A problem with Skype Video: the call starts normally, but sometimes after half a minute or so, a TERRIBLE WHITE NOISE begins. It's an annoying noise and I can't hear anything else, and the noise doesn't stop. If I hang up and dial again, the problem is solved, but then the white noise may begin again after a while.

Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Do you know any solution to this?

My soft/hardware is Skype Video 2.0.0.43 and Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX. The same hard/software is in the other end, too.

This is a widely known issue among lots of users, as shown on this forum. Do a search for "noise". I have the exact same problem. It has occured to me and my girlfriend in very different situations, with different versions of Skype.

She has two laptops, both having XP SP2. On the first one, the noise only appears with video Skype, when we try to use the cam. On the second one, it appears with any version of Skype.

I tried many things on my side and hers, without success. I even made her check her firewall, which is complete non-sense since we can talk perfectly well during 1 mn, showing that the port is not blocked.

I think this is a bug in the code triggered by a change in the latest versions of Windows (SP2 maybe).

Here is the solution which I posted on a Logitech Fusion thread. I experienced exactly the same problem and I solved it using this procedure, hopefully it will solve your problem as well.

"The solution was to either uncheck the let Skype adjust my sound devices box under sound devices or to go to Control Panel, switch to classic view and open up the Logitech folder, go to the audio tab, enable the Fusion Microphone in the drop down box and uncheck the enable AEC box. Even when I was not using the Fusion microphone as the default, I found it necessary to follow this procedure so as to eliminate the problem.

Also, if you unplug the Fusion and later plug it back in your computer it reverts to the default mode of a check in the AEC box. Therefore you need to repeat this procedure."

[quote=tplehton]A problem with Skype Video: the call starts normally, but sometimes after half a minute or so, a TERRIBLE WHITE NOISE begins. It's an annoying noise and I can't hear anything else, and the noise doesn't stop. If I hang up and dial again, the problem is solved, but then the white noise may begin again after a while.

Has anyone else had this kind of problem? Do you know any solution to this?

My soft/hardware is Skype Video 2.0.0.43 and Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX. The same hard/software is in the other end, too.[/quote]

I applied the "10 to 50 TCP connection at the same time"-patch (here: http://forum.skype.com/viewtopic.php?t=348...ight=tcpip+sys) for Windows XP SP2, and it seemed to work!

I tested with the RELEASE version of Skype Video (not the BETA) on both ends of the conversation, and it _SEEMS_ (I repeat, SEEMS) it works now. I'll post if any change occurs.

[quote=nbarraud]I tested with the RELEASE version of Skype Video (not the BETA) on both ends of the conversation, and it _SEEMS_ (I repeat, SEEMS) it works now. I'll post if any change occurs.[/quote]

Tested what? I've tried unchecking the Skype adjust sound devices box but to no avail I get white noise on and off when on a call/video.

I was looking forward to hooking my parents up with a camera and being able to have video calls but I can't with this issue.

Please help

[quote=twotonemark]Tested what? I've tried unchecking the Skype adjust sound devices box but to no avail I get white noise on and off when on a call/video.

I was looking forward to hooking my parents up with a camera and being able to have video calls but I can't with this issue.

Please help [/quote]

Tested what? Well... To call my GF with Skype + video as stated in my first post on this thread... Which wasn't working before we both upgraded to the latest version (which is now the final). Prior to this upgrade I also completely formated my HDD and removed the QoS support from the TCP/IP settings (not sure it had any effect, but I had to do it for other reasons).

But don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that formating, removing QoS and upgrading to the latest version is going to make the noise disappear. Something else might have changed. But these are the only things I did. Give it a try... Just don't forget that any change must be done on both ends of the connection.

You might also want to try the "50 simultaneous failed connections trick" as said in a previous post here. This is a small app you have to use to change a TCP setting in Windows. Search the forum for more info. I very doubt the reliability of this trick tho, as the connection is already established when the noise occurs (thus showing it's not a failed connection case. But I may be wrong as I don't know how exactly Skype internals work).

Hope this helps many.

I am suffering from exactely the same problem. Only with video calls, audio are fine. As soon as you switch on video, maybe 30 seconds later you get white noise.
I have tried the suggestions above, neither of which seem to work for me.
I am wondering if this has any bearing on the type of webcam used as I have tried using MSN Messenger and also Logitech's own software, both of which suffer similar symptoms.
We are both running Logitech Quickcam communicate STX's (the same as tplehton) with Win XP SP2.
What is everyone else using?

Thanks,
Karl

I received a mail saying there's an new answer here.

It gives me the opportunity to report that the problem is still there, just a little bit more spaced. I have no proper connection at this moment but I'll try to report back as soon as I can download and test the latest version of Video Skype...

Hello. Ive been experiencing exactly the same problems. Has anyone discovered a definite explanation/solution?

We are performing further testing and have placed the cameras on 2 desktop machines that are hard wired to the network (as a pose to laptops on wifi) and we are only getting the white noise every 30 minutes or so (it was every 30 seconds or so before) but would still like to know the cause!

Any else got any further tips?

Thanks

It seems there is no solution for this (very serious) problem and it seems the skype staff doesn’t bother to comment on this forum about problems/solutions.

I haven't been able to make a one decent call even if I have tried different setups (both computer & broadband) and top of all ms messenger audio/video conversation works fine between the computers skype has problems...

Unfortunately I’ am sadly disappointed to skype "quality"

There are now a few posts on this. The problem seems to be that when you add a cam with an internal mic, then windows defaults to this as the audio input. The solution is to go into windows setup, and change the audio input device back to being your original genuine mic (soundcard), or a headset. This appears to fix the problem.

Obviously it only happens on cams with internal mic. Not all have this, and those that don't have not had any problems. It also explains why some people complain of poor sound quality after installing the cam (instead of using the headset mic the sound is actually being carried by the camera mic!).

Have you tried ALL the tips posted in this thread?

Hi,

Yes - I can confirm that the problem appears to be using a webcam with internal microphone. White noise kicks in (for the recipient) after 30 seconds. Playing with QoS makes no difference. Not a feedback issue as was using headphones.

For the record I was using a cheap "Globalcam" web cam.

Will search for a work around.

Keith

Hi - newbie to this forum. I have just installed the Locgitech Quickcam plus and am having the sme problems - I have read many posts here that suggest it's because windows is reading the cam/mic as default. I have also tried to change this on my computer but I can only seem to have my voice heard if the settings on playback and record show the Logitech. Am I doing something wrong - looking in the wrong place perhaps? Thanks

Skype:
Skype-->Tools -> Options -->Sound Devices-->USE YOUR MIKE CARD. etc Audio Device (do NOT use windows default device)
You can also tick the ring pc speaker check box as this is a good backup to alert you even
if the main speakers are off or turned down.

Windows:
Start-->Control panel-->Sound and Audio devices
On the audio tab set the default playback device to your main soundcard(AC97/Audio-chip/add-on-adapter), etc.
Your installed audio device must be present there.
If not, reinstall audio device

I'm pleased I found this set of posts about the white noise. I get it on both my computers and also a laptop. I too use logitech cameras with audio. The noise sometimes doesn't start until 3 to 4 minutes into the conversation with video enabled. Then, on each subsequent reconnection the time seems to be shorter and shorter between connection and white noise.

I'll try some of the work arounds, but it really bugs me to think that other people seem to use computers with less power (??) than mine and everything goes quite well.

Also, I noticed that in some instances when the noise starts the cpu usage seems to climb to 98% or more.

Both receiver and sender have to disconnect and connect again for it to work... for another couple of minutes until the noise begins again.

Surely there are enough reported similar problems around for Skype to figure out a workaround or post that there is a potential problem in certain circumstances. Don't kno if this is a similar problem with Ineen.

[quote=sjez]I'm pleased I found this set of posts about the white noise. I get it on both my comuters and also a laptop. I too use logitech cameras with audio. The noise sometimes doesn't start until 3 to 4 minutes into the conversation with video enabled. Then, on each subsequent reconnection the time seems to be shorter and shorter between connection and white noise.

I'll try some of the work arounds, but it really bugs me to think that other people seem to use computers with less power (??) than mine and everything goes quite well.

Also, I noticed that in some instances when the noise starts the cpu usage seems to climb to 98% or more.

Both receiver and sender have to disconnect and connect again for it to work... for another couple of minutes until the noise begins again.

Surely there are enough reported similar problems around for Skype to figure out a workaround or post that there is a potential problem in certain circumstances. Don't kno if this is a similar problem with Ineen.[/quote]

If CPU is climbing to 100% I suspect your issue is CPU overheating, see below:
CPU Temp
Is this a note book or Desktop PC?
Recently we have been identifying the reason for sudden high CPU usage is the PCs CPU overheating, this is normally caused on notebooks by the fan vents getting blocked but it can also happen on desktops.
Please check CPU temp.
Use Speedfan for this
http://www.computerbase.de/downloads/softw...chung/speedfan/
If temp of CPU is over 70% suspect your fan or air vents. Only cure is a clean out of the vents.

4) PC Issue (CPU Temp)
Many PC manufacturers have issues with cooling, its always worth checking their website for known issues, for example a "must have" for Dell laptop.
http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/
http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/manual20/index.html
Another link for DELL here:
http://www.danandsherree.com/2005/04/02/ou...inspiron_11.php

Of course these DELL tests can be run on any PC.

Many thanks.. Gladiator.. re the cpu issue. The computer in question is an old Pentium 3 and it works well for the things my wife needs it to do viz writing letters and preparing lessons etc. I'll check out the overheaing issue.
Incidentally, just tonight she was skyped by a friend in Europe (we live in Australia) and she ended up talking to him for about an hour without the white noise. Funny that, because yesterday it was virtually constant.

thanks again. And thanks in advance to all those working on resolving or at least identifying the cause of the problem. Its a great piece of software.

Pleasure, hope it works

Thanks Gladiator - have changed settings so now waiting for someone to skype me!

Yes, using the "MIKE CARD" solves the problem, but in some situations I WANT to use my camera's (Logitech Quickcam for notebooks) built-in mic. I do believe it's a Skype problem, and I still have not found a solution for this ...

Make sure you have the most updated drivers from logitech if you are using the STX camera. I had the same static noise and updating the drivers fixed it. Even though the driver version on the logitech site might seem to old to be worth installing try it anyway.

This problem is driving me mad, the silly thing is it only happens with a few contacts incidentally they both have new Logitech Quickcam Communicate STX. I have tried using MSN messenger with these contacts and I get the same problem. I've tried all the solutions offered by Skype and still no joy. If anyone has a definitive answer I would be eternally gratefull. Geoff

I was getting white noise with MSN and Skype but only with two contacts, they both had logitech quickcam STX, which incidently were both brought through Amazon but came from Piximania. I got them to download the latest drivers from logitech as suggested on the forum, they ran it, choosing repair rather than a complete installation and it has eliminated the noise problem. It would have been nice if Logitech had posted a fault on their site, these web cams were both brought within the last few weeks!! Hope this is helpful.

Also resident in Adelaide SA, as I see another white noise sufferer is, and also very recently bought two Logitech Quickcam STXs for my XP Presario portable and my wife's XP Acer desktop.

We suffered very badly from the white noise problem. Since we only checked with each other, we're not sure whether both machines were guilty, or just one, but . . . we downloaded and installed ("Repair") the latest Logitech driver from their Australian website and set both our audio parameters exactly as suggested in these posts, and . . . success! Works fine, no white noise, no probs.

We then tried changing the audio settings to use the built-in mike - result was fine for my wife's desktop, but my portable was unusable - not because of any recurrance of the white noise problem, but because of a strange tinny repetitive echo, like a blacksmith hitting a hollow anvil (well, it's hard to describe :-))

I hope our experience may be some encouragement to others who invested in the Logitech STX, and possibly helpful to Logitech and/or Skype. Incidentally, I notice that my Presario (V4004AP) was using between 60% and 70% CPU all the time that we had bidirectional video on, which seems a little excessive for a 1.8GHz machine.

same probs.

Hello,

I have the 'withe noise' issue too.

Here are the two computer configrations:

We both run windows XP SP2 and have a logitech quickcam pro (4000 for me and 5000 for my buddy).
I have a logitech USB headset but my buddy uses the microphone in the webcam.

We both see each other and my buddy can hear me very well.
After half a minute, there is a terrible noise: It becomes very difficult for me to hear my buddy but the problem does not occur on his side.

Right now, we have no solution.

We have stopped using skype video beta and switched back to spontania video4im plugin: we don't have the problem.

I guess there is a bug somewhere !

I also have the white noise, and I and my contact have Creative webcams without mics in them. I use a headset with mic, and he uses the laptop speakers. The white noise is almost always there, in varying levels. The last couple of days, it was extremely distracting. We also kept losing the connection, and getting cut off. Both our CPU's were at 80% or higher, and skype was sucking our memory. I have 1 gig, and he has 2 gigs. Over heating is not an issue with our laptops. I keep the vents clear and clean, and will keep a cool pad under mine to keep it cool. I have tried all the tips on this thread, to no avail. Any other suggestions?

hey guys,
i have the same problem as all of you.
now, what i have found is that this seems to be happening on laptops.
which leads me to believe that it is the sound of the fan that is creating the feedback.
thats the best that i can give ye all. really really really hope this helps ye all

I am using skype with a desktop (Vista) and a laptop (XP) with the same camera. No noise problems when I'm using the laptop; and it's practically impossible to use Skype with my desktop: we have to interrupt conversation every 30 seconds because the person on the other end gets terrible noise. Actually, in my case it's not just Skype, same when I'm using Microsoft Messenger.

I'm giving Skype another 30 days to fix this white noise problem. After that, they'll lose a few customers (myself and my contacts).

None of the above fit my criteria where the noise is concerned as I use a Mac with buit-in iSight and internal mic. My contacts are all using Vista with D-Link webcams and external mics.

Please developers, are you even making an effort to resolving this issue?

The white noise problem is very-very annoying. I use Win XP and usually do not connect my Logitech camera at all, but instead only receive video. If the problem is not fixed within a reasonable time (it looks like ppl complained about it for quite a while) I will switch to one of skype's competitors and will urge all my contacts to do the same.

First of all, don't blame Skype when obviously, as reported by several people, it is not a Skype specific problem.

Second of all, here is an easy fix (assuming you don't intent to use the microphone built into the cam). On the machine causing the noise (i.e. not the one hearing it):
1. Click Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Hardware -> Device Manager.
2. Look in the Audio-Device section for the webcam built-in microphone (mine, e.g., is called "Logitech Mic (Noteboos Deluxe)".
3. Right click it and choose deactivate.
4. Enjoy!

I've applied this trick a week ago and the noise hasn't reappeared since. I hope it also works for others.

cheers,
Christian

Chritian,
Thanks, but your solution doesn't work. I have to switch to Yahoo Messenger.
Yarik

I just wanted to update the thread. This problem still exists.

We had the white noise of death on calls between my wife and her family's PC. They were running with the microphone built into the Logitech camera.

We switched the skype microphone audio device to the PC soundcard, and stopped using the mike in the camera. [tools -> options -> audio devices]

Instead we plugged in a standard mike from an audio headset (i.e. pink plug <-> pink socket) . This resolved the problem.

For those with echo, make sure you mute the microphone from your speakers' output so you don't create a feedback loop.

Again, the user who hears the noise is not the one with the issue. it's the other side, the side using a mic built into a camera. Buy a headset and use it instead.

Usually updating the Logitech driver also solves the problem.

Regards,

Bill