Skype™ on XFINITY User Guide
Contents 2 Get to Know the Parts Camera Adaptor Box Remote 4 5 6 8 Setup 11 What You Will Need to Get Started Comcast and Skype Accounts Wireless Network Camera Setup Connect Power Up 12 12 12 13 15 18 Activate 19 Pair Your Remote Connect to Your Home Network Ethernet Connection Available Wireless Networks Hidden Wireless Networks System Check Set Time Zone Screen Resolution Checking Your HD Video Signal Checking Your Camera Microphone Check Checking Your Audio Comcast Sign-In
Introduction 3 Welcome This user guide is where you will find answers to questions along with easy to follow, step-by-step guidance on how to set up and use Skype on XFINITY® in your home. Learn how to maximize the full potential of every feature, make a call or message a friend—everything you need to know is right here. If you have questions that are not answered in this user guide, visit http://comcast.com/skype. For additional support, call 877-704-7713.
Get to Know the Parts Take a look at the components that make up Skype on XFINITY. Here you will find visual diagrams, technical specifications and helpful tips to get you familiar with all the essentials.
Get to Know the Parts Camera • High-Definition camera supports up to 720p @30 frames per second (requires both users to have consistent 1.5Mbps+ upload/download speeds) • On/Off Indicator • Digital/Optical Zoom Lens With Shutter • Built-In Directional Microphones • Adjustable Clip for Secure Placement For camera placement, see Camera Setup on page 13.
Get to Know the Parts 6 Adaptor Box • • • • • • • • • HDMI Connections Between Set-Top Box and TV Dual-band (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wireless Network (802.11n) Ethernet-Ready for Wired Connection Digital Audio Output Audible Notifications Integration with Skype WPS-Capable for Wireless Setup (currently not available) New Message Indicator (currently not available) SD Slot for Viewing Media (currently not available) Helpful Hints for the Adaptor Box • There is no On/Off indicator light.
Get to Know the Parts 7
Remote • Radio Frequency (RF) Remote • (2) CR2032 3V Lithium Batteries (pre-installed) Get to Know the Parts
Get to Know the Parts Helpful Hints for the Remote • Use the Left arrow to go back to the previous screen. • VOL adjusts the sound level for Skype on XFINITY only. It does not adjust your TV volume. • Press Sound to toggle on and off sound from the caller. • Press Mic to toggle on and off the microphone for the caller to hear you. • Press Video to turn off (and on) your video during a video call.
Get to Know the Parts Using Your Remote’s Keyboard Try a few different positions for holding the remote while typing on the keyboard and find the fit that is most comfortable for you. You want to ensure you are not pressing any buttons on the front of the remote while using the keyboard. The illustrations below show two of the most popular holds.
Setup This section provides guidance for setting up your system, from gathering the necessary account information right up to activation. This section will help you: •D etermine what you will need to get started and have everything ready for fast and easy setup. • Learn how to place your camera on top of your TV or on a flat surface. • Identify and connect the cables to their designated ports.
Setup 12 What You Will Need to Get Started • HDMI-capable Comcast set-top box and HDTV. • I nternet connection with at least 1.5 Mbps simultaneous upload and download speeds (check your speeds at http://speedtest.comcast.net). Comcast and Skype Accounts • A ll users of Skype on XFINITY will need their own Comcast ID. • Y ou will link your Comcast ID to a Skype account during the activation process. Each unique combination of a Comcast ID and Skype account is called a Skype on XFINITY profile.
Setup 13 Camera Setup The XFINITY camera can be placed on top of your TV screen or on a flat surface (like a TV console). The recommended viewing distance is 5’ - 12’. The camera should not be used near strong magnetic fields (see illustration on next page). TV Top 1. P lace the front of the camera on top of your TV, with the bottom lip resting just below the top of the screen. 2. Push the clip down until it touches the back of the TV and the camera is secure. 3.
Setup
Setup 15 Connect The following illustration shows two potential set-ups. The setup on the left is without a receiver, DVD player or game console. The setup on the right includes a receiver, DVD player and game console.
Setup The steps below may differ slightly depending on your media setup, but the equipment order should remain the same (see the illustration on following page). A. Plug in the provided HDMI cable to your set-top box and the other end to the HDMI Cable In port on your adaptor box. B. Plug a second HDMI cable to the HDMI TV Out port on your adaptor box and the other end to one of the available HDMI ports on your TV.
Setup 17 A B D B C E F
Setup 18 Power Up If you need help with setup, visit http://comcast.com/skype or call at 877-704-7713. 1. P lug the power cable into the Power port on the adaptor cable. Then plug the power cable into an electrical outlet. There is no power button on your adaptor box, so this power cable is the only way to turn the system on and off. 2. Turn on your TV, set-top box and audio receiver (if you have one). 3. Make sure that your TV is set to the HDMI port that you connected the HDMI cable to.
Activate Once you have completed setup, it is time to activate your Skype on XFINITY. During activation, you will follow a series of steps on your TV screen. Use your remote to complete the information and refer to the tips in this section to complete the process. This section will help you: • Pair your remote with the system. •C onnect to your home network via an Ethernet cable or a wireless connection. •R un short video and audio diagnostic tests to ensure everything is working properly.
Activate 20 Pair Your Remote The pairing process connects your remote to the adaptor box so that the adaptor box—and Skype on XFINITY—can only be controlled by one remote. 1. Pull out the tab from the remote’s battery compartment. 2. Press and hold the Setup button on your remote until the red light on your remote turns green. 3. Press the Call button on your remote. 4. Flip the remote to the keyboard side. 5. U se the keyboard to enter the 3 letters displayed on your TV screen.
Activate Connect to Your Home Network An Internet connection is required, but the screen(s) you will see depends on your choice of network connection. You have two options for network connectivity: 1. Wired connection using an Ethernet cable 2. Wireless connection to an available or hidden network For additional help, visit http://comcast.com/skype or call 877-704-7713. Ethernet Connection To connect to your home network using an Ethernet cable, connect the Ethernet cable to your adaptor box.
Activate 22 Available Wireless Networks Follow these steps if you are using an available wireless network. 1. Ensure that the Ethernet cable is not connected. 2. From the options, click Select Your Wireless Network. 3. Select your wireless network from the list of networks within range. 4. Enter your network password. Helpful Hints for Available Wireless Networks • I f your wireless network cannot be found, make sure that your wireless router or modem is working properly and reconnect.
Activate 23 Hidden Wireless Networks Follow these steps if you are using a hidden wireless network. 1. From the options on the choose your network screen click Manually Enter Your Wireless Network. 2. Enter the network name of the hidden wireless network. Note that the network name might be called the Service Set Identifier (SSID).
3. Select the security type of the hidden wireless network. 4. Enter your network password. 5. T his screen will appear once you have connected to the hidden network.
Activate Helpful Hints for Hidden Wireless Networks • I f you have tried to join a network that cannot be found or is no longer in service, verify the information you entered is correct and try again. • You can also join an available wireless network or connect using an Ethernet cable instead. • I f you have a hidden network, you will need to know the network name (SSID), security type and network password to connect.
Activate Screen Resolution Select your TV’s resolution. Select 1080i, 720p, or 480p. Checking Your HD Video Signal This test ensures that your set-top box is connected properly and that you will be able to watch TV while using Skype on XFINITY. If you see TV programming on the screen, click I SEE MY TV. Helpful Hints for HD Video Signal • I f you see a gray box with an X, click I DON’T SEE ANYTHING. Check that your HDMI cable is securely connected and try again.
Activate 27 Checking Your Camera This test ensures that your camera is working and positioned to capture your preferred viewing area. Test your camera, make any adjustments (if needed), then select I SEE MYSELF to continue. Helpful Hints for Camera Check • I f your camera is properly adjusted and you still do not see yourself, select I DON’T SEE ANYTHING. Check to see if the camera’s USB cable is securely plugged into the Camera Input of the adaptor and try again.
Activate Helpful Hints for Microphone Check • If your microphone test is not successful, make sure your camera is securely connected and check that there are no obstructions between you and the microphone. Try again by saying something out loud and speaking as clearly as possible. • Ensure that the microphones are directly in front of the person speaking. • Whatever is spoken will not be played back to you.
Activate 29 Comcast Sign-In If you have signed into Comcast before, this screen will look familiar to you. Simply enter your Comcast ID and password then press CONTINUE. Helpful Hints for Comcast Sign-In • I f you check the box next to Remember My Password you will not be prompted to enter your password each time you sign in. As an added security measure, you will be prompted to re-enter your Comcast password after 7 days of inactivity. • If you have forgotten this information, visit https://login.
Activate Already Have a Skype Account If you already have a Skype account you want to use, enter the information to continue. Create a Skype Account Enter the email address you would like associated with your Skype account.
Activate Enter your Skype Name and password. Helpful Hints for Skype Sign-In • Each Comcast ID must be linked with a unique Skype Name. • If you cannot remember your Skype account information, visit www.skype.com. • If you do not have a Skype account, select Create a Skype Account. • Y ou can unlink a Skype account from your Skype on XFINITY profile at any time. Go to Settings > Profile Settings > Change Linked Skype Account.
Activate 32 Sync Contacts By syncing your contacts, you will be able to access your XFINITY and Skype contacts from one place, making it even faster and easier to find a family member or friend. Important Notes About Syncing Contacts • S yncing will store your XFINITY and Skype contacts in your Skype on XFINITY profile.
Activate 33 Activation Complete Once you have completed the activation process, you will see the following screen. You can now begin connecting with family and friends.
Profiles When you activate Skype on XFINITY, you will create your first Skype on XFINITY profile by linking your Comcast ID to a Skype account. Later, additional profiles can be added. These will be linked to other Comcast IDs and Skype accounts. This section will help you: • Sign in to your Skype on XFINITY profile. • Create additional Skype on XFINITY profiles. • Update your profiles.
Profiles 35 Sign In to Your Skype on XFINITY Profile A Skype on XFINITY profile is a combination of your Comcast and Skype accounts. Your Skype on XFINITY Profile is: SKYPE ON XFINITY PROFILE = COMCAST ACCOUNT + SKYPE ACCOUNT - Comcast ID - Skype Name - Comcast Password - Skype Password To sign in to your profile, follow these steps. 1. Press the Profiles button on your remote. 2. Select an existing profile (if more than one) and click OK on your remote. 3.
Profiles Helpful Hints for Sign-In • I f you check the Remember My Password box, you will not be prompted to enter your password each time you sign in. However, as an added security measure, you will be prompted to enter your password after 7 days of inactivity. • If you do not remember your Comcast account information, visit https://login.comcast.net/myaccount. • If your remote is not working, refer to the Helpful Hints for the Remote section on page 9.
Profiles 37 My Skype on XFINITY Profile Profile Picture Profile Name Status Skype Name Mood Update Your Status Your status indicates your availability. Update it at any time to alert your contacts when you are available to connect. 1. Go to the Home screen. 2. Select your profile.
Profiles 38 3. Click SET STATUS. 4. Select a status option. Status Options: Available Your contacts can see that you are online and can call or message you. This is your status when you first sign in. Away You are signed in but may not be active. Your contacts may still try to call or message you, but you can decide whether to respond. Do Not Disturb You are signed in, but not ready to talk or message at the moment. Your contacts may still try to contact you, but you can decide whether to respond.
Profiles Update Your Mood Mood is a short update of what you are doing, how you are feeling or what is on your mind. 1. Go to the Home screen. 2. Select your profile. 3. Click SET MOOD. 4. Using the keyboard on your remote, type in your mood message (maximum number of characters is 200).
Video and Audio Calls Connect with family and friends by selecting someone from your Contacts or Recent lists, then choose how you would like to call them— by video or audio. This section will help you: • Make a video or audio call. • Accept an incoming video or audio call.
Video and Audio Calls 41 Make a Video Call A video call is a face-to-face conversation that happens on your TV. During a video call, you can turn off the video and switch to an audio call. You can turn the video back on at any time during the call. 1. Select someone from your Contacts or Recent lists. 2. Click VIDEO CALL.
Video and Audio Calls 3. The person you are calling is shown an incoming call notification. If they accept your call, you will see a real-time video of your contact. 4. To end your call, click END on your screen. Or press End on your remote. Helpful Hints for Video and Audio Calls • I f your video or audio call lasts for four hours, you will be shown an option to continue the call. If you do not click CONTINUE, the call will end.
Video and Audio Calls 43 Make an Audio Call An audio call works much like a video call except there is no actual video. Instead, you will see your contact’s Skype profile picture during the call. Even if you make an audio call, you have the option of turning on video any time during the call. 1. Select someone from your CONTACTS or RECENT lists. 2. Choose AUDIO CALL. 3. The person you are calling is shown an incoming call notification.
Video and Audio Calls Incoming Calls If you are signed in to Skype on XFINITY and a call comes in while you are watching TV, a call notification appears on your screen. You have the choice to ACCEPT WITH VIDEO, ACCEPT WITH AUDIO or DECLINE. The call notification will identify who is calling. If you do not make a selection after two minutes, the call alert will disappear.
Video and Audio Calls 45 Helpful Hints for Incoming Calls • W hen you accept a call, keep in mind that you are choosing what you will share (either audio or video), not what you will see. For instance, when you accept an incoming video call with audio, you will see your contact’s video, but you will only share your audio with the other caller. • R emember that even if you accept as an audio call, you can still turn the video on at any time during the call.
Video and Audio Calls Put a Call On Hold To pause the transmission of video and audio from your microphone, click Hold on your screen or press Hold on your remote. This will also mute incoming sound. To take a call off hold, click Resume on your screen or press Hold on your remote.
Video and Audio Calls 47 Change Views You can change the layout of your screen depending on your viewing preference. For instance, you can expand the screen that your TV program is on while minimizing the video call screen and vice versa. You can also have your video screen and the caller’s video screen appear next to each other as the same size. To change the layout of your screen, click Views on your screen or press Views on your remote.
Messages Connect with family and friends by selecting someone from your Contacts or Recent list, then start sending and receiving messages. This section will help you: • Send and receive messages. • Accept an incoming message while watching TV.
Messages 49 Sending and Receiving Messages Use your remote’s keyboard to type a message to one of your contacts. Your message, and your contact’s response, will appear as messages on your screen. 1. On your screen, select someone from your CONTACTS or RECENT lists. 2. Choose MESSAGE.
Messages 50 3. Using your remote, type your message. Press OK on your remote or click SEND on your screen. You will see your message, along with your contact’s response, on the screen as the conversation continues. Helpful Hints for Messages • If your remote is not working, refer to the Helpful Hints for the Remote section on page 9. • W hether you are watching live TV, On Demand or DVR programming, you can send and receive messages wile the TV program continues to play. Incoming Messages 1.
Messages 51 3. Click IGNORE to dismiss the message. Or click REPLY to view the message. Helpful Hints for Incoming Messages • If you do nothing, the incoming message notification will disappear in two minutes. • I f you are not signed in to Skype on XFINITY, you will not receive any incoming message notifications. Message Features Change Views You can change the layout of your screen depending on your viewing preference.
Messages Group Messaging You can participate in group messaging if another person initiates the group messaging session via their Skype account. In future releases of Skype on XFINITY, you will be able to initiate group messaging.
Contacts To talk with friends and family, you will first need to connect with them by sending and/or accepting contact requests. When you have added friends and family to your contacts, you can make video and audio calls, plus send and receive messages. This section will cover: • An overview of your contacts. • Searching Skype to add friends and family to your Skype on XFINITY. • Sending and accepting contact requests. • Blocked contacts.
Contacts Contacts Use your list of contacts to connect with family and friends. If you chose to sync your XFINITY and Skype contacts during activation (see page 32 for details), all of these contacts can now be accessed from here. If you skipped syncing contacts during activation, learn more about syncing contacts in the Sync Contacts section on page 32. To access your contacts, select CONTACTS.
Contacts 55 Your Contacts’ Information Select a contact to view their profile picture, name, status, mood and other information. Your contacts are sorted by status and then alphabetically. View your recent conversations and connect right from this screen by following these steps: 1. From Contacts or Recent, select a contact. Your contacts are sorted by status and then alphabetically. 2. From here you can initiate a video or audio call, or send a message.
Contacts 56 3. Click to block or remove this contact. - Blocking prevents a contact from calling or messaging you. - Removing a contact deletes the person from your contacts. 4. Click VIEW DETAILS to see additional information about this contact (if available). Important Note for Contacts I f you choose to stay signed in to Skype on XFINITY, even if you are not actively using it, others in your household may be able to access your contacts. Avoid this by signing out each time.
Contacts 57 Helpful Hints for Contacts • Manage your XFINITY contacts by visiting www.XFINITY.com. • Manage your Skype contacts by visiting www.skype.com. • If you manage your contacts at www.XFINITY.com or www.skype.com, any changes you make may take time to sync with Skype on XFINITY. •W hen you remove a contact from Skype on XFINITY, the contact may still remain in your XFINITY and/or Skype contacts online.
Contacts 58 Pending Contact Requests 1. S elect Pending Contact Requests from the Contacts menu. 2. Y ou will see a list of people you have sent contact requests to. 3. If you want, you can resend the request. You can also remove the contact from this list. Please note that removing a contact from this list does not withdraw your contact request. Helpful Hints for Pending Contact Requests • If someone has sent you a contact request, they will not appear in your Pending Contact Requests list.
Contacts All Contacts All Contacts is a list of all of your contacts, regardless of what their status is. Add Contacts Expand your contacts by inviting family and friends who are Skype users. 1. Select ADD CONTACT from the Contacts menu. 2. E nter a person’s Skype Name, Skype Display Name or email address. Helpful Hints for Adding Contacts • You can send a contact request to any other person on Skype. • After a person has accepted your contact request, they will appear in your contacts.
Contacts 60 3. Click SEARCH SKYPE. 4. S elect the contact to send a contact request to. You can also add an optional personal message. 5. Click SEND. Filter Contacts 1. W hen you are viewing one of your contacts lists (Available, Pending Contact Requests or All Contacts), press any alphabet key on your remote to filter which contacts are shown in your list. 2. A s you type a contact’s name or Skype Name, matching entries are displayed.
Settings Adjust your profile and system settings to enhance your Skype on XFINITY experience. This section will cover: • Profile settings. • S yncing contacts. • V ideo settings. • Audio settings. • Other general settings.
Settings 62 Profile Settings Visit Profile Settings to modify your profile, privacy settings, profile name and more. Profile Settings are optional settings that you can change at any time. 1. S elect Settings. 2. Select Profile Settings. Edit Profile Name This is the name your contacts see while you are using Skype on XFINITY.
Settings 63 Sign In Options You can choose to enter your Comcast password each time you sign in to Skype on XFINITY or have it automatically filled in for you. • S elect Comcast Password Required for Sign-In for the most secure measure of privacy. • Or select Comcast Password Not Required for Sign-In. This option might be suitable if you and your family share one Skype on XFINITY profile. For added security, you will be prompted to re-enter your password after 7 days of inactivity.
Settings 64 Change Linked Skype Account • S elect Manage Skype Settings. • S elect Change Linked Skype Account. • Enter your Comcast password. • Enter the new Skype account that you want to link your Skype on XFINITY profile to. Helpful Hints for Changing Linked Skype Account • A Skype on XFINITY profile is a combination of your Comcast and Skype accounts. One primary Comcast account and up to six secondary Comcast accounts can each be associated with a Skype on XFINITY profile.
Settings Change Skype Password • To change your Skype password, sign in to your account at www.skype.com. Privacy Settings Select who can contact you while you are using Skype on XFINITY. Choose one of the following: •A llow only my personal contacts to call or message me. •A llow anyone to call or message me. Helpful Hints for Privacy Settings • T he Allow anyone to call or message me option makes it possible for any Skype user to contact you.
Settings 66 Manage Conversations Choose how long details about your calls and messages are saved. Learn more about viewing your Recents on page 76. Sync Contacts By syncing your contacts, you will be able to access your XFINITY and Skype contacts from your Skype on XFINITY account, making it even faster and easier to connect with family and friends. Important Notes About Syncing Contacts • S yncing will store your XFINITY and Skype contacts in your Skype on XFINITY profile.
Settings Helpful Hints for Syncing Contacts • Once you sync your contacts, you may have some duplicate entries. To check for duplicates, visit www.XFINITY.com, sign in to your account, then check for duplicates. • S yncing may take several minutes. Delete Profiles To delete a single profile, select it and confirm that you want to delete it. If there is more than one profile, you have the option of clicking DELETE ALL PROFILES.
Settings 68 Blocked Contacts You can block a contact for any reason, at any time, and prevent that person from calling or messaging you via Skype on XFINITY. To unblock a contact, select the contact and click UNBLOCK.
Settings 69 System Settings Visit System Settings to modify hardware, software and equipment settings. These may have been set when you set up and activated your Skype on XFINITY. These settings ensure optimal performance of your video, audio and network . 1. S elect Settings. 2. Select System Settings. 3. Select one of the following. • V ideo. •A udio. •N etwork. •G eneral.
Settings 70 Video Settings Video Settings: Camera This checks that your camera is working and positioned to capture your preferred viewing area. Test your camera, make adjustments (if needed), then select I DON’T SEE ANYTHING or I SEE MYSELF. Helpful Hints to Camera Check • If you do not see yourself, check if the camera’s USB cable is plugged into the camera input of the adaptor. Video Settings: Screen Resolution This test identifies your screen’s resolution.
Settings 71 Video Settings: HD Video Signal This test ensures that your set-top box is connected properly and that you will be able to watch TV while using Skype on XFINITY. If you see TV programming on the screen, click I SEE MY TV. Helpful Hints for HD Video Signal • If you only see a gray or black box, click I DON’T SEE ANYTHING. Check if your HDMI cable is connected properly and try again.
Settings 72 Helpful Hints to Check Audio • If you cannot hear the tone, make sure your TV and stereo receiver are not muted. • If you are using an audio receiver, disconnect the SPDIF (optical digital audio) cable from your settop box, plug it into the audio port and try again. Audio Settings: Checking Your Microphone This test ensures that the microphones in the camera are working properly. Speak and the sound check will run automatically.
Settings 73 General Settings General Settings: Set Time Zone Select your time zone. Selecting your time zone ensures accurate call time records appear in your Recent calls and messages. General Settings: Set Timeout When you are signed into Skype on XFINITY yet not actively using it, the system will return to TV after a certain time. You can decide this length of time in the following screen.
Settings 74 General Settings: Software Update Occasionally you will be alerted about Skype on XFINITY software updates. You can also come to the Software Update screen to check whether you are running the most up-to-date version of Skype on XFINITY. If you upgrade your software, onscreen directions will guide you through the software update process.
Other Features Learn about additional Skype on XFINITY’s features to maximize your experience. This section will cover: • A list of recent call and message activity. • Helpful alerts and system notifications.
Other Features 76 Recents See your recent activity including the type of connection (video, audio or message) and contact name. The most recent are listed first. Both incoming and outgoing calls are listed here. Connect with a recent contact 1. S elect Recent. 2. S elect a contact from the list. 3. Choose how you would like to connect: VIDEO CALL, AUDIO CALL or MESSAGE.
Other Features Manage Conversations Select how long details about your calls and messages are saved. These details are viewable in your Recent list. 1. S elect Settings. 2. S elect Profile Settings. 3. S elect Manage Conversations. 4.
Other Features 78 Notifications Notifications are helpful alerts that are displayed until an action is taken. For instance, a software update will remain in your list until you download and install the software. Not all notification types are currently available. Other examples include: • C ontact requests sent by family and friends: Accept or decline a contact request, or block a contact. • S oftware updates: To optimize performance, download security and feature enhancements.
Glossary
Glossary Available Wireless Networks Nearby wireless networks, such as your home network. Primary Comcast ID Comcast account holder who can create, delete and suspend secondary accounts. Blocked Contact A person who cannot call or message you via Skype on XFINITY. Profile A Skype on XFINITY profile is a combination of a unique Comcast ID and a unique Skype Name. Ethernet Connection An Ethernet cable that connects the adaptor box with your router to establish a wired network connection.
Skype is a trade mark of Skype or its related companies. Copyright 2003-2012, Skype, patents pending. For Skype to Skype calls, all call participants must have a Skype account and be logged into Skype. Highspeed internet connectivity required. Simulated calling images shown. Actual call quality may vary. Skype on XFINITY User Guide Version 1.
