Video Calls

If the person calling you has a Webcam, you can receive the video call using Skype. If you have a Webcam, you can use Skype to make a video call.

Note

Video calling currently is available only in Skype for Microsoft Windows. Check the Skype Web site for ongoing updates to Skype for other operating systems.

Receive a Video Call

Even if you don't have a Webcam, you can receive a video call. To receive a video call, follow these steps:

1.	Answer a Skype call.
2.	When you see Receive Skype Video? click OK. A video screen will be displayed in the center of your Skype main window.
3.	To enlarge the video, right-click the video window, and select View > Full Screen Video from the context menu (see Figure 5-23). Figure 5-23. Enlarge video image
4.	To return the video picture to the Call tab, click Video on Call Tab.

Make a Video Call

When you log in, Skype will detect the presence of a Webcam automatically and allow you to adjust your Webcam settings. Be sure that the device is working properly before making a call. Click Webcam Settings, and adjust the settings as needed (see Figure 5-24).

Figure 5-24. Webcam test

You may also want to view the Skype video options to make sure that your video preferences are set properly. Click Video in the Skype Options window to set your video-calling preferences (see Figure 5-25).

Figure 5-25. Video options

Note

If you check the Start My Video Automatically checkbox as one of your video preferences, your Skype will start transmitting video as soon the person you are calling answers. If you uncheck this checkbox, you will have the option of starting your video transmission at any time during the call.

To make a video call, follow these steps:

1.	Make sure that your Webcam is working properly.
2.	Select a Skype Name from your Contacts List, and click the big green Call button. If the person you are calling is transmitting video, you will see it in the center of your Skype main window.
3.	Click Start My Video to begin your video transmission, if it has not started automatically (see Figure 5-26). Figure 5-26. Start video
4.	To enlarge the video image, right-click the video window, and select View > Full Screen Video from the context menu (see Figure 5-27). Figure 5-27. Enlarge video image To reduce the video image, click Video on Call Tab.
5.	To stop your video transmission, click Stop My Video.
6.	To end the call, simply hang up.