop up with different subsections. Click on "Voice Chat". Check the box next to "Enable Voice Chat". Once this box is checked, a number of different options are then enabled that you may change if desired. The following list explains these in detail:
1) You can customize the way that you hear other voice communication. There are two options at the top. One allows the user to hear voice chat from the camera position and other allows the user to hear voice chat from the avatar position. These are pretty self explanatory. The volume of the communication you hear would be based on which option you choose.
2) The second option is how you want your Push-to-talk mode to operate. Push-to-Talk means that to enable your microphone to record and transmit your voice into Second Life, you need to use the keyboard in some sort of means to let Second Life know when you want to speak or not. When "Toggle Mode" is on, when you press your designated Push-to-talk key once and release, your microphone will be enabled (recording and transmitting your voice into SL) until your press the designated Push-to-talk key again which results in the microphone then being disabled. When "Toggle Mode" is off, the user must press the designated key and hold the key down to enable the microphone. Once the key is released, the microphone is disabled.
3) At the bottom of the box, there is button labeled "Device Settings" When clicked, a new box opens displaying audio devices (input/output) and the input volume level. For the audio devices, this may be helpful in case you have more than one soundcard or microphone hooked up to your computer so that you may designate which devices you want to use for SL. Under "Input Level", you can change the volume of the input (your voice into the microphone) and it also has a bar which displays the level of the input. Remember that you don't want it too loud or it may be disruptive to others around you!
4) If you want to avoid an unwanted chatter around you and limit the voice communication you hear from others, you can check the box next to "Only accept voice calls from people on My Friends list" under Privacy Options.
5) Last, in case you are very new to all of this and feel overwhelmed with technology, there is a voice setup wizard which is very easy to follow and will help aid you in getting your voice communication set up.
Once you are done with the "Voice Chat" setup, remember to click "Apply" at the bottom right of the box and then "OK".
Enjoy chatting!
Posted by admin at November 12, 2007 03:57 PM
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