Summary:

Chat programs like MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, GoogleTalk and Skype have made chatting more popular than anything. At first we all typed everything we wanted to share, but more and more the voice and video chats are taking over. High Internet speed and a quality webcam allow for very good live communication.

In Vista you need to use a modern webcam anyway, because many of the older models are not supported, or they have no compatible drivers. An external microphone can always be used, since it is plugged directly into the (pink) audio plug of your computer.

More Information:

If you are not being heard by your chat partner, or you voice/video recordings do not record any sound in Vista, you should check the sound recording settings.

1. In the Start menu, open the Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, select Hardware and Sound.
3. Under the Sound heading, select Manage audio devices.

4. Select the Recording tab.

   

   If everything is working perfectly, you should see the green bars move up and down when you talk into the microphone.

5. Select the Microphone or Line In device if you have an external microphone plugged in.
6. Next, click the Properties button.
7. In the properties dialog box, check that the Device usage is set to Use this device (enable) .
8. You can click the Properties button under the Controller information heading to make sure the audio device is working properly.

9. Next, select the Levels tab.

   

   Here, you should set the Microphone volume slider to something above 75%. If required, set it to 100% and you can even use the Microphone Boost to further enhance the recording level.

10. Next, select the Enhancements tab. Using the Enhancements, you can turn on additional options that help improve the sound quality in conversations and sound recording. Options are:

    • DC Offset Cancellation
    • Noise Suppression
    • Acoustic Echo Cancellation

    These settings do not increase the volume, but rather filter the sound to improve the recording.

Note: Some of these settings can depend on the type of sound card installed in your computer, but the majority is applicable to all sound devices.

 

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