turn off video

[cynhol1]

What do I need to change in settings so that my video camera doesn't try to automatically turn on?  I don't want the video to automatically come on when I get or place a skype call.

[g4pilut]

When you place a call, click Call instead of Video Call.  When you answer a call, click Answer instead of Answer With Video.

[cynhol1]

When I call some of my skype friends I have the option to "call" instead of "video call", other times that is not the case.  The only option is to video call.  Isn't there a way to permanently turn the video off?

[g4pilut]

Not really.  

You can set Tools > Options > Video settings to Automatically receive video / Show that I have video to....no one.   That may help a little.

If you're running the latest verion of Skype, 5.8.0.158, you should always have a Call as well as a Video Call button.   If something is broken and you only have a Video Call for some contacts, you could click on that contact, then right click it, and click Call from the menu that comes up.