Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Nickbat on 27 August 2007, 23:17:26
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For various reasons, I want to get a Skype connection. I've downloaded the software and today bought a Logitech headset at Tesco.
Problem 1: the microphone doesn't seem to work. Look like it's going back in the morning
Problem 2: I have a basic audio setup connected to the soundcard on the PC. How can I set up the Skype headset so that the conversation does not come out of the speakers, just through the headset? Should I use the mobo's audio connections or will that cause a conflict? Should I abandon these connections and get a bluetooth headset instead?
I could probably work out most of these myself, but it's so much easier to ask here, especially if you're a lazy git like me. ;D
Incidentally, Skype seems like Billy Bunter when it comes to eating up my resources. :o
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Might be worth checking in the volume control application that the fader for the microphone is not fully down. If you've got multiple audio devices i.e. not just n analogue headse plugged into the sound card you should be able to selevt which ones the Skype application uses.
Kevin
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Cheers, Kevin. I did check the fader first, but I'll take a look at the device usage as well. :y
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Not a fan of Skype for a number of reasons, mostly around costs if you want a proper number, and the fact that it needs PC on.
I personally use a SIP based solution, with a hardware SIP to PSTN adapter.
The provider I currently use is sipgate.co.uk (coz its free to sign up, and you get a geographic number), and a Linksys PAP2 adapter so I can plug in normal phone (or phone system in my case). Visiting anyone for a few days? Just take the PAP2 and plug into their broadband (adjusting firewall if necessary) ;)
SIP, though, like most proper VOIP protocols, is time dependent, so if your broadband is being thrashed, you can get dropouts, bit like mobile phones in weak areas.
Its free, I suggest anyone try it (with software 'phone'), if it doesn't work for you, then nothing lost...
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That's useful information, Jaime. I've been thinking about how to keep my boss connected a little more seamlessly (and less expensively) than he is at the moment. He keeps sloping off to Spain, you see ::).
A box that he can simply take over there and plug into his broadband connection (assuming VOIP is not blocked by his provider) would be a very neat solution.
Kevin
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That's useful information, Jaime. I've been thinking about how to keep my boss connected a little more seamlessly (and less expensively) than he is at the moment. He keeps sloping off to Spain, you see ::).
A box that he can simply take over there and plug into his broadband connection (assuming VOIP is not blocked by his provider) would be a very neat solution.
Kevin
Yup, may need some initial router config down in Spain (f/w, nat forwarding (though most routers have an alg for SIP now, so may just work)).
As said, the downside is it is very sensitive to bandwidth, so you need a line that does not get too busy. Try with a softphone first, and see what results are like....
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I'm with sipgate works well.
The only thing against is they stopped letting people with other sip providers calling your sip number
and never told anyone. Found out while looking at a sip forum.
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Yup, may need some initial router config down in Spain
Sounding even better. Excellent excuse for an all expenses paid p*ss up business trip to Spain. ::)
Do you have any experience with wi-fi VOIP phones? Presumably a similar product just packaged differently?
Kevin