Choose everything you need for video calls in Skype
Over the past few years, the speeddata transfer through the Internet connection has increased tens of times. Thanks to this, today almost every user can afford to communicate via video calls, instead of traditional correspondence. We will talk about what equipment is required for this and how to choose it, in this article.
What webcam to choose for communication in Skype
The most important device necessary formaking videocalls is a webcam. There are two main types of webcams - clip and desktop. They are different, as it is easy to guess, by the way of installation and fixing. Clip-on cameras are more compact and attach directly to a computer monitor or laptop, which saves space on the desktop. On the other hand, their functionality is much smaller than that of desktop devices. Desktop webcams can be equipped with autofocus, built-in speakers and a microphone.
When choosing a webcam, the main thing on what followsPay attention - the resolution and frame rate per second. It is from these two parameters will depend how clear and quality the image will be. For simple communication via video calls, the resolution 320x240 will suffice. If you plan to record video or take photos with a higher resolution, then you better choose a resolution of 640x480 pixels (this option is optimal in terms of price-quality ratio). You can of course choose the resolution of 1280x960, but the cost of such a webcam will be much higher.
As for the frame rate per second,the optimal is the indicator in 30-35 FPS - this is quite enough for comfortable communication and video shooting. If the frame rate is significantly lower than these parameters, the transmitted video will "freeze" and "retard". Also useful additional functions in the webcams are autofocus and auto zoom, which allow the device to adjust the sharpness and quality of the image directly during shooting.
Do I need a headset for communication in Skype?
As mentioned above, some webcamsare already supplied with built-in speakers and a microphone. In addition, modern notebook models can also be shipped with a built-in microphone and webcam. Nevertheless, many experienced users are not in a hurry to abandon the traditional headset (headphones + microphone). The thing is that most built-in microphones are not equipped with systems for suppressing extraneous sounds. The same can be said about the cheapest models of microphones. As a result, during a conversation, the interlocutor can hear noise instead of your voice, incomprehensible squeaks and the like. In this regard, we recommend buying the headset separately.
By type of connection of a headset for a computerare divided into wired and wireless. Wired headsets can be connected to a PC via USB or through a stereo jack. The first connection option is preferable and convenient, since only one wire is used, and the signal transmission quality is higher. Wireless headsets are also divided by the way of connection: via Bluetooth and using the technology Dect. Bluetooth technology with basic characteristics (connection quality, maximum distance of removal) is inferior to Dect, however, it is more popular with ordinary users, since devices based on it are much cheaper.
The main advantages of wired headsetsare low price, high quality sound transmission and no need for constant charging. At the same time, wireless analogs provide the opportunity to move around the apartment and continue to communicate. In this regard, each user must decide for themselves what is more important for him. When choosing a headset of any type, you should pay attention to the quality of playback and sound transmission. It is highly desirable to check these parameters while still in the store. Also do not forget to ask the seller about the system of suppression of extraneous noise. When buying is better to give preference to well-known companies, for example, Logitech or Sony.
Author: Vyacheslav Kinko
