Wireless Headsets Phone Accessories

Archive for the ‘Skype’ Category

In recent posts we have talked about skype headsets and other hardware accessories.

The question arose can you record skye conversations and the answer is yes as long as you advise the other party and get permission to record the conversation.

Why Record Skype?

This can be great if you want to get testimonies for your business and products, record a talk with a professional or create new innovative content for your website.

I’ve been using it for just over a month. Easy to install and with excellent sound quality.

Unlike some types of ‘free’ VOIP recording applications which can limit your recordings from 15-30 minutes, there is no time llimit what so ever on this application.

You also have a choice as to where store your recording (click the yellow folder next to the ’settings’ making it easy to retrieve your recordings later) anywhere you like. If you find any bugs you can report it to developer as he welcomes comments and feedback.

Using MP3 Recorder.

The beauty of this recorder is that it records both conversations on a seperate channel if you do it in stereo so you can easily edit each voice.

Once you complete your recording use the free Audacity editing program to tidy up and add front and back music for seminars etc.

http://www.vimeo.com/8250151

The Lame file to export your files to mp3. Right Click here and save into your Audacity folder.

System requirements:

OS : Windows 2000, XP, Vista
.Net Framework 2.0 or later (will be downloaded from the Microsoft site and installed automatically )
Skype (you may have installed it already. Install it yourself otherwise – download Skype )

MP3 Skype Recorder is a free program which automatically records all your Skype conversations (including conferences). It stores your conversations locally in files using compact and very popular MP3 format.

The tool can record P2P Skype calls and SkypeOut calls as well as calls to Skype Online number. The program sits in the system tray and monitors skype calls.It starts recording automatically when you begin conversation.

It can record several calls simultaneously (one active with others on hold). When doing so the recorder stores every call in separate file for later use. Simple and intuitive interface requires almost no tuning. All you have to do is install the program and provide it with access to the Skype client.

Information contained in the conversation may be valuable for you in many ways for many reasons. Making and keeping the records may help your business and sometimes guard your reputation.

Main features of MP3 Skype Recorder:

• • It’s absolutely free with no limits attached.
  • Automatic or manual recording capabilities.
  • Compact format of stored records (mp3 files).
  • May be used to record P2P, SkypeOut calls and calls made to Online number .
  • Capable to track simultaneous calls and to save them separately.
  • Easy integration with Skype Conference recording.
  • Intuitive easy to use interface.
  • The program is distributed “AS IS” with no warranty, but it’s absolutely free to use.

Note: MP3 Skype Recorder uses a local port on your PC to get sound stream from Skype. That may get Windows Vista and few personal firewall products alert you with “low risk” warning.

To let the program record calls you should allow Skype Call Recorder access that local port. This won’t harm your system.

The program uses LAME MP3 encoder.

Anyway…I’m going to stop raving about this application.

Here’s the link to this free software!

http://www.dailymotion.com/videox7a8rf

“I see what you mean.”

Rip Curl’s designers and manufacturers work together on video calls from their bases all over the world – including Australia, Asia, California and France. Video calls are a key part of the design process, used to show designs, corrections, patterns and ideas. They place dummies in front of their web cams to point out specific issues – which saves complicated explanations and stops any misinterpretations.

“For us the video calling is key,” says Media Manager, Dane Sharp. “We can actually hold up parts of a wetsuit and see what the designers are talking about, rather than trying to explain verbally.”

To make the most of your Skype product you will need some good headsets or communication systems.

For conference calling try the C100S Polycom Communicator

For a complete office solution look at the Plantronics CS60 USB or Jabra 9330 USB

Other ways they save time.

Sending files over Skype means that conference calls can start with everyone looking at the right document. It’s also an instant way to share photo and video coverage of their major surf events – sending action straight from the beach to people waiting back at the office.

Real-time solutions for business

Any size of company can use Skype to change the way they communicate, collaborate and compete. Real-time communication tools allow your business to work better, smarter and more efficiently. Skype is a global solution that’s easy to implement and manage all your communication needs – employees work more productively, customers can easily reach your company and your business stays ahead of the game.

Following the introduction of the Skype for SIP beta program in March, we heard from nearly 10,000 businesses of all sizes and service providers who were interested in connecting their existing SIP-based communications solutions to Skype.

Skype for SIP beta program opens up to all businesses

With the recent opening up of the Skype for SIP beta program, those companies on the waiting list and any other businesses that are interested can try out Skype for SIP. It could help your business save money on calls to suppliers and partners abroad, and also give your customers around the world new ways to get in touch with you.

Just visit www.skypeforsip.com to learn more and to register your company for a Skype Business Control Panel. After following the instructions to configure your existing SIP-enabled PBX to work with Skype for SIP, you can then start making calls and experience how Skype can help save money on outgoing calls. Not only that, but you’ll also be enabling your business to accept free incoming Skype calls from the more than 520 million registered Skype users around the world.

The Polycom Communicator (C100S) comes in a four color box that prominently displays the Skype logo.

Polycom Communicator USB Skype Phone Review

Use Skype, but don’t want to look like a call centre staff member?

Polycom thinks it has the answer with its Communicator C100s, a speakerphone system that can be used with any VoIP package and your computer.

Plugging into your PC via a USB socket, the unit sits anywhere on your desk and allows you to speak freely without any wires attached to your head.

Design wise and the Polycom Communicator C100s is small and compact with the stand hiding the USB cable.

We like the fact it’s powered by USB so no need to use yet another power socket under your desk or root around trying to find one in a boardroom if you are working from the laptop.

Centred around the three audio speakers on the unit is a central console that allows you to launch your VoIP package of choice (we used Skype for our testing) as well as controlling answering and hanging up and volume control.

There is also a big mute button if you want to talk to others in the room, but not let the person on the other end of the line hear you.

Failing that if you do want a private conversation then the C100 sports a plug into the built-in stereo headphone port.

Once connected to the PC – it works with a Mac, but the hang up and launch application buttons aren’t supported – it’s merely a case of telling your VoIP package that you are using it and away you go – in Skype this is found in the preferences pane under Audio.

The speaker, which is based on the same technology the company uses in its triangular SoundStation conference phones, promises crystal clear conversations and in practice, it certainly lives up to its billing.

On all the calls we made the results were very impressive with good sound provided at both ends.

In fact, Polycom says that because of the two microphones within the unit, the Communicator 100 can support group conversations with up to four participants making this ideal for meeting room situations.

Items included in the box:

• Polycom Communicator
• Integrated USB Cable
• Setup Wizard CD
• User Guide
• Carry Case
• 30 SkypeOut Minutes

Installation

Installation of this phone was not the most intuitive setup we have seen however the skype program has to be downloaded from the Internet so you probably will not need the install CD.

Download Latest Skype Software

Download Latest Polycom Communicator Software

If you are planning on making plenty of conference calls and want to do it via Skype – hey why wouldn’t you it’s free – then this speaker phone option offering good results without having to have something on your head or in your hand.

Interested in buying one? Click Here.