How to connect and configure a computer video camera

Today, the popularity of the Internet is difficult to overestimate. If earlier the World Wide Web was used to search for information, now users from all over the world can communicate with each other via video link, record videos for posting on thematic portals and conduct live broadcasts. All this is achieved using a webcam.

What is a webcam for?

In recent years, video cameras for computers have become a necessary accessory, like a keyboard and mouse. It is difficult to find an Internet user who does not use Skype, does not watch videos or does not record his own.

The most popular uses of a computer video camera are:

• chat on Skype;
• video recording for YouTube;
• online broadcasting (streaming).

Modern PC models have compact size and convenient mounting, both for placing the accessory on the table, and directly on the monitor. Initially, a webcam was created specifically for Skype and other programs for video calls on the Internet. In recent years, the fashion of blogging on YouTube or streaming various events, such as computer games, have led to the fact that cameras have been used a little for other purposes. However, the main task is Record and broadcast video.

Most modern models are USB camcorders with a microphone. Such devices are very easy to configure and do not require special characteristics from the computer. Even the simplest PC can work with this accessory. The webcam itself should have good video resolution, at least, HD (that is 1280 * 720 points) and a good noise-canceling microphone.

It is worth noting that video bloggers prefer individual microphones, since their sensitivity and ability to suppress background noise is much better.

Webcam connection

This accessory is created in such a way that users do not have any special problems with its setting. Usually, on the laptop you do not need to configure the camera, as it is initially built into the case, and if the device has an operating system, then almost always there are drivers on the webcam. Enough to run the program, and you can use.

On a stationary device will have connect the camcorder to the computerthat usually does not cause too much difficulty. The accessory must be connected via the USB connector, the drivers are installed in most cases automatically. The user can only configure the camera in Skype.

If the camera is not automatically detected on the computer, then you will need to install drivers for it. This can be done from the disk, which can be bundled with the device itself, or download the necessary software from the official website of the manufacturer.

After installing the drivers, you can use the camera, but this will require special programs. The most common way to make video calls around the world is Skype. But first you need to configure it for use. When you first install the program, it automatically ask to check the camcorder and microphone. All the user needs is to accept the program’s requirements.

If the program was previously, then the setting is as follows. An example is given. for Skype on Windows 7, but there will be no significant differences from the newer versions in the configuration.

1. Should go to Skype.
2. On the toolbar on the top, select “Tools” - “Settings”.
3. Video settings. After activating the item automatically opens a window with a video that shows the camera.
4. In this menu, you can click the "Webcam Settings" button and access the advanced settings, however, for simple communication, all these parameters are completely unnecessary.

Connection problems

Sometimes it happens that the computer does not see the camcorder via USB, or the user has other problems with the use of the device. The reasons why the device may not be visible to the computer are as follows.

1. Using a USB extension cable. Sometimes a long cable degrades the signal, and the device may not be visible to the device.
2. Non-working USB connector. In this case, it is worth connecting the device through another connector.
3. No drivers installed on the device or on the connectors.
4. Sometimes for a computer to see a video camera, need to reboot it. This often happens when the connection is made for the first time.
5. Several applications open simultaneouslythat refer to the use of the device.
6. You can check the webcam connection through the “Control Panel” - “Image Processing Devices”. With proper connection and presence of drivers, the device will appear in the list.
7. In some cases it is possible that the webcam forced off in the system. Often this happens with laptops, in which it can be turned off using the buttons on the keyboard. In this case, it is enough to turn on the camcorder using hotkeys to make it work.
   
8. When used through sites will require user permission to use the device. If you mistakenly click "Deny", the site will not be able to use the device. In this case, you need to go to the browser settings and give permission to use. A site reload may also help.

What can replace the webcam

Sometimes there are situations when you urgently need to make a video for broadcasting on the Internet or streaming, but the camera is not at hand. In this case, ordinary or action camera will come to the rescue. Using a camcorder as a webcam is quite realistic, but first you should make sure that it supports this feature.. This information is usually written in the instructions.

In general, the video camera is connected in a fairly standard way. It is connected to the computer. via USB cable. The video recorder is included in the shooting mode. It will need to install drivers, usually they are on the disk that comes with the device. But you can download them from the manufacturer's website.

Next stage - installing a program for blogging or video recording. For online broadcasting, you can use Skype, while it has the ability to select the device from which to display. The choice of a suitable option is carried out in the camera settings along the path “Tools” - “Settings” - “Webcam settings”. With the help of several cameras, you can change the scene during the broadcast.

If the digital camera does not support webcasting, but can transmit video over cable, then it can also be configured as webcast. using video capture devices and special programs. A TV tuner, a video card itself or a special receiver can carry out video capture. As a software suitable program SplitCam, ManyCam and the like. Connection in this case is carried out through the cable type "Tulip".

Similarly, you can from an action camera make a webcam. The principle is the same: an action camera is connected, drivers are installed for it, the device is turned on for recording. Modern action cameras mostly have a built-in mode for web display.

Using ordinary and action cameras for bloggers is a very convenient option, because quite often the image quality of these devices is better.. In addition, you can simultaneously connect a conventional and an action camera, and install a web device. This will allow the alternate display from three different points.

An important point: all the cameras must be plugged into the electrical network so that they are not discharged during operation.