"Freddie Starr" distortion on Skype

[evadgib]

Hi All,

We speak to my aging parents every week via Skype. Everything used to be fine but in the last month or so I haven't been able to hear what they're saying because 90% of their conversation seems to be muted like a Freddie Starr or Jim Davidson routine.. I have sent a plug in microphone via ebay which should reach them by Monday. If this doesn't solve the problem does anyone have any other suggestions as to what may be wrong?

They're using a 4 year old Toshiba laptop with an internal mic. They can hear us.

Thanks

I couldn't find a suitable clip of Freddie or Jim so here's one from Norman Collier:)

[samuijimmy]

Assume you are trying to use Audio and video,? ...

Sometimes just cut out the video part works... and just listen....

Sometimes getting the other party to call you back, works ....can clear after two or three attempts...

Sometimes nothing works!

Although usually does most of the time. .....

I used Facetime the other day, that was really good, but then you would need a Mac at each end!!

I am not sure if clearing your system cache helps?

Funny video!

[lemonjelly]

Is your headphone socket ok Dave ? Maybe the problem's your end, not theirs.

[Digitalbanana]

I had same problem with my aging Mum. First I stopped using Skype to Skype and went Skype to phone, as the old dear was still able to use a phone but Skype was too difficult. Then that became too hard, as she couldn't hold the phone to her ear all the time ...

[evadgib]

Thanks for the replies. My speakers appear OK. I'll try clearing the cache to see if that makes a difference.

Edited February 24, 2014 by evadgib

[evadgib]

The new microphone made things a lot easier but I also found this useful when clearing the caches on my computers followed by that of my parents in UK (I talked them through each stage):

Happy for this thread to be closed