Ubuntu – How to save a video conversation in Empathy

As far as I know it can only be done by modifying and recompiling the source.

It's looks like a trivial change, but you will need some minimum background in programming. This is the important file. In the 2051 line they create the notebook. You will need to add a line like this afterwards:

gtk_notebook_set_tab_pos (GTK_NOTEBOOK (priv->notebook), GTK_POS_BOTTOM);

Note that I didn't test it, it will likely work, but...

Edit ➜ Preferences ➜ General ➜ Behavior ➜ Uncheck Display incoming events in notification area.

The Messaging Menu indicator will no longer change color/brightness when you someone tries to talk to you, but that shouldn't be needed because the window will open automatically.