Yes. Using Skype in broadcast and film allows production companies and studios to incorporate live face-to-face video calls into TV and film. Skype can also be used for free Skype-to-Skype calls during radio programming.
Use Skype for live on-air feeds from remote locations, for interviewing viewers in their homes, for engaging experts from around the world, and even for connecting with correspondents in the field.
Skype is a great complement to traditional production methods. With Skype’s free, great quality voice and HD video calls, you can get cost savings, rich new content and even go places you’ve never considered.
The following FAQs will help you get started using Skype within your broadcast and film productions.
To integrate Skype HD video calls into your production,
you’ll need the latest version
of Skype for Windows or Skype for Mac OS X, an HD webcam,
and a Skype account registered to your production company.
As Skype is being used for commercial purposes, you will
also need to review and agree to the Broadcast terms of
service.
You will also need to meet the minimum hardware
and minimum internet connection requirements.
To get the best results when broadcasting a Skype video on air, make sure that:
- The frame rate is sufficient and stable
- The frame rate is greater than 20fps
- The video resolution is at least 640x480 (for HQV)
If you only want to receive (not send) HD video calls for broadcast and film, you need a fast CPU and a broadband internet connection.
Remember that video and call quality can vary greatly if these recommendations are not met.
To insert HD video into your broadcasting, film or recording equipment, you’ll need a video card with dual video outputs and equipment that further processes the captured HD video, i.e. a video capture card, second computer, video switch or video recorder. The steps required are:
- Connect the first video output to a monitor to see what’s happening during the HD call with Skype.
- Connect the second video output to a video capture card, second computer, video switch or video recorder.
- Set the computer/video card into “clone” mode, which duplicates the content of the first video output to the second.
- Set the video card to a broadcast-friendly HD resolution (for example NTSC, 1280x720, 1920x1080).
The goal is to avoid rescaling of the video inside the Skype application as much as possible.
For broadcasts, film or recording, you should only capture the actual Skype video window. To send the program feed to the remote Skype participant, replace the video camera in the instructions above with the feed
You can also use HQV / S-Video in the same way as you would use HD Video. To get the best possible video quality for broadcast or film, you should set the Skype video window to full screen once the call is setup.
Yes. Any DV camera with HDMI, composite or S-Video outputs that supports a resolution of VGA 640x480 and 30 frames per second or higher will work with Skype. The camera needs to be connected to a video capture card - Skype has successfully tested the following capture cards (others might work but were not tested) for HD film and broadcasting:
- ATI graphics cards with video IN, for example ATI Radeon X1900 GT.
- Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2.
- Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 DVD Creator.
- Pinnacle Analog Pro USB.
Skype might need a special driver to recognize the
new video source. You can use “Graphedit”
or “ffdshow” for this.
The advice in the table below can help you to get the best possible quality when broadcasting on air.
| Element |
Ideal situation |
| Computer |
Your computer hardware must meet the minimum
requirements to broadcast HD video as best
as possible. Restart your computer before the broadcast,
switch off all background applications, and disable
firewalls and virus scanners during the broadcast.
If you are using a laptop, it should be mains powered
where possible, and set to “optimal performance mode” |
| Internet Connection |
Check that your internet connection speeds are suitable for HD
video calls. You need at least 400kbps upload and 500kbps
download speed. See more on internet
connection requirements for broadcast and film.
To check your internet connection, use an online checking
tool such as Speedtest or Pingtest. |
| Webcam |
You will need an HD webcam or camera
in order to record and broadcast HD video content. When
recording, good lighting is important, as is avoiding
sudden movements. We recommend plain clothing for participants,
as patterns and black or white clothing can be difficult
for cameras to decode. |
| Sound |
You should use separate microphones and speakers for optimal sound on your broadcast. In-built systems tend to pick up more background noise and therefore should be avoided for professional use. During the broadcast, mute all microphones when not in use. |
| Video |
Everything that is visible on the computer screen will also be
visible on the recording – it is best to avoid mouse
movements over the picture, and to disable pop-ups,
screen savers and sleep mode. You should also set
Skype to “do not disturb” to avoid incoming
calls and messages. |
Skype does not have any built-in recording functionality, but you can record a Skype call for broadcast or film in one of two ways:
- Use a video capture card connected to the computer that’s running Skype.
- Use a third-party software application to capture a call on the same computer that's running Skype. The following have been shown to work but have not been thoroughly tested:
- VodBurner allows you to record both outgoing and incoming video, and audio streams either separately or in a split-screen format
- Pamela from Pamela Systems
- CamStudio in combination with virtual audio cables
- Call Recorder works well if you are using a Mac
