Bluetooth headset with Ubuntu, Skype and VoIP applications

Few days ago I received a Bluetooth headset not branded but with a generic HT718 indication.

I’m using it with my Nokia 6630 and it works perfectly. I also want to use it with Voice over IP applications or, at least, with Skype. I found this post about a interesting interface to use this kind of devices with Ubuntu and in particular as IO audio device.

http://www.stgraber.org/2007/05/20/gbtsco-already-release-02/

You can find here the the .deb package; before installing it I suggest to install the following dependecies packages:

~$ sudo apt-get install python-bluez bluez-btsco

then install the .deb package

~$ sudo dpkg -i gbtsco_0.2-0ubuntu1_all.deb

Finish the installation and launch:

~$ sudo gbtsco

(you have to do this step as root). The following screen appears:

Check for device (N.B.: During some test I made, I always need to put the BT device in pairing mode). Select the discovered device and click on “Use ad Active Headset”. Now you can use your BT headset as a IO audio device:

I used it to listen to a good quality MP3 but the result was not satisfying. In fact the BT headset audio operates in mono and the quality is very low so I suggest to buy a better hardware like this if you want to listen to music. The sound quality is appropriated for VoIP applications like Skype. Launch Skype and change settings under Tools»Options»Sound Devices changing the default device for audio in and audio out with BT Headset:

I tried it and, be sure, it works with a good quality. Enjoy :-).

Advertisements