Skype Video on Darter

[pseudotheist]

Hey, I'm looking at getting a System 76 Darter, but kinda new to the whole linux PC thing (only ever a user on pre-configured boxes). I assume that since it's pre-configured for Ubuntu I'll skip most of the installation pitfalls, and I'm given to understand that Open Office, WinE, and GIMP will address most of my computing needs, but I really wanted to be sure about this one before committing to purchase:
Will I be able to make and receive video-phone calls over Skype on this box? Are there any complications I will have to address to make this possible?

[thomasaaron]

Yes, you will.

You will have to set up the audio on Skype (which we can help you with), and you will have to turn on your camera before starting Skype. That should be about it.

[Spr0k3t]

Just chiming in to say the Daru3 works fantastic with skype.

[pseudotheist]

Got it today. Don't see any indication of how to turn on or use the camera...

[thomasaaron]

Fn-F10 turns on the camera. You can use it in Ekiga Softphone or Skype, but you should turn it on before starting the app.

[pseudotheist]

Fn-F10 turns on the camera.

That was gonna be my next guess...


Should I have Camorama or anything to use the camera for standard picture and video taking, or will the fn-F10 open an app for that?


I'll be installing Skype when I get home this afternoon. You mentioned something about setting up the sound? I currently only have the embedded microphone...

[thomasaaron]

Camorama won't work. Only applications that support the v4l2 format will work.

You might try Cheese (but it was broken in Intepid, and I'm not sure if it is fixed yet).

Your cam will definitely work with Skype and Ekiga Softphone, though.

[pseudotheist]

When I try to install the Skype package it gives me: "Error: Wrong architecture 'i386'"

[pseudotheist]

O.k. So I got Skype installed via mediabuntu, but can't get it to recognize the camera. I don't see any visual response when I press Fn-F10. How can I verify the camera is on?

[Spr0k3t]

Open up a terminal. You should see something like this when you type lsusb:

Bus 004 Device 002: ID 5986:0303 Acer, Inc

It may not be all warm and fuzzy type of "your camera is on" but at least it's a way of verifying. I haven't had any problems using Ekiga, Cheese, or Skype on my DARU3 (8.10 64bit installed).