mr deo wrote:[color=blue]
> Hi all, I do try to read from time to time but I only get the few mins to
> look into this stuff in detail.
>
> My question is simple really, what will I get better "Quality" with.. Skype
> or SIPservices. I will be using the Skyepin/Sipin type of service and I
> find that the prices are really similar, so ignoring that there are several
> companys, how does the standard type of SIP services compare in vocal
> quality to Skype..
>
> The receiving unit will be a PC, But I wouldnt mind getting an ATA or skype
> converter to use this stuff on my Dect phones and I do hear that the skyp
> ones are horrid..
>
> Looking for suggestions not flames ;).. thanks
>
>[/color]


Hello

I've used both Skype and a few different Sip services, mainly for
phoning out, but the quality issue should be comparable.
First of all, I don't agree that the prices are prety similar. Skype Out
is a lot more expensive than the SIP services I have used. Wengo give
you the first five seconds free of charge (they are the only supplier I
have found that do this, please let me know if there are any others),
which means you don't have to pay the call set-up fee if you get voice
mail. This can be quite appreciable, especially when calling foreign
mobiles.

On sound quality, I find that on a good day there is not a lot to choose
between them, especially on short distances (between France and UK).
But on some days and over very long distances (northern Brazil to UK or
France)they can vary widely. I tend to try a cheap one and switch to a
more expensive one if the quality is too bad.

Don't listen to people who tell you the Internet is distance
independent. It isn't. When used for VOIP it can introduce a very big
latency time, which makes the conversation more like a walky-talky
("over to you") than an interactive phone chat with people interrrupting
each other all the time.