Posted on 12/09/2009 4:45:54 PM PST by cyclotic
Sorry about the vanity, but, since FReepers are the best out there, I hope one of you will be able to help me out with a vexing computer problem with Skype. Thanks to the massive mishandling of Michigan's and the Nation's economy, I've been forced to move from Michigan to Maryland for a new job. The family is back home and much of our communication is via Skype. Whenever we talk (audio and video) there is a consistent beeping coming from the computer speakers in Michigan. It happen on both their desktop and laptop and only on calls from me. Can't find anythin at Skype or with their user groups.
Is it a “beep” like a computer beep, or is it an echo cancellation issue, making a high-pitched squeak?
I use Skype and never have a problem. Have you visited their website and asked them? Good luck as it is a wonderful way to stay in touch.
Sorry about your home state, I live in Ohio, thirty miles from the state line and I feel your pain.
When you have the problem just hang up and try again.
Also you need bandwidth to run Skype. Test your upload speed and download speeds and see if they meet Skype requirements.
And if you have a bandwidth problem, which I suspect, then try to make your calls at times when Skype is not at or near peak usage. Try 2 AM for example and see how you do.
I have a different SKYPE problem. Frequently I see a green stripe down the middle of the screen of the person I’m talking with. Occasionally, the other party sees the stripe on me. This happens with different people using both Mac’s and PC’s.
CM, It’s a computer beep coming through the speakers. 3 beeps and a pause, 3 beeps and a pause.
IP,
It happens every time. Computers are both reasonably new and camera’s are brand new. Bandwidth is not a problem. Cable here and DSL at home.
I use skype for at least 1 hour daily and have never encountered this problem.
Do you ALSO hear this beeping, or only the call receiver?
Are YOU always the call initiator? The beeping persists regardless of if you play the role of call receiver or initiator?
Have you tried removing then reinstall of skype?
If things are dire, be aware you always also have ooma (which involves an actual base unit) or ANC (which you and your party both must have, costing $99). They are not as well known as skype, but do offer alternatives.
The screen update is rapid for both of these, although my preference is Skype, obviously.
Not to worry— the beeping is because you’re being recorded by the CIA.
I use skype wirelessly, and I love it. I got something called a USB-enabled “wi-fire” antennae to strongly boost my WiFi receptivity on my notebook computer.
I have even called Japan, etc. while parked in the middle of a field, poking my special antennae up through the sunroof of my car.
If you pay just a bit more, you can secure a skype phone number —something like $20 for 3 months. If you buy a year, then that’s even cheaper.
Then, using this phone number you now have, go over to google.com/voice and sign up for google voice, designating that phone number as the one you will use. This permits you to initiate (endless) calls w/o using even one minute of your (low requirement of) skype minutes. You can also get voice messages there, and they will be transcribed & emailed to you, if you so designate.
If you have skype, googleVoice and a good wirless reception, the thought of PAYING for phone service begins to really bother you. I was one of the legions of people who was always getting these bills that were ALWAYS considerably bigger than I was always promising they would be —I got angry and disgusted.
I am now waiting to buy the much rumored G-phone, which will come out they SAY in....about 1 month from now. My hope is this will provide me a way to make very long international 802.11 calls reliably (and almost for free), and w/o having to start my computer.
I very strongly think all calls will be VOIP soon, maybe 18 months or so. VOIP will be bigger than TiVo, bigger than ITunes, etc.
I have a skype phone number. My daughter is in France, she dials that number on skype and the call if forwarded to my regular phone. The calls aren’t free but they are really cheap. I notice that if I’m near my computer I hear a crackling noise like cellophane being crumpled. She doesn’t hear that noise. You might want to check for interference, maybe something electrical is too close to your computer.
It happens with calls both ways
Both ways....hmm...interesting. Are you using a notebook, or desktop?
OK well if she signs up for google voice using her skype number, it is possible that when she initiates the call to the US that she can save even MORE if she does so using google voice.
Of course, you know that if she skype calls your computer, then neither of you pay anything, right? And if both of you have videocams embedded in your computer, then this can make for a videoCall...you have done this?
It is POSSIBLE that your problem is your ISP, and if you call from a wireless cafe, your problem MIGHT clear up.
If not, you would at least have eliminated another variable.
Are you on Win7, or Vista, or XP?
XP.
ISP is Comcast
I only know about google voice because you just told me, thanks.
I have the call forwarded because I’d rather talk on a phone. Also, I can change the forwarding, say, if I am travelling.
It’s not much really, a few cents a minute and the skype number is free for some reason. I used to have one that I paid for but it seems that as long as I keep a balance on my account it’s now free. So I keep 10.00 that’s renewed automatically.
OH wow.....comcast..! I have no anti-biz feeling that typifies the left, but I cannot tell you HOW much bad stuff I have heard about comcast, ok?
Skype use strongly corresponds to HIGH network workload, so I would not put it past comcast 2 try to somehow screw up skype calls.
I have no proof for that at all, but...let’s just say you a great test would be to try calls from a cafe, or somewhere like that.
Umm....oh wow! Check this out:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=129421
I would say you should test by trying calls from a cafe, and if they DO work, then...then I have some special strong magic for you ok?
Let me ask —do you live in an area where there is an appt building nearby, or some high human density?
About the notebook question —if you have notebook then trying some diagnostic tell calls from B&N or some hippy cafe would be an EZ matter.
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