With the technician at your shoulder.
Step by step guide to setting up and using a VOIP or video call connection between practice and dental laboratory using Skype By Ulrich Heker & Chris Thomas In times of globalization and modern communication technology, there is an increasing interest in video conferencing. International companies have been using this technology for some time and there is a great potential for small and medium-sized companies to use video conferencing systems in their business. So far so good. But what about for my/a dental laboratory, my/a dental practice?
Skype why? In the search for a program that lets you make video calls, it was important to find one that was cheap (see: real video conferencing systems) and easy for anyone to set up and to use. There are other commercial software solutions that may require a decent amount of hardware, have high charges plus monthly rental costs, though they do provide a lot of additional services. There are a few other programs of this kind, but Skype is probably the one with the most widespread. For use in the laboratory, the system should meet certain criteria, especially for communication with the dentist or their patients in the practice. Communication can even take place during the actual treatment:
What the program should provide:
Transmission of live streams at the highest possible quality A bidirectional voice connection, Capable of file exchange Screen sharing in either direction. Text or chat similar to SMS.
Camera specifications:
High resolution, at the highest possible frame rate (frames per second) Auto Focus A good macro function that lets you get close up Still image recording with high quality. Solid construction with good mounting option Good color reproduction Good value for money Easy to use
Prerequisites for Internet telephony via Skype In order for Skype to work, in addition to the software and a PC, you need internet access and a headset (headphones and microphone) or a microphone. (Speakers are prone to feedback). For frequent and longer calls, we recommend a high-quality professional headset that is comfortable to wear. During treatment small unobtrusive headsets are certainly more appropriate. Therefore, you should try them out in the store.
Main Features Free calls between two or more Skype users. Calls to landlines and mobiles. Free instant messaging.
Voice mail. Free video calls. Forwarding calls to a phone when you are offline. File sharing
Skype is growing in popularity in the face of competition, because of its high quality voice and video chat. This hub will show you how you can download Skype and configure it for voice and video conversation.
Skype installation - explanation for beginners This assistance relates to the installation on Windows XP. Other Windows versions should be similar to this process. First you should think about where you want to install Skype. I chose my laptop, so I can use it in any room with WIFI, needing only one CAM. If you are already familiar with the use of Skype , you can directly go to “Using Skype” Before learning how to install and configure Skype of voice call and video chat, you must have Skype installed on your computer. If you have not already done so, go to the Skype download site. Skype also works with Mac OS and Linux. Social networking site MySpace can be integrated with Skype. If you are interested in including your MySpace friends in your Skype, download the MySpace version of Skype, on the left side of the download page.
Step 1 When you open the download page click on the “Download Now” button, a new page will open, that requires your “sign in” information..
Step 2 After the download, the following dialog appears and asks if the file should run, or be stored. In this manual I have clicked "run", because I do not think that it is necessary to save the Skype downloads on my hard drive. This keeps your machine clean.
Step 3 Depending on the connection this will take a little time
Step 4 Click on "Run" when the pop-up with the query about starting "SkypeSetup.exe" appears. (If you chose "Save" in step 2, the program can be run from the directory you specified)
Step 5 In Windows Vista, and 7, you should install the software with administrator privileges. To do this, right-click the file and select "Run as administrator". A wizard guides you through the process. The installation follows. In this step there is not much to choose. The correct language usually is preset.
Step 6 Please read the terms and conditions very carefully. If you have no objections, accept the license agreement and continue with <next >.
Step 7 Where do you want to install Skype?. I prefer to use the default path. This makes removing the software later easier if you change your mind.
Step 8 Should I create a desktop icon? Should Skype automatically run when Windows starts? Here I tick both. One wants to be accessible. In the first installation window, please click <Options> on the lower left. There you can set different preferences (eg, whether Skype will be loaded at Windows start up. Text messages sent to you outside your business times will automatically appear on screen during startup. After that Skype is installed on your hard disk.
Step 9 The last step of Skype installation
Step10 Skype Login Skype account creation After finishing installation, click on the Skype icon on your desktop to start Skype. Log on to your account with the Skype name and the password that you created with your account when you downloaded it.
Step 11 The next page is not compulsory but is useful if you want to be found under your "real" name, which is certainly practical for professionals. This information can also be found later in your profile.
Step 12 All other steps are explained in detail in the "Skype-Start wizard .
Do not forget to write down the password!.
How to work with Skype All a matter of settings The Skype settings are found in the menu: Tools> Options. Laptop users: If using a separate cam with its own microphone, make sure you have selected the right hardware in the options for both camera and microphone. Generally, the laptop web cams are good enough for normal conversation. They are less able to show objects in close up or in detail. You can usually safely adopt all other settings under options.
The Skype program surface Skype offers a clear and simple user interface.
It only includes two windows. These are connected, but can be also separated from each other. Just click the top right of the symbol contact mode. In the left window are the main functions: contacts, conversations, phone calls or send SMS search (for paid calls to land line), persons or companies. Click on one of these menus, the view changes in the right window. At the top is the menu bar. Below that is your account name. When you click on the close button, Skype moves straight into the system tray of Windows task bar
Adding Contacts to Skype Account To add a friend, click on the “Add a Contact
” Now if you know the Skype name of your friend, then write it and click on Find.
When the name appears, select it and click on the “Add Contact” button
Before your first call: To test your sound set up in any version of Skype, use the Skype Test Call robot - find it in your contact list. This way, you can try a test call any time to check your headset, speakers and/or microphone are working properly.
Skype Call So you can talk for free to someone, he or she has to be in your contact list and on Skype.
Click on New and select Contact. Enter the name, Skype name or e-mail address of the chosen contact. Start the search by clicking. A list of all results will be displayed. In addition to the name of the Skype members you can also see a national flag. Clicking on a name, a blue information icon appears in the background. Clicking on this displays more information about this person. When you have found the desired contact, select them and click add Skype contact. This sends a request to the person, asking if he/she wants to be in contact with you. You can also add a message to this request, for example, your details. Click to send the contact request. Once the person accepts your request, you can see if the person is online on your contact list (green symbol) or offline (gray symbol). It is possible to talk to several persons and exchange documents at the same time .
Skype Video Call This only works while the person is online. To start a video call in Skype, first check that your web cam is connected with your computer and that it is working. If the video cam is OK, then log on to your Skype account, and find the contact that you want to start a video call with. Make sure that if your contact is already online, (green tick mark just beside their icon, otherwise there will be a gray cross mark) If your contact is online, then after selecting them just click on “Video Call” in the main window of Skype. Press the green call button in the right window. The red phone is used to end calls. You can use a webcam and make a video call (video interview). Note that the LifeCam’s own configuration program has to be shut down. Here you can store the setting of the camera in advance.
Video conference call This is a welcome feature for friends and families, but it also opens up some great business opportunities. The Globe and Mail You can make a group video call to up to nine other contacts (we recommend a maximum of five, depending on bandwidth.( 28 days Tryout only ;-( ) To make a group video call:
Sign in to Skype. From the menu bar, click Contacts > Create New Group. From the Contacts tab, drag the contacts you wish to add to the group video call into the Empty group area. Once you have added your contacts, click<Video Call> to begin the call.
You can also turn a video call with one person into a group video call. Just click <Add People> during the call and add other contacts.
Please note that people on a group video call will be unable to send and receive video if:
They do not have Skype 5.0 for Windows installed. They are on a landline or mobile. They are not using Skype. Also, people will be unable to send video if there are more than nine other people already on the group video call, although they will still be able to receive video. You cannot use screen sharing on a group video call.
Settings A rule of thumb: • • • •
The higher the resolution, the better the individual picture, but the more jerky the video. In offline operation under high-resolution: snapshots of fine structures and small objects. Photos with LifeCam Software. Low to medium resolution: for normal conversation. For video to show detail, use a high resolution and a steady hand.
You have to give the autofocus of the camera a little time, especially when the object is very close, and has a detailed structure. You may encounter flickering in form of horizontal bars. This is due to the ever-present fluorescent tubes in practices / laboratories. It can be removed using the flickering setting in the right menu bar in LifeCam.
Useful chat function: Instant Messages (IMs) This ability to communicate by Skype has proven to be very useful in everyday life. It's faster than e-mail, is not "spamming" as it is permission based. It alerts the recipient in an audible and visual manner. Call-back requests, questions regarding dental appointments, references to webcam pictures already sent, enquiries about tooth colors etc.; these can be done quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption of either the laboratory or practice.
How do I send instant messages?
In your contact list, find the person or group you want to message. Or on the Recent tab, find the message you want to pick up again. Click on the person, group or conversation. In the main window, click inside the conversation box. Type a message and click the blue Send message button, or just press the Enter key on your keyboard.
How do I answer instant messages?
If someone IMs you, your Recent tab will have an orange dot on it. Click the Recent tab. You'll see a list of conversations, with unread messages shown in bold. Find the IM you want to reply to and click it. In the main window, click inside the conversation box. Type a message and click the blue Send message button, or just press the Enter key on your keyboard. In contrast to a VOIP call, your contact does not have to be online for text messages. This is very convenient when the recipient is out of the practice. The message is stored and will be delivered when they are online.
Useful things you can do in an instant message Add more contacts to the conversation to create a group IM. Send documents, photos and video clips of any size.
Transmitting screen content Another useful feature is the function <screen sharing>. If you click the menu during the call, this feature allows your partner to see your screen contents live. This can be useful when referring to pictures or documents during the call when the other caller does not have them. I use this feature to discuss and to correct existing photos or documents online.
The required hardware (you already have the PC or laptop) These instructions refer to the Microsoft LifeCam, because the camera seemed to match my requirements best. In my opinion the auto focus function should be a little faster in the close up area. REM: If there are any suggestions for alternative hardware, they should be added at this point
LifeCam Cinema The manufacturer specifications: (NO, I do not get any commission!) Online communication in cinema format: The LifeCam captures high resolution videos in 16:9 widescreen and 720p high definition resolution - for sharp and brilliant motion and still images. (Note: That really!)
16:9 widescreen format High definition image sensor in 16:9 widescreen format with 720p resolution (1280x720) for sharp video images in cinema look and photos with 5 megapixels (interpolated)
Auto Focus Your image is always sharp and lifelike - even with close-ups.
Lens with glass elements The high-resolution optics with a lens containing glass elements produce vibrant, high quality video, even with the adverse lighting are always sharp.
Flexible Universal Mount The flexible base bend, fold and shape - for the best angle on laptop screens, flat panels and traditional monitors.
Digital Microphone Clear sound thanks to built-in microphone with digital noise reduction
Aluminum body Good-quality workmanship with aluminum body
LifeCam Dashboard
Windows Live Call Button
Flexible Universal Mount The flexible base bend, fold and shape - for the best angle on laptop screens, flat panels and traditional monitors.
Please find attached at the end of this article a few sample photos of this cam
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about money Microsoft Store ( more expensive ;-) ) At Amazon.de At Amazon.co.uk between 30 and 60 â&#x201A;Ź
Example Pictures Live Cam Date: 28.07.2010 Light: daylight Exposure: auto. Distance: 2,00m Resolution:800 x 500 Cutting: no Software: Live Cam
Picture editing: no
Date: 28.07.2010 Light: daylight Exposure: auto. Distance: 0,04m Resolution:800 x 500 Cutting: no Software: Live Cam
Picture editing: no
Date: 28.07.2010 Light: daylight Exposure: manual. Distance: 0,025m Resolution:800 x 500 Cutting: no Software: Live Cam
Picture editing: no
Conclusion There are many good reasons to use Skype as communication software in the dental laboratory and in the practice: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
Save time and money Improve of your productivity
• • •
Faster and more reliable decision making Better cooperation between practice and laboratory Faster product infos
It's so easy! Download Skype today. Install Skype and connect to the rest of the world with the plug of your cam. Just a few clicks! .. and call us! SKYPE: TEETH ARE US
"See you" About Ulrich Heker
Dr Chris Thomas
Owner-manager of Dentallabor Ulrich Heker founded in1996 with the strap line TEETH ‘R’ US. A as a qualified master craftsman (MDT) since 1991, he has over 26 years’ experience both at the bench and in running a successful business. ■ Ulrich Heker Dentallabor Ulrich Heker D-45130 Essen Corneliastr. 17. Tel: +49 (0)201 79 79 55 Email: ulrich@teethrus.de Web: www.german-smile.info
Director of Milton Contact Ltd, specialized in communication in pictures, word and person.
■ Dr Chris Thomas Milton Contact Ltd 3 Hall End, Milton, Cambs CB24 6AQ Tel: +44 (0) 1223 44 00 24, Email: chris@miltoncontact.com Web: www.miltoncontact.co.uk
Dateiname: Verzeichnis: Vorlage:
Skype English full.doc C:\Program Files\Mozilla Thunderbird C:\Users\Ulrich\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates\Norm
al.dotm Titel: Skype Installation - Erklärung für Einsteiger Thema: Autor: Ulrich Stichwörter: Kommentar: Erstelldatum: 29.11.2010 09:02:00 Änderung Nummer: 19 Letztes Speicherdatum: 01.12.2010 23:53:00 Zuletzt gespeichert von: Ulrich Letztes Druckdatum: 10.01.2011 19:38:00 Nach letztem vollständigen Druck Anzahl Seiten: 10 Anzahl Wörter: 2.304 (ca.) Anzahl Zeichen: 14.521 (ca.)