Web camera in PHP based chat

[nighthawk]

We are currently creating an online store for a wig company, and as part of the requirements the client has asked for the ability to be able to chat one to one with customers, including the ability to use a web camera to actually see the client (and presumably identify problems with the wig?)

I have looked around and cannot find any resources for this, does anyone know of any easy way to use a web camera within a php based chat facility? Searching google made a few references to "Macromedia Flash Media Server" which we are keen to avoid using as we dont want to run a dedicated server for this project.

Ideally we would prefer a free solution (who wouldnt? :D). Anyone care to offer any help...?

[lobo235]

Without using some sort of special server software I don't think this is possible. Has the client considered something more simple such as the ability for the customer to upload a photo to the website? Other options would include using some sort of IM software (Yahoo, AIM, MSN Messenger, etc.)