Skype® for Dummies®

Chapter 7. Skyping Eye to Eye: Skype with Video

In This Chapter

• Setting up video with Skype (it's easier than you think)

• Shopping for a webcam

• Installing your video software

• Making a Skype video call

In the opening scene of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey (produced in 1968), Dave Bowman is talking with his wife and children over a video phone. As the movie title indicates, the story takes place in 2001. Back in 1968, we waited with bated breath for the advent of video phones. We waited a long time: the year 2001 came and went with hardly a trace of video phones becoming a reality. Finally, history is about to catch up with science fiction, thanks to Skype.

This chapter walks you through choosing the right equipment and environment for setting up Skype with video. We also take you through a webcam selection, connection, detection, and even a section about video protection. Okay, we know when to stop, or, to quote the sportscaster Warner Wolf, "Let's go to the videotape" (in this case, let's get started with Skype video).

Enhancing Your Conversations with Live Video

The addition of video to a call may make the difference between touching base and enjoying a true visit, describing an item for sale and clinching the deal, or worrying whether someone is doing okay and seeing for yourself. Coming together in agreement, truly communicating intentions, and clearly describing objects are all circumstances that benefit from the ability to see eye to eye, literally. Videoconferencing can have some ...