Things to check and plan for when getting ready to connect via Skype for Virtual LiquidBody Classes and Workshops
Sending Skype Name and Accepting Connection Request
Send your Skype name so I can send you a connection request in advance of the class or workshop. That way at the time of the call I can add you to the Group Video Call for the class or workshop you reserved space in at least 24 hours in advance. Then be on the lookout for the Connection Request from me ~ LiquidBodyArts and accept it.
Connection Speed
Your connection speed will affect how many people can be on the call. If you connection will support 7+ people, we won’t need to do anything special. If it is slower than 4Mbps download/ 28kbps upload speed, let me know (via email at caryn@LiquidBody.org or skype message) so I can arrange to use more than one computer to connect. That way I can have you on a separate connection that will not limit the whole group. Here are the speeds and their respective capacities in terms of connectivity:
How much bandwidth does Skype need?
The bandwidth required by Skype depends on the type of calls you want to make. The table below provides the minimum download and upload speeds required, as well as the recommended speeds for best performance.
|
Call type |
Minimum download / upload speed |
Recommended download / upload speed |
|
Calling |
30kbps / 30kbps |
100kbps / 100kbps |
|
Video calling / Screen sharing |
128kbps / 128kbps |
300kbps / 300kbps |
|
Video calling (high-quality) |
400kbps / 400kbps |
500kbps / 500kbps |
|
Video calling (HD) |
1.2Mbps / 1.2Mbps |
1.5Mbps / 1.5Mbps |
|
Group video (3 people) |
512kbps / 128kbps |
2Mbps / 512kbps |
|
Group video (5 people) |
2Mbps / 128kbps |
4Mbps / 512kbps |
|
Group video (7+ people) |
4Mbps / 128kbps |
8Mbps / 512kbps |
Recommended Computer and Mobile Connection Requirements
For a Skype connection ~ voice and messaging ~ the requirements are:
- an internet connection – broadband is best
- speakers and a microphone – built-in, separate or headphones (even better with an extension like this from Radio Shack)
- a webcam to make video calls or your computer’s or mobile device’s built-in camera
- the Skype application
You can use Skype on the following platforms:
| Platform | Latest versions |
| Windows | Skype 6.21 for Windows Desktop, Skype 3.1 for modern Windows |
| Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 | Skype 2.22 for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 |
| Xbox One | Skype 1.8 for Xbox One |
| Mac | Skype 7.1 for Mac |
| Linux | Skype 4.3 for Linux |
| Android | Skype 5.0 for Android |
| iPhone | Skype 5.7 for iPhone |
| iPad | Skype 4.18 for iPad |
| iPod touch | Skype 5.7 for iPod Touch |
| Nokia X | Skype 4.9 for Nokia X |
| Amazon Fire Phone | Skype 4.9 for Amazon Fire Phone |
| Amazon Kindle Fire HD/HDX | Skype 4.9 for Amazon Kindle Fire HD/HDX |
| Amazon Fire HD Tablet | Skype 5.0 for Amazon Fire HD tablet |
| BlackBerry 10 | Skype 4.9 for BlackBerry 10 |
| TVs and Blu-ray devices | Depends on the device |
| PS Vita | Skype 1.0 for PS Vita |
For HD Quality Group Video Calling these are Skype’s recommended minimum computer requirements:
HardwareMinimumRecommended
CPU1 GHzAt least 1.8 GHz
Graphics card32 MBAt least 64 MB
Memory256 MBAt least 512 MB
If your system is not that robust, Skype will autosense the highest quality that you can get and step down the call to what is possible. An HD image is not necessary, and even audio only will still work well.
Each person on a group video call will need:
- The latest version of Skype (Windows Desktop, modern Windows, Xbox One, or Mac)
- A high-speed broadband internet connection
- A webcam
- A microphone and speakers (built-in or separate headset with microphone)
- If using Windows, a DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
Depending on the number of people you are calling, your computer will also need to meet the following requirements (don’t worry, most modern computers at least meet the minimum requirements):
3-way group video
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1GHz | Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz |
| Graphics card | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB |
5-way group video
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 2GHz | Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz |
| Graphics card | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Memory | 512 MB | 1 GB |
7-way group video
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core 2 Duo 2.5GHz | Intel i7 |
| Graphics card | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Memory | 1 GB | 2 GB |
Mobile Device Limitations
If you connecting with iPad 2 or later:
The latest version of Skype for iPad supports:
- Instant messaging
- Skype-to-Skype calling
- Calling mobiles and landlines
- Receiving Skype calls and calls to Skype Numbers
- Participating in group voice calls
- SMS text messaging
- Sending photos
- Call forwarding
- Contact list filtering via lists
- Voice Messaging
- Video Messaging
- Video calling (as the first generation iPad doesn’t have a camera, you can only receive video calls)
- Two-way HD Video (iPad Mini Retina and iPad Air)
- Importing contacts from your iPad contacts
- Merging your Skype account with your Microsoft account
- Connecting to Bluetooth devices (excluding first generation iPad)
The following features are not currently supported:
- Group video calling
- Starting a group voice call
- Showing favorite contacts
- Screen sharing*
*You can’t share your screen with your contacts but they can share their screen with you during a one to one video call.
So, when reserving a space if you plan on connecting via mobile, let me know in advance (via email at caryn@LiquidBody.org or skype message) so i can prepare for a one-to-one call with you from one of my mobile devices.
You can’t start a group video call in Skype for mobile devices, Linux, and TVs; however, you can participate in it (with audio only).