- Jul 29, 2001
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The big news with this new version of Skype's software is video: Version 2 of Skype's software allows you to make video as well as voice calls over the Internet. Skype isn't the first to offer this capability, though: Programs like Yahoo Messenger and ICQ have been offering video chat for some time.
The beta version of Skype 2 that we tested performed well: On a domestic DSL connection, we found the sound quality to be very good, and the video looked great, with smooth movement and good color. (However, a lot of the quality depends on the Webcam: You get better results from a newer model than an older one.) You can enlarge the video, put it in a separate window, or view it in full-screen size (but the video then becomes very pixellated).
Slower Connections
The quality of both audio and video falls off when using a slower connection (or a shared connection where you have to share bandwidth with other users). Over a cell phone data connection (with an average speed of around 50 kilobits per second), the video also suffered, becoming jerky and blocky.
The new version of Skype looks similar to the old one, with the exception of the new video window.With the cell connection, the audio became a little more clipped and dropped in and out occasionally, but it was still tolerable. The program seems to give the audio a higher priority than the video--as it should: While slightly jerky video is acceptable, jumpy, clipped audio is very irritating.
Webcams
Skype's list of Webcams approved for use with Skype 2 may be found here. We tested it with a $75 Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro, a small Webcam that clips onto the top of the screen. This is the best location because, to the person at the other end of the video call, it looks like you are looking at them instead of looking away from them.
Logitech's Video Effects software allows you to use an avatar that follows your expressions and lip movements.The QuickCam also comes with some rather fun video effects software that lets you replace yourself with an avatar (such as an alien, a dog or a ballerina): The camera tracks the movement of your face, so that the avatar's features move with yours. It is rather fun (if a little bit freaky), and it also works with other video applications.
Minor Changes Otherwise
The other changes in the new version of Skype are relatively minor: Managing contacts is a little simpler, and you can call contacts from within Microsoft outlook with a single click. The new version also supports the SkypeOut and SkypeIn services, which allow you to make and receive calls to conventional telephone lines for a fee.
USB Phone
We also tested Skype 2 with the $40 IPfones IP-700M, a USB handset that looks like a cell phone. The IP-700M certainly makes Skype easier to manage: You can use the handset keys to scroll through your contact list or to enter numbers, but you still need the computer screen, as contact names don't appear on the small LCD display on the handset itself. The voice quality is adequate, but not as good as a high-quality headset.
Skype 2Rating: Beta, not ratedNew version of popular VoIP software adds video, but other changes are relatively minor.Pricing: Freewww.skype.com
source">http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/2006012...SLMF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-</a>
The beta version of Skype 2 that we tested performed well: On a domestic DSL connection, we found the sound quality to be very good, and the video looked great, with smooth movement and good color. (However, a lot of the quality depends on the Webcam: You get better results from a newer model than an older one.) You can enlarge the video, put it in a separate window, or view it in full-screen size (but the video then becomes very pixellated).
Slower Connections
The quality of both audio and video falls off when using a slower connection (or a shared connection where you have to share bandwidth with other users). Over a cell phone data connection (with an average speed of around 50 kilobits per second), the video also suffered, becoming jerky and blocky.
The new version of Skype looks similar to the old one, with the exception of the new video window.With the cell connection, the audio became a little more clipped and dropped in and out occasionally, but it was still tolerable. The program seems to give the audio a higher priority than the video--as it should: While slightly jerky video is acceptable, jumpy, clipped audio is very irritating.
Webcams
Skype's list of Webcams approved for use with Skype 2 may be found here. We tested it with a $75 Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro, a small Webcam that clips onto the top of the screen. This is the best location because, to the person at the other end of the video call, it looks like you are looking at them instead of looking away from them.
Logitech's Video Effects software allows you to use an avatar that follows your expressions and lip movements.The QuickCam also comes with some rather fun video effects software that lets you replace yourself with an avatar (such as an alien, a dog or a ballerina): The camera tracks the movement of your face, so that the avatar's features move with yours. It is rather fun (if a little bit freaky), and it also works with other video applications.
Minor Changes Otherwise
The other changes in the new version of Skype are relatively minor: Managing contacts is a little simpler, and you can call contacts from within Microsoft outlook with a single click. The new version also supports the SkypeOut and SkypeIn services, which allow you to make and receive calls to conventional telephone lines for a fee.
USB Phone
We also tested Skype 2 with the $40 IPfones IP-700M, a USB handset that looks like a cell phone. The IP-700M certainly makes Skype easier to manage: You can use the handset keys to scroll through your contact list or to enter numbers, but you still need the computer screen, as contact names don't appear on the small LCD display on the handset itself. The voice quality is adequate, but not as good as a high-quality headset.
Skype 2Rating: Beta, not ratedNew version of popular VoIP software adds video, but other changes are relatively minor.Pricing: Freewww.skype.com
source">http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/2006012...SLMF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-</a>
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