So much so that today's TVs are multimedia powerhouses, allowing you to do all sorts of things: surf the Internet, watch videos on YouTube, enjoy on-demand content platforms like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video... You can even use your Smart TV make video calls.
Contents [show]
- Benefits of video calling using Smart TV
- You need Android TV 6.0 or higher Sony KD-55AG9
- Philips 65OLED854/12
- Philips 55OLED754/12
- Sony KD-43XH8196PBAEP
- TCL 65DC762
- Sony KD-65XG8196BAE
- Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 65-inch
- CHiQ Smart TV
- Philips Ambilight 65PUS7354
- Xiaomi Mi TV 4A
Pros and cons of using Skype on TV
The advantages are as follows:
- The effect of the presence of the interlocutor in the room due to the large image size.
- Automatic equipment configuration.
- Convenient controls and a simplified interface in which it is impossible to get lost, as happens in the PC version.
- Audio and video calls between program users are completely free. You can also call a landline or mobile phone from the program, but an additional fee will apply.
- Group calls with a maximum of 25 participants.
The disadvantages include:
- Inconvenient chat due to the lack of a full keyboard.
- You cannot use Skype to call emergency services.
Skype cannot be used for emergency calls.
Connecting and setting up the camera
If your smart TV model does not have a built-in camera, you will need to purchase it separately. As already mentioned, the one that you connect to the computer will not work in this case. TV cameras have built-in microphones that pick up and transmit sound over a greater distance than web devices, and also broadcast the image in accordance with the resolution of the TV screen.
So you'll have to
There is also a broadcast of Czech television and others.
You'll also find less conventional programs such as exercise. Basic video lessons are free, you can pay for additional lessons. Smartphones are where we download games most often, and creators like this one are also promising on TVs. However, if the problem of different platforms among manufacturers is quite small, the inconsistent control over TV manufacturers is a decisive problem. While tablet control is defined by the touch of all makes and sizes, TV makers are going in all directions. The next step in how to connect Skype to your TV is setting up and using the camera. Connecting the device usually does not cause problems and is described in some detail in the manufacturer's instructions. Don't forget to also agree to the license agreement that will appear after installing the device. Next, if you have access to the network, an invitation to log into Skype or will appear on the TV screen.
Even worse, advanced drivers such as touchpads, keyboards, or wireless drivers only show up on higher models. For most TVs, you need to enter any text by selecting the virtual keyboard on the screen, or as with older mobile phones, using a few keys on the number buttons.
The best feature of the new TVs is the wireless transmission of images from a computer, tablet or mobile phone. We've tried them for a long time, unfortunately they are often just marketing bait. Both can be done on TV, however, with low comfort, you can better reach your mobile phone with a fractional diagonal screen. Classic smart TV offering: streaming video, weather forecasts and attractive but impractical social networks. However, some services can be practical and useful.
In order to be in the application, you must enter your login using the virtual keyboard, which will open in front of you after starting the program. Using the remote control, select the desired button and press OK. After this, a program window will appear with several tabs. Please note that it will be slightly different from what you see on your computer or mobile device.
Ideal for family video calls when you don't have to stumble around in front of your computer or laptop. However, there are skeptics who have already heard about the possibility of misuse. Current topic in internet discussions. They want one after Wednesday to be used in modern anorexic televisions, others refuse it for various reasons. Quickly, try to look at the pros and cons of smart apps.
Speaking in "Eve" about the changes associated with the appearance of TVs this year with different operating systems, we can still talk about the subject. It cannot be assumed that all the higher models from all the most famous TV manufacturers will be equipped with a new operating system that will transfer applications to a different, higher and more user-friendly form.
The first tab displays your account information and balance, the second tab displays your contact list. Next, you will see your call history and dialing buttons (for calls to mobile and landline phones). Finally, the very bottom tab allows you to set the settings to your liking. You can navigate through the tabs, as well as perform other actions in the program, using the arrows on the remote control and the OK button.
What to do if Skype does not work well on TV
Lidsky - “Everyone plays his own sandwich.”
Reluctance to agree, so that in the future there may be time until the end, some platforms that some smart car carriers will certainly not like. No, we don't want to be scientists and wish someone "death" from the very beginning of experiments. Yes, some manufacturers have already brought TVs with the system outlined last year. But let's get back to the topic of this short article, or rather entry - flashing reflections. What does a user expect to expect from a smart environment? Simply put, features and applications that are not actually part of the TV are actually part of the computer technology - its software.
Note! If your account in the program has more than 200 contacts, then problems may arise when logging into it from the TV. In some cases, not all of them will be displayed.
Thus, how to set up Skype on a TV is not difficult. Modern technologies offer the opportunity to use the program not only on a computer and mobile devices, but also on TV. You can evaluate how convenient this is on both Smart TV and HD TVs, subject to the additional installation of a special television camera.
Use "yes" but why on a small computer monitor?
Ignoring the fact that most of the best models already have some kind of "smart" environment, so the user buys it anyway, it would be a shame not to use it rather than try it.
However, many TVs offer a simple interface to use this service. Do you really want to enjoy the game on a big board, although sometimes in worse quality? As you certainly feel, this group of applications belongs to those that the user can actually use to their satisfaction. Yes, in this case it is better complemented by a wireless keyboard or at least a driver with a full keyboard. If the television environment is one of the fastest and fastest update utilities, you can certainly use the weather forecast. In some, it even penetrates the home screen, where it provides the latest information.
The popular Skype program today is installed on almost all devices with Internet access. You will find it on computers and laptops, smartphones and tablets. Relatively recently, the ranks of such equipment have been replenished by televisions that have. Skype for Smart TV is a great opportunity to stay in touch with the whole world.
Start a tiny game and find that it is simply impossible to control. You run the app for freely available foreign videos, but they don't. A separate chapter is an integrated web browser. Mostly moves lazily - to put it mildly - with a higher response to stimulus.
This won't work unless you create a list of favorite bookmarks and use them to watch TV. However, it looks like a smart part of modern cars. Because the application group mismatch varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, as any other inventory that the installer may install on the TV must have a good selection in advance. This was sufficient during complete and correct operation, which is also not the rule.
Camera Installation
In general, the procedure is as follows:
- Turn off the TV.
- Place the camera where the user can best be seen. On the top edge of the TV, for example.
- Connect the device to the USB port.
- Turn on the TV and connect to the Internet.
- Wait until it recognizes the new connected device and offers to install drivers for it.
- Follow the instructions of the Driver Installation Wizard.
- Configure the camera by specifying the preferred resolution of the transmitted video, microphone sensitivity and device position. This can be done in the window that appears after the driver installation is complete.
This completes the installation and configuration of the camera.
Vg stc2000
Samsung devices are among the most popular and high-tech on the market. One of the popular Skype cameras for Samsung TV is the Vg stc2000 model.
Skype camera for Samsung Vg stc2000 TV is a high-quality picture in HD format and video at 30 frames/sec. Only one USB cable is used for connection, which greatly simplifies installation.
Vg stc2000
Skype for Samsung SmartTV
Unfortunately, development and support for the app for TVs with this feature was discontinued in the fall of 2021. Therefore, you cannot install Skype on Samsung TVs manufactured after this date. This applies to devices of the K, D, J and U series. They only work with the web version via the Google Chrome or Edge browser.
- How to install Skype on Smart TV: solutions for different TVs
You can install this messenger only on E, F and H series devices using a flash drive, since it is not available in the official application store.
Installation
Required installation files:
- E series: models 5xxx-6xxx;
- models 7xxx-8xxx.
- models 5xxx-6xxx;
- T-GFP firmware;
Installation procedure:
- Unpack the archive and download the resulting folder to a flash drive.
- Connect it to a switched off TV.
- Turn on TV.
- Find the Install Skype file on the flash drive and run it.
- Follow the instructions in the Application Installation Wizard.
- Complete the installation by clicking "Exit".
- Turn off the TV by unplugging the plug from the outlet for 20-30 seconds.
- Open the applications menu.
- Choose
- Log in to the messenger using your Microsoft account login and password.
When to use
The design of the LED or liquid crystal matrix of a household device is such that the image should be viewed from a great distance, otherwise your eyesight may be damaged:
- on a TV, even with a high screen resolution, squeaking is much more noticeable compared to a monitor;
- the luminous flux is brighter and stronger, which quickly tires the eyes;
- TVs have a hard time withstanding static images, which is the norm for video surveillance;
- These factors, combined with the minimal reliability of the technology, make it impossible to create a professional control system at a commercial facility.
Skype for LG SmartTV
Unlike Samsung, there are no separate Skype installation files for LG. It is built into the firmware of TVs manufactured before 2015. The only way to install it is to roll back the firmware to an older version.
Required software:
The procedure is as follows:
- Save the downloaded file to a flash drive.
- Connect the drive to the TV.
- Run the installation file by opening it through the file manager.
- Wait for the installation to complete and log in to the application. It will configure automatically.
TV specifications
TVs are characterized by low build quality and more affordable parts, which, unlike professional monitors, can cost an order of magnitude less. This factor is due to the different objectives of manufacturers: in the first case, they work on reliability, in the second, on reducing prices. Household devices will not be able to work around the clock for a long time; after some time, pixels will begin to “fall off” on them and “dead zones” will appear. The parts of professional monitors use rare earth elements; they have increased conductivity and are not subject to corrosion and other processes. Well-known industrial models that have not been turned off for 20 years and have not lost their functionality.
Important! In terms of their technical characteristics, most modern TV models perfectly adapt to DVRs. They produce a good picture, but it won’t be that way for long. This is the fundamental difference between household and professional equipment.
Possible difficulties
Various errors may appear while the application is running. They and their possible causes are listed in the table.
Error | Cause |
Registration data not recognized | incorrectly entered login and password; unsupported version of Skype; Internet connection problems |
Login and password combination not found | |
Data transmission error | Random software glitch. Fixed by restarting the TV |
Account suspended | The server detects suspicious network activity and has blocked the account. It is recommended to immediately change your password and contact Skype technical support to unlock your account. |
To summarize, we can say that Skype can only be installed on smart TVs manufactured before 2015. On new, but not all, devices, only the web version of this messenger is available.
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- Review: Samsung VG-STC2000 Webcam - Camera for modern TVs and their users
Video calls used to seem impossible. But now calls using a camera allow you to contact people in different parts of the world. The most popular program for such calls is Skype.
You can use the application not only on computers and phones, but also on some TV models. It is possible to purchase a TV with built-in Skype, which will be a couple of thousand more expensive. But it is also possible to install Skype on a regular HD TV.
Connecting the camera
If the purchased TV does not have a built-in camera, you will need to purchase it separately. However, conventional equipment will not work here. You will need a special camera for smart phones. Many TV manufacturers produce them additionally. Such webcams have their own features and characteristics. They already have a built-in powerful microphone, thanks to which you can make calls and communicate with your interlocutor with good sound. To install it you will need to do the following:
- Connect the USB cable of the camera to the TV into the appropriate connector.
- Login to Skype for TV. All settings will be made automatically. The program will display a field for entering your username and password. This means that all settings have been made correctly.
Popular equipment is offered by Samsung and LG. They are perfectly adapted for smart devices and do not require additional settings. Thanks to powerful microphones, high-quality sound transmission is ensured. Thanks to the magnetic mounts, the device will be held securely.
You can purchase cameras from other manufacturers. The main thing is that they are intended exclusively for smart phones.
Skype Ready
In simple terms, Skype Ready is a set of necessary software on your TV, which gives it the ability to use this program for communication. This means that you will simply need to connect your TV to the Internet using Wi-Fi, as well as activate the camera (or purchase it additionally if you don’t have one, although, as far as we know, the camera should be installed as standard). Skype for TV support exists on a large number of modern devices today.
Recording video from cameras
There is a big disadvantage in the described system - we will not be able to find out what happened while we were not at home, and this is in most cases very important. To create an archive you will need a DVR. It, like CCTV cameras, comes in several types. The most common are analog (DVR), network (NVR, IP technology) and for high-definition cameras (TVI, HDCVI, AHD). The recorder connects to the TV via HDMI or composite output. Instead of a TV, you can also use a computer monitor: the recorders also have a VGA output.
The recorder itself contains a hard drive (HDD) on which the recordings will be stored. Depending on its volume, the archive can be for one week, a month, or maybe even a year. DVRs can detect movement in the frame and record only when it is present. Due to this, the archive can be kept for a longer period, but you need to understand that for the registrar, a walking person or tree branches swaying in the wind are all movement.
The archive is viewed directly from the recorder connected to the TV, or from a computer using special software. They also allow connection from mobile devices (smartphones/tablets).
Start using Skype
In order to know how to install Skype on a TV, you first need to note what exactly is needed for this.
Firstly, TV itself. His choice depends on your preferences. Most Smart TV models support Skype, and some of them have the program built-in. If you are going to install an application without fail, then first check whether it is compatible with the TV that you like.
Secondly, you will need a television camera. In this case, a regular webcam will not work.
Also, to install Skype on your TV, you need Internet access and an account in the application. The latter can be used as an existing one, or, if desired, you can create a new one. This is done absolutely free.
Advice:
There are universal cameras on sale that support Skype. With their help, you can use the application even on regular HD TVs, and not just Smart ones.
Skype has long proven itself to be a convenient application for communication. If you install Skype on Smart TV, you will get a huge monitor with an almost presence effect when communicating. But Microsoft has stopped supporting Skype on Smart TV and official installation is impossible. However, there is a solution.
You need Android TV 6.0 or higher
To get started, you'll need to use an Android compatible webcam. We're already guessing that not all models support Google's operating system, although most Logitech models offer this feature. You should be clear that you won't have any major problems with Android 6 as camera manufacturers are adding this support from this version.
And many TV manufacturers make mistakes when it comes to updating their devices. We have an example from Sony, which took two years to roll out the Android 9 update to its Smart TVs. For this reason and to make it easier for you, all the models you will find in this collection are fully compatible with these webcams.
Sony KD-55AG9
The first model we want to recommend is the 55-inch Sony AG9. An OLED TV that exudes quality from every pore thanks to picture technologies that further enhance the visual landscape of one of the most advanced smart TVs on the market. Without a doubt, your success if you choose this premium model.
Philips 65OLED854/12
Another great option to consider is the Philips 65OLED854/12 Smart TV . A model that boasts support for major HDR standards (HDR10+ and Dolby Vision), so you can make the most of platforms like Amazon Prime Video. And we can't forget its three-point Ambilight technology, where the LED rear lights light up depending on the content playing on the TV for an amazing effect.
Philips 55OLED754/12
The last model with an OLED panel that we want to recommend is the Philips 55OLED754 / 12. A product that shines with its own light thanks to Ambilight technology and also offers undeniable picture quality. Its P5 Perfect Picture Engine delivers superior performance and can upscale content for 4K viewing.
Sony KD-43XH8196PBAEP
We're back at Sony to recommend this 43-inch TV, perfect for the kitchen or your room. To this end, it boasts 4K resolution, HDR Dolby Vision support, as well as Triluminos Technology to offer picture quality that will leave you speechless.
TCL 65DC762
TCL is one of the best recommendations when it comes to buying a TV in the United States. And it is gradually gaining momentum in Spain thanks to an increasingly complete range of products. Without going into too much detail, we have the TCL 65DC762, which stands out because it offers audio quality that will surprise you.
Sony KD-65XG8196BAE
The last smart TV from the Japanese manufacturer that we want to recommend is your Sony KD-65XG8196BAE. Smart TV with ClearAudio+ audio technology, so you'll never miss a conversation again while enjoying your favorite movie or TV show.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S 65-inch
In a compilation of this type, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S could not be absent. The manufacturer has finally brought part of its Smart TV catalog to our country, and it is this model that will fascinate you. Their weapons? It has Chromecast integrated in addition to a really reasonable price.
CHiQ Smart TV
Be careful with this Smart TV because it stands out for its work with Android TV 9.0, as well as support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, so you can make the most of your VOD service subscriptions. The best? Despite the 50-inch screen and 4K resolution, it has a very attractive price.
Philips Ambilight 65PUS7354
How about this other Philips TV with Ambilight technology and Android TV as the operating system. It's true that on a technical level it's more limited than the OLED models we've previously recommended, but it's still a high-quality product and will be your best bet for video calling using your TV.
Xiaomi Mi TV 4A
We end the collection with a model that is a very good deal. It's true that the Xiaomi Mi TV 4A has a 32-inch screen with 720p resolution , but it still has Android TV as its operating system, so you can access the entire ecosystem of apps and games, in addition to the fact that this Xiaomi TV has Chromecast inside. The best? The price that matters. Without a doubt, an ideal model for the kitchen or children's room.
Installing Skype on a Smart TV
You cannot download the application from the official website. Where can I get it? Despite the lack of a built-in program, it is possible to write it to a flash drive. To do this, we find out the smart firmware, find the required installation file, and download it to the flash module for free.
How convenient it is and what you need to get started
Skype on TV is more convenient for several reasons:
- if you need to talk, you don’t even have to get up from the couch to see the right person;
- a large screen will allow you to view the picture in all details, be it the face of a loved one, the landscape outside the window, the Mediterranean beach or the presence of small details;
- You don’t have to specifically launch your computer to have a conversation, because the TV is often on in the background;
- fast conference mode between several subscribers;
- calls to mobile and landline phones at affordable rates;
- correspondence and transfer of files.
To launch the messenger, you only need a modern Smart TV, an Internet connection via a LAN cable or wireless connection, and a video camera.
What are the requirements
For self-installation, several conditions must be met. There are only 3 of them:
- Internet connection via a computer cord or wireless WI-FI access;
- presence of a video camera;
- Smart function support.
Smart TVs support connection to the Internet via WI-FI using a module with an adapter. The missing camera can be purchased in the store, with support for connecting to Smart TVs. If everything is ready, feel free to proceed to installing the messenger.
What you need to start
Despite the lack of built-in Skype on the TV, you can perform this procedure yourself.
IMPORTANT: These steps can only be performed for Samsung H/F/E models. For others, there is no such opportunity.
Before starting the installation, you will need to download the image of the messenger program itself. It is not on the official website. Therefore, you first need to find out the firmware version in the menu of your smart phone, find the corresponding download file and download it for free for installation. Then write the program to a USB flash drive.
Downloading the application and installing it on Smart TV
LG
The manufacturer LG installs the Webos operating system on its devices, which is different from Android. New models do not support Skype LG Smart TV. Versions are updated very quickly, and support for television receivers is considered unprofitable from 2021. You can only install it on old LG firmware.
To do this, you will have to download the Skype version via your computer and upload it to a flash drive. From there it is installed on the receiver, like other programs:
- disconnect the TV from the power supply for 15 seconds;
- the prepared file must be on the flash drive in an unzipped state;
- insert the memory card into the USB connector;
- go to Smart TV LG;
- launch the application.
An alternative option is to access Skype through the official browser page. This is done without reference to a specific TV model. The words “login to Skype” are typed into the search bar. The user is immediately taken to the online application, where he needs to enter his login and password. Available to registered subscribers. Regardless of the model, installation and configuration are the same.
You need to take into account that certain versions of Skype with such an operating system will conflict or not work correctly.
Philips
In older models, installation of the application is not provided and you can only log in through a line in the browser , which takes you to the official online messenger.
New Philips Smart TV models have the Skype application pre-installed. It is built into the operating system shell and works quickly and reliably.
Sony
The operating systems of new Sony models do not have pre-installed firmware . It remains only in outdated models. There are a couple of methods for installing the messenger:
- downloading the executable file to flash memory and installing the appropriate firmware yourself;
- launching the messenger through the browser line in the online application.
The methods have both advantages and disadvantages. The user decides what is more convenient to use.
While the program is running, you can edit profile photos and personal information lines.
TV models from various manufacturers
You can connect the DVR to most modern models; they need to have the above capabilities. Let's look at some device options.
Super 901C
This is a Chinese portable specialized model with a USB connector. It is equipped with a 9.5-inch diagonal screen, receives the entire network of television frequencies, has an FM radio receiver, and accepts JPG, AVI and mp3 formats from memory cards. The universal mount allows you to install the device even in a car. Operates from a 12V switching power supply or from a regular 220V network. The menu is Russified, the cost is a little over 3 thousand rubles.
Philips 32PHT4001
LED television signal receiver with a 0.8 meter diagonal screen and a resolution of 1366*768. Progressive scan image, brightness 200 cd/m2. Accepts standard television formats and supports multimedia formats. 3 HDMI connectors, 1 USB input. Dimensions – 73.2*18.2*47.2 cm, weight – 4.5 kilograms. Computer inputs – up to 60 Hz, video inputs – 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 Hz. The cost is a little more than 13 thousand rubles.
Philips 43 PFT 4001
TV receiver with a high-resolution LCD screen – 1920*1080 and a diagonal of 109 centimeters. Stereo sound and Full HD. Progressive scan image, brightness 200 cd/m2. The device supports television standards and multimedia formats - MP3, WMA, MPEG4, JPEG, and has connectors - AV, component, VGA, HDMI x2, USB, Ethernet (RJ-45). There is a recording function to a USB drive. Dimensions – 97.0*56.4*7.4 cm, weight – 8.1 kg. Price – 22 thousand rubles.
Important! For a local video surveillance system in a private house or apartment, using a TV receiver as a monitor is very convenient. So while watching a movie, you can switch to the camera in the children's room and see what the child is doing, then find out what the called car mechanic is doing in the garage, and return to watching again.
How to connect a Skype camera to TV
Most often, the camera is already built-in and you don’t need to configure anything to connect it. If you don't have a built-in device, you need a camera compatible with Smart TV.
In rare cases, you will need to configure drivers via a computer. More often than not, devices come ready for use in a “Plug and Play” form - plug and play. To work, you just need to connect it to the USB connector on the body of the TV receiver. If the cord is short, use a USB extension cable.
Cameras for Smart TV are equipped with several microphones to create high-quality sound in unfavorable source positions caused by the size and features of the premises.
Features of external webcams for Smart TV
Cameras created for Smart TV have nuances of connection and operation. They start working after connecting to a USB connector and logging into Skype. The program is configured automatically, after which it becomes available for making video calls and other options.
Smart cameras are compact, unobtrusive, match the design of modern TVs, and have a magnetic mount.
Manufacturers create webcams for Smart TVs taking into account the level of lighting in residential areas. Typically, room lighting is weak and diffuse, but webcams provide a clear picture in such conditions.
Manufacturers also take into account the presence of noise in the apartment and outside it. The cameras are equipped with several microphones that perfectly filter out extraneous sounds, making communication at a distance of up to 4 meters from the screen as comfortable as possible.
Features of installing Skype for Samsung
To install the widget, you will need to download the missing libraries
that are suitable for a specific model. The required archives will be named as follows:
- series F5xxx – F6xxx – install_F5_6.zip;
- series F7xxx – F8xxx – install_F7_8.zip;
- series E5xxx – E6xxx – install_E5_6.zip;
- series F7xxx – F8xxx – install_E7_8.zip.
If the TV belongs to the
H
, then through the Menu-Help-Contact Samsung item the firmware of the model is recognized and the corresponding archive is downloaded.
At the next stage, the downloaded library is unpacked into the root of the flash drive, and it is inserted into the TV. The executable install is selected from all files. When green “OK” appears three times on the screen, you can turn off the device. The next time you turn it on, Skype will appear among the programs to be installed. And then the installation process is carried out by analogy with televisions of other brands. If you have a Samsung TV installed at home, then it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the full information about the TVs of this brand.
Widget and various brands
Issues with installing
Skype on an Lg , Sony or Philips may not arise at all, since most often they are implemented with a widget installed by default.
Problems may arise if you want to provide video communication on Samsung Smart TV models. Here things are different. Microsoft, as it has repeatedly promised, has stopped supporting its development for Samsung products. Therefore, to install the program you need to tinker a little.
How Skype works on Samsung TVs
The main menu screen looks very clear and beautiful.
The categories were divided into groups arranged vertically. Each such group consists of a number of colored slabs. A distinctive microphone icon is visible in the upper left corner. This mechanism gains strength and attractiveness over time. There is currently nothing, for example, to issue a command to set an alarm for a specific hour or to save a note. The setup screen was organized in the same way as the main panel. We'll find several separate categories here, each with a different aspect of the TV. In fact, the application itself still performs several other functions and transforms our smartphone into a remote control.
You can install Skype on Samsung TVs yourself for the E, F and H series, but for D, J and K you cannot do this.