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Skype's video calling feature gives you the ability to talk to anyone you want, face to
face—all you need is a webcam. Many new computers (like the laptop I'm using) even
come with one built in.
Before your first video call, it's a good idea to test your webcam, to make sure the
person on the other end will be able to see you. All you have to do is go to Tools...
then choose Options.
Now click Video Settings... and you should see yourself on the right.
Hi there! This is actual footage from my webcam. Everything looks good, including
the picture quality, the position of my webcam—even the lighting in the room. If your webcam isn't
working, it'll look something like this.
For help, try visiting these links. Skype's guide to setting up a webcam or the FAQ section
would be a good place to start.
Now that I know my webcam is working, I'm ready to make my first video call. If you've
used Skype before, this part should be familiar to you.
Just click someone on your contacts list—how about Elizabeth?—then look to their information
on the right. Click the Video Call button, and the window will open with your webcam
footage at the bottom.
Bronwen: Now when Elizabeth answers, we'll see her footage too, as long as she also has
a webcam. Elizabeth: Hey, Bronwen!
Bronwen: Hey, Elizabeth! Elizabeth: Long time, no see!
Bronwen: You can even turn your webcam on or off during the call, using the Video button
here. Elizabeth, why don't you turn yours off, so
we can see what it looks like? Elizabeth: Okay...
Bronwen: As usual, when you're done, click the End Call button to hang up.
Answering video calls is just as easy. Here's how it works.
When you get an incoming call, click the "Answer with video" button... or Decline if you're
too busy to talk (or don't know the caller). You can also answer without video by clicking
the regular Answer button, so the other person won't be able to see you on your webcam.
There's one more thing you can do with video on Skype, and that's group video calling,
with up to 10 people at a time. All you need is a Skype Premium subscription, or a day
pass if you just want to try it out.
To learn more, visit your account at Skype.com, and click the Group Video link.
The great thing about this feature is that only one person in the group needs it (in
this example, me). The rest of my friends and family will be able to join in for free.
Skype gives you two ways to set up a group video call. The first is by creating a group,
or opening an existing one.
Here's one I already have saved to my contacts. It includes my friends Elizabeth and Jessica.
To begin, click the Video Call button.
Bronwen: Now all we have to do is wait for them to answer. Hey, guys! Say hello to the
camera! Liz & Jess: Hello!
Bronwen: The second way to make a group video call is to add people while the call is in
progress. Just click the + button here, and you'll be able to add as many people as you
want. Now you know how to make video calls on Skype—both
one-on-one, and in a group. Everybody say goodbye!
All: Bye!