For millions of users, Skype is the VoIP solution of choice. If you're just getting into this great communication tool, you are going to be surprised how much you can do with it. In this article we cover tips and feature extras to help you utilize Skype to its fullest potential and dramatically improve your experience. It is also worthy to note that all LG Smart TVs come equipped with Skype and its complete array of functions.

Call Forwarding
Whether you've set your Skype account up on your home or work computer, the fact is, you are occasionally going to get important calls when you aren't there. Thankfully, you can simply forward those calls to another Skype account or even a cell phone or land line so wherever you are, you are still reachable. To forward a call click on the "Tools" menu and select "Options." From there set the forwarding number in the "Call Forwarding & Voicemail" section.

Filtering and Blocking Users
If you don't take preventative steps, Skype can cause you some serious security problems. To block unknown or unwanted callers, simply click on "Tools" and select "Options." From there, select "Privacy" and choose the level of security that works best for you.

Home Security System
Skype can double as an away from home monitoring system. Checking in is simple with Skype's one and two way video calling. You'll need two separate Skype accounts, a computer at home with a webcam, and access to the Internet. Using one account, setup the home version of Skype to auto-answer calls and automatically fire up the webcam. Then to check in, just use the second Skype account to call the first, and the webcam video will pop up.

Call Recording
There are several add-ons for recording Skype calls, including free Audacity audio editor and HotRecorder. HotRecorder is arguably among the best add-ons for users. HotRecorder allows searchable Meta text to be added to each recording, and works with Google Talk and other IM clients.

Enhanced Voicemail
If you use your Skype for more than just the occasional long-distance call, you should enhance your voicemail setup beyond the basic Skype default setting. Pamela offers (automatic) call recording, an answering machine for voice and video, automated chat reply if you're away, Skype VoiceMail management, and email forwarding of audio files. In addition, Pamela will let you setup a separate greeting or voicemail message for different users, so that your business and personal calls won't hear the same message.

Language Translation
It's a global world out there, so whether you're conducting business or pleasure with Skype, you are likely communicating with people around the world and may occasionally encounter language barriers. Thankfully, by using the quick add-on Universal Chat Translator you can communicate with anyone no matter what language they speak. The software only produces text translations, so you may feel like you're watching a foreign film with subtitles, but the fact that the Universal Translator can read text in 11 languages and understand spoken text in 50 means that you'll at least be able to get your point across.

Bringing Skype to your TV
With McePhone you won't have to get up to find out who is calling ever again, as your incoming Skype calls will simply pop up on your TV screen. Thanks to the built-in Skype module on all LG Smart TVs you'll be able to see your own Skype-Status (online, offline, etc), the number of Skype credits you have, which of your Skype friends are currently online, and whether you have any new voicemails. And when a new call comes in, a small window automatically pops up letting you know who the caller is, and it will even let you decide whether you want to accept, ignore, or reject the call all by remote control. A truly amazing feature for the uber-Skyper.