Skype for Interviews Doug Kaye
Paul Figgiani

The Conversations Network • 2,000+
Podcasts Since 2003 • Distributors of The Levelator • A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Broadcast Quality • Hosts: Studio
Quality • Guests: Studio or Telephone via Digital Hybrid

The Old Way • Studio
Mics for Hosts • Telephones for Guests

Skype for Interviews? • We’ve
Always Said “No” • Until Now

Skype for Interviews? • We’ve
Always Said “No” • Until Now

Yes, Skype for Interviews! •
Skype Improved, Spring 2007 • Extensive Testing • Best Practices

Example #1 • Paul on
Telephone • Doug on Telephone

Example #1 • Paul on
Telephone • Doug on Telephone

Example #2 • Paul on
Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Example #2 • Paul on
Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Example #2 • Paul on
Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Example #3 • Doug on
Skype (Host) • Paul on Skype (Guest) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Example #4 • Paul on
Skype (Host/Local) • Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Example #4 • Paul on
Skype (Host/Local) • Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Skype Out • Guests Need
Only a Phone • Call Almost Any Country

The Proper
Environment

A Good (?) Headset •
Use USB • Avoid Analog Inputs

Plantronics Audio 650 USB

Headsets • Postion Mics Carefully
• Avoid Nose/Mouth Breathing

Shut Down Other Apps •
BitTorrent • iTunes (!) • email • RSS readers • IM clients

Have a Good Connection •
At least 5kBytes/second (~40kbps) • 100kbps to be safe!

dslreports.com

Conference Call? • 100kbps per
guest

SVOPC Codec • Skype 2.6+
(OS X) • Skype 3.2+ (Windows)

Technical Call Info • OS
X Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced

Technical Call Info • OS
X Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced • Windows Tools ➞ Options ➞ Advanced ➞ Connection

The Relay Problem • Most
firewalls block the most optimal packets. • Relays via SuperNodes work around this problem. • But SuperNodes add a hop... • and may use TCP vs. UDP.

The Relay Problem • Most
firewalls block the most optimal packets. • Relays via SuperNodes work around this problem. • But SuperNodes add a hop... • and may use TCP vs. UDP.

The Relay Problem • Most
firewalls block the most optimal packets. • Relays via SuperNodes work around this problem. • But SuperNodes add a hop... • and may use TCP vs. UDP.

The Relay Problem • Most
firewalls block the most optimal packets. • Relays via SuperNodes work around this problem. • But SuperNodes add a hop... • and may use TCP vs. UDP.

Avoid: • Relays • SuperNodes
• TCP

Router/Firewall Changes • Your calls
will bypass SuperNodes. • But your computer may be used as a SuperNode.

Router/Firewall Changes • Your calls
will bypass SuperNodes. • But your computer may be used as a SuperNode.

Avoid Being a SuperNode •
Shut down Skype or • un-do the firewall changes.

Recording Skype Calls • Route
host and guest to separate tracks. • Record in high-quality uncompressed format.

Recording Skype Calls • Route
host and guest to separate tracks. • Record in high-quality uncompressed format.

Separate Tracks? • Easier to
edit in post- production. • Host and guest tracks may need separate processing.

Separate Tracks? • Easier to
edit in post- production. • Host and guest tracks may need separate processing.

Record Uncompressed • MP3 is
for final release only!

Audio Hijack Pro

Recording (OS X) • AudioHijack
Pro * • Call Recorder

Recording (Windows) • CallBurner *
• Pamela • TotalRecorder Pro • CallSoft VOiP

Post-Production

Skype for Interviews Doug Kaye
Paul Figgiani

For More Information
conversationsnetwork.org/forum

For More Information
conversationsnetwork.org/forum