[WXC/VFX] Problems with basic skype video calls

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] Problems with basic skype video calls - how to troubleshoot?

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gzt

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#712153 5-Nov-2012 11:41

So you are connecting over wireless?

Any difference when you use macbook with a standard ethernet cable connection?

Hatch

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#712160 5-Nov-2012 11:50

gzt: So you are connecting over wireless?

Any difference when you use macbook with a standard ethernet cable connection?

No noticeable difference.

gzt

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#712185 5-Nov-2012 12:39

Same (latest) version of Skype on both ends?

Help > check for upgrade or something like that.

Does not usually make difference but - imho version differences can bite now and then.

Hatch

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#712410 5-Nov-2012 16:58

gzt: Same (latest) version of Skype on both ends?

Help > check for upgrade or something like that.

Does not usually make difference but - imho version differences can bite now and then.

Well the device at the other end is often a tablet of some sort so unsure about that.

Now that I think about it I have also noticed webpages not loading on my PC, load page/link page stays blank and continues to load, reload the new page/link in a new firefox tab which loads instantly while first attempt is still blank.

Suspect underlying issue is a general connection issue, will have to get Xnet to monitor the line to see what's going on with the connection generally.

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#715692 12-Nov-2012 11:04

You can hear them perfectly because your download speed can cope with what they're uploading to you, they can't hear you properly because your upload speed is too slow to keep up with the amount of data you're sending at once. - I'm assuming that it's only video calls that your having trouble with.

You need a minimum speed of 128kbps for the other end of the Skype call to hear and see you clearly.

Reference: https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1417/how-much-bandwidth-does-skype-need

Hatch

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#720001 20-Nov-2012 11:30

Original: You can hear them perfectly because your download speed can cope with what they're uploading to you, they can't hear you properly because your upload speed is too slow to keep up with the amount of data you're sending at once. - I'm assuming that it's only video calls that your having trouble with.

You need a minimum speed of 128kbps for the other end of the Skype call to hear and see you clearly.

Reference: https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA1417/how-much-bandwidth-does-skype-need

Yes I understand that thanks.

My speed tests show that I have around 0.70 Mb/s (716.8 Kbps) upload to Japan, so theoretically I should have more than enough bandwidth.

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gzt

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#720012 20-Nov-2012 11:50

Hatch:Now that I think about it I have also noticed webpages not loading on my PC, load page/link page stays blank and continues to load, reload the new page/link in a new firefox tab which loads instantly while first attempt is still blank.

Hatch:Suspect underlying issue is a general connection issue, will have to get Xnet to monitor the line to see what's going on with the connection generally.

Did you get any result from that?

Btw, what is your router/modem setup?

I had a problem with similar symptoms years ago, never did pinpoint it exactly. Got a new modem/router and the problem was gone.

NonprayingMantis

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#720017 20-Nov-2012 12:00

we used to use a cheapo Webcam/mic that came with the computer and always assumed that when people compaind about poor quality and audio video it was the broadband connection.

upgraded my webcam and suddenly people reporting crystal clear video and audio.

what webcam/mic setup do you use?

Hatch

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#724574 29-Nov-2012 10:54

gzt:
Hatch:Now that I think about it I have also noticed webpages not loading on my PC, load page/link page stays blank and continues to load, reload the new page/link in a new firefox tab which loads instantly while first attempt is still blank.

Hatch:Suspect underlying issue is a general connection issue, will have to get Xnet to monitor the line to see what's going on with the connection generally.

Did you get any result from that?

Btw, what is your router/modem setup?

I had a problem with similar symptoms years ago, never did pinpoint it exactly. Got a new modem/router and the problem was gone.

No it was never resolved.

I use a Draytek 2710VN at home which I choose specifically for its stability and quality.

Hatch

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#724576 29-Nov-2012 10:56

NonprayingMantis: we used to use a cheapo Webcam/mic that came with the computer and always assumed that when people compaind about poor quality and audio video it was the broadband connection.

upgraded my webcam and suddenly people reporting crystal clear video and audio.

what webcam/mic setup do you use?

Our issue wasn't so much the quality of the call, rather than the call itself was broken up if that makes sense.
We used a number of different devices, tablets, phones, laptops etc and all with the same result via wireless and via ethernet.

gzt

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#724581 29-Nov-2012 11:09

Hatch:
gzt:
Hatch:Now that I think about it I have also noticed webpages not loading on my PC, load page/link page stays blank and continues to load, reload the new page/link in a new firefox tab which loads instantly while first attempt is still blank.

Hatch:Suspect underlying issue is a general connection issue, will have to get Xnet to monitor the line to see what's going on with the connection generally.

Did you get any result from that?

Btw, what is your router/modem setup?

I had a problem with similar symptoms years ago, never did pinpoint it exactly. Got a new modem/router and the problem was gone.

No it was never resolved.

I use a Draytek 2710VN at home which I choose specifically for its stability and quality.

My router was also very well behaved until the fault occurred. I persevered with settings and head scratching for too long - and then swapped it out for a free one - problem solved instantly.

I cannot say that is your problem, just one experience of similar symptoms.

Also consider trying a call from a different location at a similar time with a different ISP and same ISP.

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Hatch

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#724586 29-Nov-2012 11:11

Thanks for all the suggestions and feedback but I have decided to jump ship to Snap VDSL. Hopefully we will even get enough upload bandwidth for Skype HD.

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