What's the best way to setup an always on video conference?
dotBen: Skype is probably your best bet here.Install skype on a computer in the play room, create a new account, and add your parent's skype account as the only contact on this fresh account.Set skype to auto-login, auto-answer but reject calls from non-contacts - thus only your parents can call but when you they do the cam/mic will immediately turn on.You could install a big monitor, better speakers, etc if you think that would help your son interact better with them.I would consider the privacy issues, however, of having a dedicated always-on setup (rather than 'call in when you like').  Even from your parents, it would be like they are always listening in to what is going on in the house.I considered setting this up for a similar project but I was concerned about doing 'always on'.The best thing about this set up is that it probably will come in well below $5k if you already have a spare computer, etc.