Hi All,

I wasn't sure where to post a bug but here it is, I can copy it somewhere else if I need to:

System -> Toshiba A135, Logitech Pro Webcam, Universal Mic

OS - Ubuntu 9.04
Skype Version -> 2.1.0.47-1 (Beta)

We decided to install Beta because the other version kept having problems with default sound options.

When I call out with the computer the first call goes through no problem at all, crystal clear video and sound both ways.

If I hang up and call the same person again then all they hear is horrible static, can't hear my voice at all.

I can provide anything else if you request it. Thank you much

Edit -> Forgot to mention that a system restart fixes the problem so I can call one time again and then the same issue happens

Similar problem:
Ubuntu 9.10
Skype 2.1.0 latest/1 Oct 09 version
Sony Vaio
Plantronics headset, jacked, not usb

Cannot get mic to work. Very unstable. Sending this message via Windows XP.

Unless I can get Skype to work, will have to revert back to windows. I know this does mean anything to Skype as I'll still be using it, but complexity of Linux install is mindbogglingly complicated.

Don't know whether problem is skype or ubuntu as I don't do software for a living....

AFAIK a recent Karmic is no issue.
Strange if install is complicated, although still Skype beta too.

You don't say if you went through a setup with pulseaudio e.g.
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=422301
(which rehashes that aspect from 2.1 PA feedback thread for someone else who hadn't read.)

or if you're using ALSA only.

The white noise issue is mentioned in 2.1 PA thread early too - with a referral to the release notes whose URL is referenced in initial post IIRC (certainly in one of the feedback threads' opening posts).

That thread (see under "Important") would be the logical place for concerns such as these, esp since reading it would've saved you time versus asking (and waiting). Ours too, and so that lack of netettique is why there's not been a reply before this.

Dear Chriswozzie

Thanks for your response, very much appreciated. By way of background I have googled everything and read, so familiar with material you cite. I can only assume at this stage that Linux is still work in progress to some extent, though I do prefer it to XP and want to get all this to work. Posting here is a call of desperation as I don't know any Linux experts.

I do have sound as radio works; headphones and my external speakers, it is the microphone that is the problem.

What I have done:

1. installed/uninstalled pulseaudio at least 3x
2. installed/uninstalled oss 2x
3. ran Alsa, all the above on their own or in some combinations
4. tried skype, skype static and tried skype 2.0..., and 2.1... (32-bit)
5. ran under Ubuntu 9.04, and upgraded and did all the above on Ubuntu 9.10 (now that was serious mistake as things I tried really messed up the system, too much sudo code for the poor machine to digest).
6. checked hardware groups on whether was a problem with Sony Vaio P...
7. tried every combination of sound in/out (intel.../pulse/oss/ and so on, on Skype options (very familiar with Skype as I was an early adopter).

Runtime on this: probably 2 days over the past few weeks.

Have concluded problem lies with hardware, probably. Using a Plantronics headset using jacks; will now get an adapter to plug in USB as that apparently that involves different detection software.

What I have learned though is this:
1. there is conflicting advice on the subject
2. it is a significant problem if going by the number of people with the problem
3. fault partly lies with competing sound systems that are not detecting installed hardware.
4. folk either like or dislike Pulseaudio but for reasons that appear more personal than substantial; this leads to draconian advice which is often quite wrong-headed. (but works for them).

All I want is Skype to work. And to quote someone on one of the problem groups: "It should not be this hard".

Wow.. I see why you said complicated install process!! That indeed is mindboggling

And I can see why you didn't post as 2.1 f/b.

Just quick thoughts:
So the mic doesn't work for the desktop's sound recorder?
Does it appear when show all in Input Devices tab of PA's "pavucontrol &" ?
It's unclear on net/bug-trackers (esp ALSA, kernel else OSS) whether input on that Viao soundchip (as described by "lspci" command) has been and is currently an issue?
Still fine under XP so not h/w defect?
Does "very unstable" mean sometimes something works?

Hmmm! Gotta run - best wishes for now,

Chris

P.S. Certainly with 2.0, going for a USB sound card could be a good workaround. A Plantronics' USB headset will probably also work (once selected via PA control) even though their knowledge base is negative on the prospects. Hopefully could to take the Vaio in to try, but would only make sense if could then sell old headset.

Although PA is in process of developing all sorts of stuff, seems that, with setup, current packages on 9.10 works with 2.1 for majority. Cleanly testing the new beta with desktop recorder might be a way to get dev attention on a problem.
(OTOH, may have new probs that 9.04 doesn't.)

You're right that the delivery of PA has left plenty of emotional scars! Although it sounded like a luxury, it's actually driven by hardware changes.
And the system spectrum resulting from linux's freedom is indeed makes it a double-edged sword/testing manager's nightmare when it comes to debugging and weighing advice when circumstances are not detailed/appreciated. Hence the current focus on automated bug reporting.
Increasing market clout with h/w OEMs will help too.

PPS Since seen configuration way to solve mic problem like with 2.0 (and I guess potentially with ALSA 2.1).

I had the same white-noise problem in 3 computers after installing 2.1beta. After some testing I manage to locate the problem and solve it.

The problem is that for some reason the boosting of microphone volume is too high for skype. This can be solved by running alsamixer in command line, then press tab to get to the capture/or microphone settings view and reduce the mic/capture volume bars to 60% (or even lower values if noise still remains). After that test call should work fine.