pobeast

Q: Does anyone have issues with their video camera while Skyping?

My MacBook Pro is less than a week old. I have been using it for Skype since my boyfriend is currently deployed. The internet connection is fine between the two of us but my video camera freezes up after about 5 seconds from being turned on. Then I look like a robot because it will catch me in motion. I'll sign in and out of the Skype program to see if that changes anything and it doesn't help. Is my computer messed up and I need to take it into a shop to get it looked at, or am I so MacBook illterate that I did something wrong when downloading Skype? Just curious if anyone has had the same issues as I have.

MacBook Pro

Posted on May 17, 2013 11:11 PM

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Q: Does anyone have issues with their video camera while Skyping?

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  • by kaz-k,

    kaz-k kaz-k May 18, 2013 12:39 AM in response to pobeast
    Level 5 (5,975 points)
    Desktops
    May 18, 2013 12:39 AM in response to pobeast

    You'd better bring it to your local Apple Store, if it's a hardware problem.

     

    -- kaz-k

  • by EZ Jim,

    EZ Jim EZ Jim May 18, 2013 9:58 AM in response to pobeast
    Level 7 (22,547 points)
    May 18, 2013 9:58 AM in response to pobeast

    pobeast wrote: Does anyone have issues with their video camera while Skyping?

     

    A search shows several topics posted in Apple Discussions about Skype freezes during the past year.←Click for search results.

     

    If you are not an experienced Mac user, you may want to ask your retailer to help you with your new Mac.  He can suggest assistance and/or training that will improve your Mac experience.  If you want to try some things on your own, here are some ideas you can consider in any order you choose.

     

    (0) Sometimes simply restarting your Mac clears minor problems.  If you have not restarted your Mac recently, do so now and check whether Skype works. 

     

    Sometimes restarting your modem and router/wi-fi (if you have one) can help restore the internet speed needed for decent video.

     

    If you're still having trouble after the restart(s), here are some additional ideas:

     

    (1) Try all relevant suggestions from Apple's http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090 to test for user-specific or application specific issues.

     

    (Over time, Apple has changed the built-in camera's name on Macs from "iSight" to "FaceTime" and also "FaceTime HD."  Regardless of the name of your Mac's built-in camera, the same info and troubleshooting applies.)

     

    Test using more than one Apple app in more than one user account.  Don't use the "Guest" account for this testing.  If your Mac only has one "non-guest" account, create a new user account for testing.

     

    (2) If your iSight works with the Apple apps in every user account you test, check Skype again to verify whether your problem still exists with Skype.  If it does, be sure that both your Apple software and Skype are up-to-date.

     

    (3) For Skype-specific problems that remain even after updating to the latest Skype version that is compatible with your Mac OS, Skype's comprehensive support system should best be able to help you use their product with your system.

     

    Start here:  https://support.skype.com/

     

    Or, click this link for help specifically related to Mac video calls.

     

    You can also search or post for help with your problem in Skype's dedicated Skype Discussions for Mac.  The Skype users who post there may have already solved the same problem.

     

    If nothing else works to fix your Skype, you can even sign in and ask for email help directly from Skype's Technical Support people.

     

     

     

     

    Message was edited by: EZ Jim

     

     

    Mac OSX 10.8.3