Skype calls dropping out on NTL

Bungle74 · 30-12-2007, 17:36

I have just installed Skype onto my pc so we can talk to the outlaws in Greece. However, after a few seconds, the call drops out. I know this is our end, as they already speak to other various family members through Skype.
I have read on the net that this will most likely be due to my connection dropping out - even though this does not affect surfing the web.
I've got a silver NTL 200 modem if that helps, and yes, i have rebooted it, and am on the 2mb speed package.

As a side issue, i have trouble watching vidoes on utube etc, as they seem to have to keep catching up with themselves.

Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

DocDutch · 30-12-2007, 17:47

bungle74

to CF mate.

okay 1st question, are you behind a router of any shape? if so that could be the issue?

Bungle74 · 30-12-2007, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocDutch

bungle74

to CF mate.

okay 1st question, are you behind a router of any shape? if so that could be the issue?

Hi Doc

No router, I go straight from the box on the wall in to the modem and into the pc. I do run Zone Alarm firewall & email scanner, and also AVG free anti-virus software, if that helps.

gep · 30-12-2007, 19:22

Hello Bungle74, try temporaily closing zonealarm and your Anti-virus, see first if they are causing the problem.

Next, try here, skype troubleshooting technical help.
http://support.skype.com/?_a=knowled..._j=subcat&_i=8

Also, check your privacy options in Tools, Options, Privacy.

Hope this helps, GEP

internetguy · 30-12-2007, 19:44

Make sure you are not downloading and/or uploading while using skype

Bungle74 · 30-12-2007, 19:49

Right, I've tried shutting down the firewall & the virus scanner, but this has made no difference. The call lasts under 5 seconds before dropping out. Have also tried watching vdeos on utueb again, with the same results.
Am also not downloading anything whilst trying to use Skype.......

me-eyes · 30-12-2007, 20:20

The upload for the 2Mb package is 256Kbps - this should just be about adequate for audio only: you aren't using video as well are you? I use Skype all the time and it chokes if you try to video conference...

BTW, do a speedtest to see how close you are getting to 256kbps uploading. If you are getting much lower than this, well that's your answer. I've just upgraded to the 4Mb offer (384kbps upload) to try and improve things for me...

homealone · 30-12-2007, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by me-eyes

The upload for the 2Mb package is 256Kbps - this should just be about adequate for audio only: you aren't using video as well are you? I use Skype all the time and it chokes if you try to video conference...

BTW, do a speedtest to see how close you are getting to 256kbps uploading. If you are getting much lower than this, well that's your answer. I've just upgraded to the 4Mb offer (384kbps upload) to try and improve things for me...

I think upload on ex NTL 2Mb/s is only 200Kb/s, not 256, which makes it even more likely this is a possible cause of the dropped connections ...

progers · 30-12-2007, 21:47

I use Skype on video calls with the 2 meg service with no problems at all

gep · 30-12-2007, 22:01

Hello Bungle74, i would try asking Virgin to increase your broadband speed, as this was the cause of my problems using Skype. (No problem now)
At the time i told NTL that i was going to another provider because i could not use Skype because of the Upload, the download is not so important.

So they increased it to 4MB for £12.49 a month. You could try that, ask nicely.

Did you take a look at your privacy within Tools, Privacy in skype?

Also, like suggested, close down any other programs, especially video, audio etc that could slow your computer etc down.

GEP

Ben B · 30-12-2007, 22:06

2mb should be ok on skype to greece i mean as an example, on speedtest.net to a server in greece:

Compared to a server in the UK:

Not much difference is there?

Mick Fisher · 30-12-2007, 22:21

In case it IS ZA that's causing the problem it usually needs to be COMPLETELY UNINSTALLED before any difference will be experienced.

Bungle74 · 02-01-2008, 18:29

Thanks for all the help on here. I tested my speeds 2022 download, 190upload. Then did a constant ping to my company's website to see if there was any fallout when i connected to skpe. Everything looked fine.
By accident, I didn't open up my webcam's control panel before calling on skype and it now works perfectly fine.

Still might try and upgrade my speed a bit though.

Cheers guys (and gals)

bungle