Tag: teamspeak

Ventrilo and Teamspeak are inherently two very similar applications. In their purest form, both utilize a Voice over IP technology in a client-server layout to allow gamers to communicate online. In other words, many users can install the software on their home computer (the “client”), which is organized through one central hub (the “server”) placed ideally in a well-connected data center in the local region as to minimize latency.

Teamspeak and Ventrilo are most often used with a computer headset, however both will work fine with simply a microphone and speakers. Some popular games that use these technologies include World of Warcraft, Everquest, Counterstrike, America’s Army, and virtually any other online game where gamers can utilize teamwork to accomplish the game’s objectives. Client-side applications for either voice utility have been successfully implemented for Windows, Apple OS X, and a wide variety of unix-based operating systems.

Ventrilo Servers

Ventrilo’s first release was let out on August 3, 2002 which replaced outdated predecessor Roger Wilco released in October of 1999. Although it has not completely overtaken the market, Ventrilo has expanded its market share heavily over the multi-user VoIP industry in recent years. Ventrilo communicates primarily over TCP, and depending on the level of active codecs, tends to be more bandwidth-intensive. Users of Ventrilo’s client interface tend to prefer its simple and light-weight display.

Teamspeak Servers

Teamspeak was initially released on August 29, 2003 by Ralf Ludwig and Niels Werensteijn in Germany. The current release of Teamspeak is Teamspeak 2. Teamspeak communicates its packets primarily over UDP and is a processor-intensive application due to a reliance on SQL database queries server-side. Teamspeak 2’s client interface is very feature-rich, however slightly bulkier than Ventrilo.

Future Development

The Alpha release of Teamspeak 3 currently contains a number of new features such as tabbed server participation, revised instant messaging similar to IRC and AIM and is expected to be released before the end of 2007. Little has been said about the next release of Ventrilo, however a new Ventrilo release is also expected soon which should remain very competitive with TeamSpeak as well as any other entries to the voice industry in the foreseeable future.

As online voice communication evolves, one thing is for certain- with the fiercely competitive development of either application, users need not let their hopes down for the future of online gaming.

What do you know about Ventrilo or TeamSpeak?

Many people have never heard of Ventrilo and or TeamSpeak. They have both been used in the gaming industry as well as the office environment. Both have been leaders in the VoIP industry, but which one should you use?

What is Ventrilo?

Ventrilo (also known as Vent) is a voice communication program allowing users to connect to a central server and chat with other users much like a conference call. This is essentially voice over IP technology, and in video game terms can often mean the difference between a successful raid run and or a complete wipe. Ventrilo users can count on no lag, amazing codecs and great stable performance. Ventrilo is definitely one of the industry’s leading players in VoIP.

What is TeamSpeak?

TeamSpeak (also known as TS) is a communications tool that uses the internet as a highway for delivering clear communication. TeamSpeak was originally targeted toward the gaming community. This software was made for increasing the communication in online games. However, the same possibilities with games became very useful with business. This software created a revolution in the multiplayer gaming around a couple of years back. Before TeamSpeak all gamers knew of was in game voice commands.

The features and differences:

Ventrilo

# Cross channel communications.

# User-to-user private conversations.

# Individual channels that can be created dynamically.

# Sub channels.

# Muted channels.

# Queued channels.

# Password protected

server login and channels.

# Advanced channel control options and filters.

# Text-to-speech (TTS) voice generation.

# Key binding to execute special program functions, play wave files, send TTS messages.

# Separate phonetic spelling of user and channel names for proper TTS.

# Built in chat similar to IRC.

# Users can enter dynamic comments for all other users to see.

# User assigned names for server connections. No need to remember IP numbers.

# Multiple platform support for servers.

# Servers are now ready and supported on 64bit platforms.

# Ability to restrict server admin features. Useful for hosting services.

# Server specified codec’s to control voice quality and bandwidth usage.

TeamSpeak

# Optimal bandwidth usage with codecs ranging from CELP 5.1Kbit to GSM 16.4Kbit to Speex 25.9Kbit for optimal voice clarity

# Local addressbook allows you to connect quickly to your favorite servers

# Webserver list allows you to find TeamSpeak servers without their IP

# Channel and subchannel creation

# Client is designed to work well with firewalls and routers

# Passworded servers and channels

# Completely configurable keybindings (hotkeys) to quickly join specified channels, mute your microphone, etc.

# Whisper functions so you can speak privately to inidividuals, groups of persons, or other channels

# Auto voice normalizing (no need to adjust your mic manually)

# Supports Microsoft Gamevoice ™ hardware

# Windows/Linux server

# Windows/Linux client

# Text messaging in the client

# Seemless optoinal MySQL integration, allowing you to customize your server database

# Minimal CPU and RAM requirements

# Given bandwidth requirements are met, servers can easily handle thousands of users

# Free Public TeamSpeak Servers

At the end of the day it is personal preference in choosing between a Ventrilo server or a TeamSpeak server. They are both without a doubt amazing products

If you participate in MMORPGs or perform detailed software work with multiple users on different computers in various locations, you already know the importance of a reliable voice chat connection to ensure clear, timely communication. Whether you need more flexible control over who can enter your group’s chat, or a system with more dependability and stability than what you’re currently using, Teamspeak servers are a great option for WOW players, other MMORPG gamers, and anyone who relies on voice over IP chat for their work-related or gaming needs.

A Teamspeak server allows you to customize and control who you chat with, with full administrative functions that allow you to add or delete users at your discretion. At any time, you have the ability to add slots and manage all aspects of your group’s online communications. With your own Teamspeak server, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear audio, web-based administration control, and a fully adjustable and scalable user permissions system.

With this solution, you’ll have the ultimate control over how you and your friends connect online. All you need is a microphone and headset to start enjoying the benefits of your own Teamspeak server. Finally – a cost-effective way to have ultimate control over your group’s voice chat, with instant set up, live support, unlimited bandwidth, and other premium services. Please visit our website for more information.

You can purchase a server from one of the hosts on TeamSpeak.com or go through the headache of installing the server software yourself. This is not recommended. You can also join many public TeamSpeak Servers with Free Channels.

And how does it benefit me?

Ventrilo (also known as Vent) is a voice communication program allowing users to connect to a central server and chat with other users much like a conference call. This is essentially voice over IP technology, and in video game terms can often mean the difference between a successful raid run and a complete wipe. Ventrilo is not free, however; the server is going to cost you. Prices range depending on how many slots (users) you need, average estimate is about 15.00USD per month per 30 slots. TeamSpeak is another option, and for non commercial end users it is free; if you want dedicated space however, dig out your wallet.

Then again, VOIP is certainly not exclusive to the video game world, there are many providers out there, and many free services that may meet your needs. Not everyone is going to require a 30 slot conference system, perhaps you only want to chat with 1 person at a time while questing! Windows Live messenger offers free pc to pc VOIP, and is compatible with many other instant messaging systems as well. The key point to keep in mind when using VOIP to communicate during gaming is to look for a program that requires minimal system resources to run; this will ensure that your game continues to run smoothly while chatting. It is also useful if the program itself has a manual sound quality control, allowing users on a slower internet connection to avoid in-game lag due to the VOIP.

In the end, utilizing a VOIP program can enhance your online gaming experience. Ventrilo is definitely one of the industry’s leading players but it is not your only option