Secure video chat program as an alternative to Skype

Question

I'm looking for something similar to skype but basically just for me to video chat with my girlfriend. Skype has been kind of buggy lately with its recent iterations and doesn't seem to be progressing as much as when it was with its previous backers.

Are there any good, secure video chat programs?

• Something that customizable and lets you choose frame rate vs pixelation
• Something that is generally secure (I don't care if the NSA can tap it but no one else, especially over unencrypted WiFis).
• Open source is preferred but not required.
• Free or really really cheap is practically required.
• Also, since this is point to point, an i am a power user (and my gf as well), it can involve some manual setup to establish a point-to-point link.

Solution 1

Why not use Windows Live Messenger video chat? Or if you want to go really techy and secury you can install your own SIP proxy and with the above mentioned VPN and a variety of SIP clients you can make your own platform, so to speak.

Solution 2

Jitsi looks like it fits your criteria.

It's free, open-source, uses encryption, supports most formats (SIP, XMPP). Check it out to see if it suits you.

Comments

[wag2639]

In this order of priority: Windows, Linux, Mac

[akira]

somewhat related: superuser.com/questions/119569/…

[nhinkle]

True, but likewise, Windows Live Messenger video chat is subject to the eyes of Microsoft. I suppose it's up to you who you trust more, but I'd say either one has risks, but probably doesn't care, and probably doesn't keep that many hours of video when they don't need to.

[Yousf]

Please note that Windows Live Messenger doesn't use any kind of encryption for video/audio chatting. windowslivehelp.com/…

[Déjà vu]

I had a hard time trying to get jitsi (1.0.1) working, and finally gave up after numerous and repeated errors (without a single hint about the reason). Maybe a newer version will work better?

[hsk81]

Jitsi 2.0.2 works like a charm now: Installation was straight forward, and I enjoy the additional security of this lovely software which originated from a project at a European university! Very much recommended: jitsi.org/Main/Download