Add-ons for "Skype": programs that allow you to control the video stream in real time

The standard set of Skype messenger capabilities is limited. To expand the functionality, you will need to install additional applications for "Skype". Programs can change the voice of the caller, distort the video image, add visual effects, record conversations. However, the interlocutor does not guess that the audio recording of the conversation will be saved.

Splitcam

Splitcam is a free utility. It can be used for "Skype". Programs like Splitcam work directly with the video stream, so their scope is not limited to the popular Skype messenger. In addition to the main features, the application allows you to decorate ready-made videos with vivid effects that add dynamics and humor to the footage already filmed.

The program features:

• Conducting broadcasting from one webcam to several separate applications. With the help of this function, you can communicate simultaneously with several users, conduct a conference, and broadcast video to various online services. And all these functions can be turned on at the same time.

• Making video calls on "Skype", the program can be used both for changing the background and for applying various effects to the caller's face. Splitcam will distort the features, replace the face with another item from the extensive collection built into the application, apply the "curved mirror" effect.

• Splitcam - a utility that can do three-dimensional processing of video images. Such functionality is rarely built into programs for "Skype". A face change begins by specifying the key points for binding the mask. After processing, the person's head will be replaced with the head of an animal or a cartoon character. The video will display not just a drawing, but a three-dimensional model that completely repeats the user's movements.

• Zoom (digital zoom of the selected area of the screen).

Splitcam is a hardware-intensive program for Skype. Changing the face in real time is a resource-intensive task, so the resolution of the modified video stream can be either minimal or high. It depends only on the performance of the computer.

Additional Features

In addition to Skype, the program works with most other modern instant messengers that support the exchange of video streams. And also services such as Livestream, ICQ and YouTube. Working with already recorded video, connecting via IP remotely to cameras and many other functions make the program popular and in demand.

Webcammax

Webcammax has a much smaller set of functions, if we talk about its free version. But the possibilities of this program intended for Skype can be easily expanded by purchasing the full version. Webcammax works directly with the webcam and is compatible not only with the Skype messenger.

The following video effects are available to the user:

• Fog, which reduces the clarity of the image and makes it difficult to recognize faces;

• Inscriptions that can be applied to different parts of the screen;

• 2D masks that cover the face of the user;

• Distortion of facial features.

FaceRig and CyberLink

The functionality of the FaceRig program intended for Skype is primarily aimed at changing the entire image. Instead of a person, the screen displays a cartoon character or video game on a unique background. Replacement is performed in 3D mode, so for weak computers the utility will not work.

Another utility, CyberLink YouCam, can change and distort people not only on video, but also in photos.

These programs, of course, have much less capabilities than those described previously. But the main advantage of low-functionality tools is free. For an expanded set of opportunities, you usually have to pay.

In Skype there are no built-in utilities for distorting faces, so those people who want to play their friends or seek, for some reason, to remain anonymous, will have to choose between a low-functionality and free software and programs with ample opportunities, but requiring purchase.