As you have probably noticed, we have finally released an update for Linux in the form of a new beta - 2.1.0.47, which also brings better ALSA native support, including Bluetooth support.

You can download it from here, or wait until your distributions include it in their package repositories.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/linux/choose/

We would like feedback in this thread from users who are using Skype with complicated ALSA setups or Bluetooth. Please compare your experience to that of 2.0 and let us know what you think, or if you are having any new problems with 2.1 that were not in 2.0.

We have tried to support multiple versions of the Bluez Linux tools, as well as unusual ALSA configurations.

Thanks,
Andrew.

Andrew, for me the audio isn't working anymore. I have the following built-in sound chipset: HDA Nvidia Analog Devices 1988B.

With 2.0 version it worked fine, because I had access to the default device and the remaining (plughw etc). Now I have access through Skype to only 3 devices: the digital outputs which I do not use. I need to select the analog output which is what I use or the <DEFAULT> alsa sound device which isn't available.

And what about Skype the 64 bit version???

Thanks for new version, but is unusable for me,..
- sound from notebook buildin microphone is very silent (using alsa, and in version 2.0 it is OK)
- bluetooth headset, sound output is OK, but sound input does not switch to headset microphone (in v2.0 it stops with "problem with audio capture")
How can I Help ?
(debian lenny, 64bit, VAIO TZ)

when I make test call with bluetooth input and output is see this in console:
ALSA lib ../../../src/control/control.c:909:(snd_ctl_open_noupdate) Invalid CTL bluetooth
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib pcm_bluetooth.c:712:(bluetooth_a2dp_hw_params) BT_SETCONFIGURATION failed : Input/output error(5)
ALSA lib ../../../src/control/control.c:909:(snd_ctl_open_noupdate) Invalid CTL bluetooth

My usb logitech headset doesnt work with this new skype (which happens to be skype certified)
If i switch to my built in sound card it works just fine though ....kinda funny

To all about: Could you make a ~/.Skype/Logs directory, then restart Skype and try to do a test call with your problem device(s)?

Afterwards, close Skype, and send us the resulting skype_yyyymmdd-hhmm.trace.txt file?

Thanks,
Andy.

How do I send you the file? What e-mail address?

Hi. I'm glad to see a new version of Skype for Linux, with really very good looking and needed new features.
However, I can't make my ALSA device to work properly with this version. In the dropdown list of microphone, all my devices are listed, including my HDA Nvidia, Conexant Analog Default Audio Device (Default.Card:Nvidia).
That's my audio device and should be showed in the list bellow "Speakers" but it's not, so it doesn't work yet. See attached image.

But nice done anyway. Thanks!

Can you attach it to a post on this thread? There should be an Attachments box below the message box here.

Thanks.

Could you please try a workaround for bluetooth headset described here http://wiki.bluez.org/wiki/HOWTO/AudioDevices

Firstly, great to see a new version. Huh, finally. I have tried only the Skype test call for now. Haven't had the chance for a real conversation, yet. System info is given below.

On Audio (alsa output):
Choosing anything other than Default device (default) for Speakers and Ringing does not produce any sound.

On Audio (alsa input):
Surprisingly, all the options under Microphone works. Even the mic on my cheap (UVC) webcam also works!

System: (see signature)

yeah, the problem was solved with new kernel (2.6.30)

2.6.26 from debian is realy old, but last where my laptop correctly suspend to ram..

hm, skype + bt headset or s2ram ?

and for others: my asoundrc.. in skype I need set headset, in other programs (like audio and video players) bluetooth. profile "auto" does not help.




and problem with silent notebook microphone I solved when I turn off "Allow skype to automaticly adjust my mixer volume"

...and my debian is 64bit but skype is only 32bit and this need some extra 32bit libraries..

extract from 32 bit debian package:
bluez-audio
these files:
libasound_module_ctl_bluetooth.so
libasound_module_pcm_bluetooth.so
and copy to:
/emul/ia32-linux/usr/lib/alsa-lib/

I'm a Jaunty 64-bit user, and I get not even a twitch out of my bluetooth devices. They don't appear in the list of detected sound devices.

A manually-configured ALSA bluetooth device, when opened, barfs:



...over and over again.

I have these output lines:

ALSA lib pcm.c:2145:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM dmix0
ALSA lib pcm.c:2145:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM dmix0
ALSA lib pcm.c:2145:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM dmix0

and my ~/.asoundrc is the following:

pcm.card0 {
type hw
card 0
}
pcm.dmix0 {
type dmix
ipc_key 34521
slave {
pcm "hw:0,0"
period_time 0
buffer_time 0
period_size 2048
buffer_size 8192
rate 44100
}
bindings {
0 0
1 1
}
hint {
show on
}

}

pcm.dsnoop0 {
type dsnoop
ipc_key 34523
slave {
pcm "card0"
# rate 44100
}
}
pcm.asym0 {
type asym
playback.pcm "dmix0"
capture.pcm "dsnoop0"
}
pcm.pasym0 {
type plug
slave.pcm "asym0"
}
# 'dsp0' is espected by OSS emulation etc.
pcm.dsp0 {
type plug
slave.pcm "asym0"
}
ctl.dsp0 {
type hw
card 0
}
pcm.!default {
type plug
slave.pcm "asym0"
}
ctl.!default {
type hw
card 0
}

Hi,

I've got trouble with running new skype. I am running two audio cards - Creative Labs SB Live! EMU10k1 (rev 0a) and Intel Corporation 82801H (ICH8 Family) HD Audio Controller (rev 02). SB Live! is for 'ringing' and does not work. The other is working fine for calling. Same setup was on previous version. I use 2.6.26 kernel under debian amd64. I've tried to change alsa device trying them one by one a finally got a segfault so now I can't run new version as it segfaults on the start.
I am running static skype bundle.

phaoost@warp:~$ /opt/skype/skype
E: shm.c: Invalid shared memory segment size
E: shm.c: Invalid shared memory segment size
ALSA lib ../../src/conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM rear:CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../src/conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM rear:CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../src/conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM center_lfe:CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../src/conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM center_lfe:CARD=Live,DEV=0
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM null
ALSA lib ../../../src/pcm/pcm.c:2211:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM null
Segmentation fault

Hi,

I've tried 2.1 and I've got problem with the microphone similar to other people.


I will try to give you a few more details of my overall experience, in the hope that it will help you with this bug...

System :
-------
Pentium 4, Debian Lenny x86 (32 bits) with kernel 2.6.27.25 and basic GNome.
My speakers are connected to the motherboard (Intel ICH5).
No microphone is connected to the motherboard, I can't test that.
My webcam is a Logitech PRO-4000 clone, using drivers pwc and snd_usb_audio. I'm using the microphone on the webcam (USB).
I don't use Pulse Audio, just plain ALSA.
I upgraded Skype from 2.0.0.72 to 2.1.0.47. 2.0.0.72 was working fine.
Test partner is Windows XP with Skype 4.0.
Both machines are behind a NAT box.

My experience with 2.1 :
----------------------
Login works
Contact presence works
Calling out works, receiving call works.
Audio out works (using 'default' or 'ICH5 front speakers')
Video works (2 way - tried only /dev/video0)
Microphone does not work. The default option maps to ICH, so won't work. When selecting any of the USB options, I get a buzzing tone.

This is the complete list of microphone options I get with 2.1 :
----------------------------------------
Default device (default)
Intel ICH5, Intel ICH5 Front speakers (front:CARD=ICH5,DEV=0)
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio Front speakers (front:CARD=0x46d0x8b6,DEV=0)
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio 4.0 Surround output to Front and Rear speakers (surround40:CARD=0x46d0x8b6,DEV=0)
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio IEC958 (S/PDIF) Digital Audio Output (iec958:CARD=0x46d0x8b6,DEV=0)
Intel ICH5, Intel ICH5 (hw:0,0)
Intel ICH5, Intel ICH5 - MIC ADC (hw:0,1)
Intel ICH5, Intel ICH5 - ADC2 (hw:0,3)
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio (hw:1,0)
----------------------------------------

The fact that I got so many speaker options to choose for my microphone is already suspect. I tried all 4 USB choices, and all of them get me a buzzing tone.

For reference, with 2.0, I get only those USB options :
-----------------------
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio (hw:U0x46d0x8b6,0)
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio (plughw:U0x46d0x8b6,0)
-----------------------

And with 2.0, both those two USB options do work properly.

A few more configuration tidbits...

# cat /proc/asound/cards
0 [ICH5 ]: ICH4 - Intel ICH5
Intel ICH5 with AD1981B at irq 17
1 [U0x46d0x8b6 ]: USB-Audio - USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6 at usb-0000:00:1d.1-1, full speed
# cat /proc/asound/card1/id
U0x46d0x8b6
# cat /proc/asound/card1/pcm0c/info
card: 1
device: 0
subdevice: 0
stream: CAPTURE
id: USB Audio
name: USB Audio
subname: subdevice #0
class: 0
subclass: 0
subdevices_count: 1
subdevices_avail: 1


Also, I could use a 64 bits version for Lenny ;-)

Good luck chasing this bug...

Jean

Hi again,

Something I forgot to mention.

In the Option Window, in the Sound Setting tab, below the settings for the audio devices, there is a button that says "Make a test sound". Whatever I do, this button does not do anything, I can't hear anything. On the other hand, "Make a test call" works properly and I can hear the call.

This little bug might explain why people have trouble setting their speakers, if they are only using this button to test the various speaker options, they may come to the conclusion that the speakers options don't work, whereas it's only the button that does no work.

Regards,

Jean

Can you please try removing your .asoundrc file altogether?




Obviuosly, you should be choosing the "USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio (hw:1,0)" device now.

And even more obviously I tried it as my first choice (I said earlier I tried all 4 USB choices). It does not work. I retried it just now. I get the buzzing sound when calling the Echo Test Service. In other word, this option does not work.

Just one more tidbit I forgot. I don't have a ~/.asoundrc. My /etc/asound.conf is the following :
----------------------------------------------------
# use ICH - Intel I82801DB-ICH4 as default device
# (from /proc/asound/cards)
#

pcm.!default {
type hw
card ICH5
# card I82801DBICH4
}
ctl.!default {
type hw
card ICH5
# card I82801DBICH4
}
----------------------------------------------------

Now, if I remove the /etc/asound.conf and restart skype (thanks a lot for the suggestion, even if it was not addressed to me), the following happens : I get one new option in the Microphone menu :

----------------------------------------
USB Device 0x46d:0x8b6, USB Audio Default Audio Device (default:CARD=0xU46d0x8b6)
----------------------------------------

So, for now a total of 5 different USB options instead of 4.
If I select this option, the microphone works properly in Skype.
The USB option you suggested still does not work.

I also get one new option in the speakers menu (default) which does work properly.
Now, I need to figure what's broken by the removal of my /etc/asoundrc...

With respect to the "Make a test sound" button, I was not thorough enough. I just realised that the button works only when the "Default device" is selected. Selecting another option does not work (no sound), even if that option works properly for a test call.

Good luck chasing those bug...

Jean

well after upgrading to the new skype. I was unable to talk to anyone, the only sound device options we're pulseaudio server (local) on all 3 settings. Anytime I was in a call with someone they would hear a static sound but that was it, after using "sudo apt-get remove pulseaudio" and "sudo apt-get install esound" I can hear people and they can hear me, I can also choose the sound devices again. Honestly. pulseaudio is rubbish and you should remove support for it from skype. or at least make a seperate build for pulseaudio as a last resort.

Same problems as others here. I am running skype on opensuse 64-bit. with alsa

Microphone and Speakers are set to HDA Intel AD198 and test call works fine. It is louder and better than with the old 2 version
Ringing must be set to the same device (in my case the headset and will not work through the default device SB Live. For now I have no ringing of incomig calls.

It also distorted all my sound settings on the SB live playback si now in slow motion.
testing of the sound card works fine.

Thnak you for the new release

I did some more testing. After restarting all my sound apps. they now all works as before.

One last issue the ring tone is on my headset and not the speakers, annoying but not critical.

Love the new look an sleek interface and groups are finally back too

Berkus, if I remove this file, I miss the dmix functionality, essential for me to play simultaneous sounds... and KDE will complain loudly about the sound devices being removed after removing .asoundrc. What I need is the old behaviour of Skype 2.0.0.72... it just worked with my dmix setup.

Berkus, problem SOLVED!

The problem whas with the hint section:



It seems that Skype has problems when we use this section directly in the dmix section. The problem is that Phonon from KDE requires it. So I created a separate phonon section and removed the hint section from the dmix section:



Now everything is working perfectly. Thank you very much.

Hello,
Rig: Eee PC 900 running updated MEPIS 8 (debian/KDE). OEM Internal mic and speakers.

Skype 2.0.0.72: all worked fine.

Beta Skype 2.1.0.47 The mic does not work. I played with the kmix settings and the skype options (sound devices) but no luck.
I can hear the other party fine and video seems to work ok.
Console output says:
Log file attached.

Reinstalled Skype 2.0.0.72 and the mic works again.

Cheers..

Hi, first of all thanks for the update. My online number was about to expire, but I extended it for 12 months because of this.

With Skype 2.1 beta I'm able to use my bluetooth headset again (as well as built in microphone and speaker, which always worked anyway).

My .asoundrc is this:

This was from my previous (failed) attempt to use bluetooth headset in Skype 2.0.
However, Skype 2.1 beta is using bluetoothraw and not bluetooth. If I select bluetooth I only get buzzing/humming sound.

My system:
Thinkpad X61
Kubuntu 9.04 with KDE 4.3 packages
No pulseaudio

Some non-standard things:
blueman 1.10-1~ppa3j (not using kdebluetooth)
linux-image-2.6.30-020630-generic 2.6.30-020630

I've used Skype 2.0 with this system in the past, and the bluetooth headset never worked.

However, please note that there were a bunch of bluetooth-related updates in ubuntu repository at about the same time I switched to Skype 2.1 beta. I don't know if it was Skype or my system that was causing the bluetooth headset to fail.

On this same hardware, when I was using Kubuntu 7.10, bluetooth headset worked with Skype 2.0.

When starting skype 2.1.0.47 from command line, I get the messages below, and not earlier than these messages after a few seconds have passed, I hear the starting sound of skype. This occurs every time, I want to do anything with sound, may it configuration or a Test Call. I'm running Debian Lenny, but with the 2.6.30 kernel, ALSA 1.0.17.

ALSA lib conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=AudioPCI,DEV=0
ALSA lib pcm.c:2144:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM rear:CARD=AudioPCI,DEV=0
ALSA lib conf.c:3952:(snd_config_expand) Unknown parameters CARD=AudioPCI,DEV=0
ALSA lib pcm.c:2144:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM rear:CARD=AudioPCI,DEV=0
ALSA lib setup.c:555:(add_elem) Cannot obtain info for CTL elem (MIXER,'AC97 2ch->4ch Copy Switch',0,0,0): No such file or directory
ALSA lib pcm.c:2144:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM null
ALSA lib pcm.c:2144:(snd_pcm_open_noupdate) Unknown PCM null
ALSA lib pcm_dmix.c:996:(snd_pcm_dmix_open) unable to open slave
ALSA lib setup.c:555:(add_elem) Cannot obtain info for CTL elem (MIXER,'AC97 2ch->4ch Copy Switch',0,0,0): No such file or directory
ALSA lib pcm_dmix.c:996:(snd_pcm_dmix_open) unable to open slave
ALSA lib setup.c:555:(add_elem) Cannot obtain info for CTL elem (MIXER,'AC97 2ch->4ch Copy Switch',0,0,0): No such file or directory
ALSA lib pcm_dmix.c:996:(snd_pcm_dmix_open) unable to open slave

and so on...

Hi,

I installed the last Ubuntu 32-bit Skype (v.2.1.0.47 beta) and in the "sound devices" options i can only choose Pulseaudio server (local). How can i change them to ALSA?

I found the solution by playing around. I wrote "default" instead of "Pulseaudio Server" in the skype's config.xml. (gedit ~/.Skype/own skype name/config.xml)

just like this:

<CaptureDevice>default</CaptureDevice>
<RingDevice>default</RingDevice>
<SoundDevice>default</SoundDevice>

I used Kryzzalid's idea and went into the config.xml file. Unlike Kryzzalid I had to set mine to 0s. I tried default and it didn't change anything. Mine had 1s in each of those fields so I just set them to 0. I rebooted for good measure and when it came back up I saw that it still had Pulse audio in the sound settings under OPTIONS but imagine my surprise when I made a test call to the Skype server and it sounded just great. I don't know if I'm using PulseAudio or ALSA but it works. I'm happy for that.

Thanks to the Skype guys for continuing to develop Skype for Linux users.

Mike

Well, it was too good to be true. I had to reboot the PC and now when I bring up Skype and try to call the Skype test acct I get: "Problem with audio playback". I guess I need to figure out how to remove Pulse Audio and go back to the ALSA audio.

Mike

Berkus makes a point or two about disabling PA in
http://share.skype.com/sites/linux/2009/09...planations.html
while a thread by Piter referenced idyllictux's comprehensive method for Ubuntu.

a temporary workaround from PA thread is to invoke a media player:

if you can direct that to play on speakers.

On the "Sound Devices" tab I cannot choose any Alsa devices, only PulseAudio.

Hello! I have similar problem with ringing on another sound device.
Ringing works only if Ringing device is same with Speakers. If Ringing is another device or even same device with different name the only ring I can hear is a little crackle.
My device list:
Click to view attachment
OS: openSUSE 11.0 x86-64
Everything was fine with Skype 2.0.

hi there,

when removing pulseaudio on ubuntu 9.04, it says that it will remove along with it also the ubuntu-desktop, which i probably need, as im on a desktop machine.

how to procede?

can not use pulseaudio since skype doesnt allow me to select usb headset for voice

regards
Tibor

The above appears to have fixed my skype mic issues. I am running Ubuntu 9.10 on an HP DV6700 Laptop if this helps other people. I struggled to find a way of getting Pulse to work. I did have some success although it was still unusable. It seems to me that the issue is related to mic amplification levels saturating when pushed too high.

I'm willing to try skype beta when i've time. meanwhile i'd like to ask if more people see the same behaviour (as i have in 2.0)
skype reaches 100% cpu very fast if bluetooth headset gets disconnected (powered off,out of range) and only a restart on skype will re-enable sound.

Reproduce: connect skype, ring test call, disconnect call, and poweroff your headset.check usage, power on headset... still high CPU usage?!

There is a bug between version 2.0 & 2.1 for the following onboard sound chipset:

00:1b.0 Audio device: Intel Corporation 82801H (ICH8 Family) HD Audio Controller (rev 03)

Selecting the default sound device for "ringing" (my laptop speakers) does not enable sound in version 2.1. The "test sound" button is also greyed out. My USB Cyberphone W inputs are picked up ok & I can make & receive calls - just no sound from the application. Integrated Webcam works fine with compositing turned on.

I tried installing pulseaudio but in the skype options "pulse localserver" is the only option available for all 3 inputs so my USB phone wouldn't work with it so I had to remove pulseaudio & go back to ALSA

I have gone back to version 2.0 which works fine with ALSA.

I'm running Linux Mint 7 (based on Jaunty) with 2.6.30.9 Kernel & the latest stable X Updates (Optimal configuration from http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1130582 )