Skype for Interviews

Slide 1: Skype for Interviews Doug Kaye Paul Figgiani

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

Slide 3: Broadcast Quality • Hosts: Studio Quality • Guests: Studio or Telephone via Digital Hybrid

Slide 4: The Old Way • Studio Mics for Hosts • Telephones for Guests

Slide 5: Skype for Interviews? • We’ve Always Said “No” • Until Now

Slide 6: Skype for Interviews? • We’ve Always Said “No” • Until Now

Slide 7: Yes, Skype for Interviews! • Skype Improved, Spring 2007 • Extensive Testing • Best Practices

Slide 8: Example #1 • Paul on Telephone • Doug on Telephone

Slide 9: Example #1 • Paul on Telephone • Doug on Telephone

Slide 10: Example #2 • Paul on Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 11: Example #2 • Paul on Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 12: Example #2 • Paul on Studio Mic • Doug on Telephone • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 13: Example #3 • Doug on Skype (Host) • Paul on Skype (Guest) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 14: Example #4 • Paul on Skype (Host/Local) • Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 15: Example #4 • Paul on Skype (Host/Local) • Doug on SkypeOut (Telephone) • “Call-In” Talk-Show Quality

Slide 16: Skype Out • Guests Need Only a Phone • Call Almost Any Country

Slide 17: The Proper Environment

Slide 18: A Good (?) Headset • Use USB • Avoid Analog Inputs

Slide 19: Plantronics Audio 650 USB

Slide 20: Headsets • Postion Mics Carefully • Avoid Nose/Mouth Breathing

Slide 21: Shut Down Other Apps • BitTorrent • iTunes (!) • email • RSS readers • IM clients

Slide 25: Have a Good Connection • At least 5kBytes/second (~40kbps) • 100kbps to be safe!

Slide 28: dslreports.com

Slide 29: Conference Call? • 100kbps per guest

Slide 31: SVOPC Codec • Skype 2.6+ (OS X) • Skype 3.2+ (Windows)

Slide 32: Technical Call Info • OS X Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced

Slide 35: Technical Call Info • OS X Skype ➞ Preferences ➞ Advanced • Windows Tools ➞ Options ➞ Advanced ➞ Connection

Slide 53: 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.

Slide 54: 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.

Slide 55: 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.

Slide 56: 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.

Slide 57: Avoid: • Relays • SuperNodes • TCP

Slide 58: Router/Firewall Changes • Your calls will bypass SuperNodes. • But your computer may be used as a SuperNode.

Slide 59: Router/Firewall Changes • Your calls will bypass SuperNodes. • But your computer may be used as a SuperNode.

Slide 60: Avoid Being a SuperNode • Shut down Skype or • un-do the firewall changes.

Slide 75: Recording Skype Calls • Route host and guest to separate tracks. • Record in high-quality uncompressed format.

Slide 76: Recording Skype Calls • Route host and guest to separate tracks. • Record in high-quality uncompressed format.

Slide 77: Separate Tracks? • Easier to edit in post- production. • Host and guest tracks may need separate processing.

Slide 78: Separate Tracks? • Easier to edit in post- production. • Host and guest tracks may need separate processing.

Slide 79: Record Uncompressed • MP3 is for final release only!

Slide 80: Audio Hijack Pro

Slide 94: Recording (OS X) • AudioHijack Pro * • Call Recorder

Slide 95: Recording (Windows) • CallBurner * • Pamela • TotalRecorder Pro • CallSoft VOiP

Slide 100: Post-Production

Slide 110: Skype for Interviews Doug Kaye Paul Figgiani

Slide 111: For More Information conversationsnetwork.org/forum

Slide 112: For More Information conversationsnetwork.org/forum