When you use Skype to chat with your friends, you have the option to include video from your webcam. If you've read my Beginner's Guide to Skype, you'll know how to add a friend and initiate a normal VoIP call with them. In a normal VoIP call, you cannot see the other person; it's just like a telephone call.
On a Skype call with video, you'll be able to see the other person clearly. It's amazing how much it can feel like you're in the same room when really you're thousands of miles away. For those in long distance relationships or too far away from friends and family to see them regularly, this is a great way to keep in contact for free. You can only use video calling if you are both connected to Skype through the computer. You will need a webcam and a microphone. Some webcams have a microphone included; check to see if yours does before you buy a separate microphone.
Before you invite your friends to start a video call with you, first check that your webcam is working properly. To do this, open up Skype and click "call" on the top menu. A little bit down the list, you'll see Audio Settings and Video. Audio settings will check that your microphone is working, while Video will show you your own webcam video.
First, make sure you can see yourself clearly. If you have no video at all but your webcam is hooked up properly, you'll have to troubleshoot on the manufacturer's website. If your video appears too dark or discoloured, try turning on another light. If you're next to a window and it's a sunny day outside, move away. Webcams need even light to work properly, so sitting underneath a window or having a desk lamp on will often make the picture dark in some places but too light in others.
Once you can see yourself and you're ready to share your video with your friend, close the settings menu and head back over to the left, where your contacts list is. Click just once on a friend to get to their profile. If they have a webcam as well, you will see the option "video call" presented on the right below their picture. Click on this and your call will begin.
Unfortunately, Skype doesn't have built in conference video yet. To do this, you'll need to follow several steps, but none of them are particularly difficult. First, create a conference call. To start one of these, click "new" on the left menu directly above contacts. Underneath this you'll see the option to have a group conversation. Choose this and add all of your friends to your group conversation, which will by default be an ordinary call. Skype will call all of them and connect you in one big conference call. If call quality is low, make sure everyone is using the most updated version of Skype. Different codecs can throw off the quality of the call, so it's important to have the same version running on everyone's computer.
Next, you'll have to use a separate website to set up the video conferencing room. This can be done through mebeam.com. If you navigate to that website, you'll see the option to create a room. Type in whatever name you like and click "connect". You'll be taken to your custom video conferencing room. Copy the URL and share it with your friends that you're already chatting with so they can join you.
I love this ability and host my own online book club for free using Skype and Mebeam. I hope you can use the dual focus of these programs to do everything you want with VoIP.
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