Legal usage of Skype for Broadcasting

[Robert]

Hi all:

First time poster long time reader. I do internet radio, music mainly but will be doing interviews starting mid summer and will probably use Skype, but before signing up for Skypes broadcasting requirements I'm wondering how you long time casters have dealt with the Terms of Service and registration of Skype for your programs. Any pitfalls, issues?

Skype's legal usage info is here if you haven't seen it before

http://www.skype.com/en/legal/broadcast/


Cheers

[andrewzarian]

Very interesting. so they want either a video branding or audio ID that you are using skype for the call. My question is.. How would they know you are using skype?

[Robert]

Good Question Andrew. I just want to make sure I used it right so as not to get a fine or something worse. Maybe the only way is if I don't register LOL. It must be new, since MS bought out Skype perhaps? Come to think of it I've never seen anyone have a lower third in a vidcast, but I have heard on some audio (Terrestrial) broadcasts something like..."We're back talking to so and so on Skype.

Cheers

[mcphillips]

You can use TeamSpeak (the new version with the Opus Music codec) and transmit music in stereo with no Skype licensing requirement. You'll also have to have the latest version of the Opus server to support the clients.

[Robert]

Thanks Mike. I'll give TeamSpeak a look over.

Cheers

[andrewzarian]

Mike, maybe you could help out on this topic.. What are the odds of skype going after internet broadcasters?

[ChaseShumway]

Very interesting. so they want either a video branding or audio ID that you are using skype for the call.

Just out of curiousity, what's wrong with keying their logo or "via Skype" on the screen somewhere CNN style? That shouldn't be too hard for those of you using a Tricaster or other video switching software. If that's all they're asking for in exchange for using it for free...

We've had a few guest hosts join us over the years via Skype. I always mentioned that they were on it somewhere during the show. I unknowingly was abidding by the rules it seems.

[andrewzarian]

I dont think there is anything wrong with having a "Via Skype" lower third. I actually think its a good idea to promote how your guests are coming in. With that said here is my question : Could this lead to licensing costs to use skype for non personal use

[ChaseShumway]

That's a good question. I could see that happening. On our show, I very seldom use it, so it probably wouldn't be worth the fee for us. And depending on how much it theoretically would cost, I would likely just hold my cell phone up to the mic.

If they do eventually charge for using it commercially, it all goes back to your original question of how would they know? Perhaps they'd embed some high frequency hum undetectable to the human ear that only their computers could pick up. Or they might lock the 'audio out' options somehow until you buy a code to enable them. Or the audio/video quality and/or frame rate is reduced to where it's pretty much unusable until you pay to get full quality. I'm going to shut up now, don't want to give Microsoft too many ideas.

[Robert]

Could this lead to licensing costs to use Skype for non personal use

That was my initial fear when I started the thread and it also looks by the responses it is a VERY RECENT requirement by Skype. Your question Andrew about costs is what I'd like to know too as it is owned by Microsoft now and that could change things down the road for sure. Being Audio only, the requirements aren't as stringent by requiring graphics on your video podcasts, Streaming networks and live shows etc taking up screen real estate. Maybe you could get them to sponsor for having their logo on screen, but that's probably stretching it a bet eh?

Cheers