Skype Conferencing & Recording
Skype, an Internet-based voice-over-Internet protocol, or VoIP, service, is a popular way to make free or inexpensive phone calls on the web. With either a Skype Premium or a group video calling subscription, you can easily set up and make a conference call for business meetings or to keep in touch with friends and family. A variety of programs are available to record these calls.
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Requirements
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One person on the conference call will need a Skype Premium or a group video calling subscription to initiate the call. Each person on the call will need Skype 5.0 or higher installed on their computer, be attached to a high-speed broadband connection, and have a microphone and speakers. The microphone and speaks can be internal or a separate headset. To have a true video call, where every member can see one another, each caller should have a web cam.
Initiating Using Skype Premium
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To start a new call, sign in to your Skype account. On the menu bar, click “File,” and then “New Conversation” to open a new conversation window. Click “Add Participant” to choose the contacts that should be included in the call. When you have added all the desired contacts, click “Video Call.” You should see a call bar appear at the top of the screen as Skype dials your first contact. Make sure your video settings are turned on, if you are using web cams to see one another.
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Initiating Using a Group Video Calling Subscription
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To make a group video call, you need to first sign in to your Skype account. From the menu bar, click “Contacts” and then “Create New Group,” dragging the other members of the call into the group area. Click again to begin the call. To make your video visible to the others on the call, make sure your web cam is turned on, and then click the video button to turn it blue.
Recording
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There are several programs that you can use to record your Skype video calls. Of these, the most popular are Pamela and WireTap Studio. Pamela is free, certified by Skype for use with the Skype service and designed for PC users. Each recording session is, however, limited to 15 minutes or less. To record longer calls, you will need to break up the call recording into shorter segments or upgrade to the premium version, which has an annual fee. WireTap Studio works with Mac devices, and allows you to record Skype conversations and then save them to your iTunes library, if desired. WireTap Studio is a software download, and there is a cost to get a license.
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