Tips for Audio/ Video poor call quality in Skype for Business

Skype for Business audio / video calls works most of the time however some user frequently sees audio/Video call issue. If you are a Skype for Business user who encounter an audio or video issue during a meeting or a call, this troubleshooting tips might help you resolve the issue.

There are many reasons behind audio/video call issue this article focusing to some common issues. Let’s talk about Audio call issue or other cannot hear you in Skype for Business calls:

If the audio quality is poor—meaning that the other participant can hear you but your voice echoes, sounds muffled, or drops in and out.

Check your network connection:

If there are gaps or delays in the audio or if a participant starts sounding like a robot, it might be your or another participant’s internet or intranet connection causing the problem. Make you are connected to stable network.

Home network: If you are using home network then, check your home network router, firewall you may reboot router and see it help. Sometime your home router firewall set as high security which blocks connections so worth to checking this. You may talk to your network provider, they may help to fixing your network stability issue.

Note: Skype for Business traffic is sensitive traffic which doesn’t like to

Office Network: If you frequently see Audio call issues using office network then change wireless to wired network and see if it helps. Talk to your network engineer they may help you.

Make sure that the correct Audio device is selected.

Most of the time audio issues happens due to wrong audio device, so selecting correct device will help. On the lower-left side of the Skype for Business main window and choose a device from Select Primary Device.

Check your Audio Device Settings.

On the lower-left side of the Skype for Business main window, choose Audio Device Settings. Adjust the volume control under selected Microphone and check that, when speaking normally, at least one-third of the sound detected fills the box.

• If you want to use different devices for audio input and output, choose Custom Device. This selection opens separate drop-down menus for Speaker and Microphone.
• In the Speakers drop-down list, choose t the playback device you want to use. If you only have your computer’s built-in speakers, you’ll see one option in the drop-down list. If you’re using headphones or external speakers, make sure you choose the correct option.
• Choose the play icon to test your speakers.

If the level indicator can’t reach it, then try to increase the signal strength of the microphone in Windows by right-clicking the loudspeaker icon at the bottom-right of the screen.

Focus on Windows speakers icon that is shown on the taskbar

Select Recording devices. Right-click the device Skype for Business uses and choose Properties. On the Levels tab, use the slider control to increase (boost) the strength of microphone’s signal if that setting is available.

How to improve the speech to noise ratio?

The best way to improve audio quality is by increasing the contrast between the sound of your voice and all other sounds around you. There are lots of ways to do this.

In case of speakerphone or webcam move closer to the microphone. Being too far away from your microphone makes it hard for the mic to pick up your voice clearly. If you’re using the built-in microphone on your computer, make sure you know where it is and make sure nothing is blocking it. For tablet devices, make sure your hand or a finger is not blocking the microphone entrance when you hold the device.

Reduce background noise. Quiet spaces are best for audio quality because there is less ambient noise for your voice to compete with. Built-in microphones tend to pick up sound from all around.

Reduce the volume of the playback. If the volume of your speakers is too loud, or if the speakers are too close to your microphone, either condition can cause interference or echo. Turn down the volume on your speakers and, if possible, move them farther away from the microphone.

Use a headset. Almost all the issues described can be improved or solved by using a USB headset (Skype for Business approved headset). Most of the USB headsets work with Skype for Business, but the best experience is guaranteed by using a Skype for Business Certified headset listed in the catalog (refer: http://partnersolutions.skypeforbusiness.com/solutionscatalog/personal-peripherals-pcs).

If the headset is new and you’re having problems with audio, try plugging it into a different USB port. Also check for hardware level microphone mute. On some headsets, for example, rotating the microphone boom up toward the ceiling equals “mute.” Consult the headset quick start guide or user guide for information about the proper operation of the headset.

Tips for Video Call quality issue:

If video quality is poor—meaning that call participants can see each other’s video feed, but the picture is too dark, blurred, or pixelated, or the picture freezes, following tips might can help you:

Check your network connection

If the video freezes, looks block-like, or has motion blur, it might be your Internet connection (or another participant’s Internet connection) causing the problem. If Skype for Business detects a weak connection, it’ll reduce the quality to try and stop the call from dropping altogether. Check your network connect and call to provider for further help.

Improve the lighting conditions

A well-lighted room can make a big difference with the video quality of your calls. If the room is too dark, your webcam will try to amplify the signal to make the picture brighter, which reduces the video quality. Also, if you have a window(s) or a bright light source behind you, for example, your face will appear dark and featureless to the other participant. For best results, make sure there’s enough ambient light, and avoid back light.

Check your camera settings

In the Skype for Business main window, go to Tools > Video Device settings. You’ll see what your camera sees in the window. Choose Camera Settings to access the settings of the used webcam. We recommend using the default settings to let the camera automatically adapt to the lighting conditions. It might be necessary, however, to manually change some settings. For example, the anti-flicker setting might not be set correctly for the 50 Hz (hertz) or 60 Hz wall power setting in your area.

Upgrade your camera

Built-in cameras in older laptops and tablets might not produce the best results. You might want to invest in a newer webcam. Most external webcams work with Skype for Business, but the best experience is guaranteed by using a Skype for Business Certified webcam listed in the catalog. If you’re already using an external camera and you’re having problems with video, try plugging it into a different USB port.

Thank you.