How to setup and configure a Webcam, video communication on the Internet

[Paul]

More widely used and sold in less expensive cameras, these small cameras that connect to a PC today is a misfortune. You're not a (e) webcam-maniac? If you do not want to be, this article is not for you. For all others, here is the foundation to begin. We see here how to install and configure a webcam for use on the Internet and communicate with corresponding (e) s.

The hardware and software tools to communicate over internet

• A webcam: choose a small USB widespread on the market and not too expensive. For those who have an old PC with limited resources USB (webcam is the major consumer of resources) there are webcams on parallel port or card solutions + webcam. But they are harder to find and offer less performance than the USB models.
  
  
• An Internet connection: the more it is fast, the better. The same is true for your modem. Moreover, no specific Internet access is required. Your ISP normally is ample.
  
  
• The program Windows Live Messenger or NetMeeting, you can find on the Windows CD-ROM or across the net. Try to get the latest version.
  
  
• A microphone needed to communicate. A good quality microphone is essential if you want to be understood. There are now helmets equipped with a microphone very practical.
  
  
• A sound card fairly recent: it must be Full Duplex, ie afford to have a conversation simultaneously in both directions. Today, virtually all the cards are. Feel free to download the latest updates to the sound card drivers on the site of the manufacturer.

[Paul]

Connecting and setting the webcam
Connect your webcam and configure it to have pictures. In general, follow the instructions in the manual. Set in the best settings (brightness, color etc ...) to get the best possible image. Tips: place your camera as close as possible to avoid your screen and when you talk to look for the comfort of your contact. Try to watch your webcam. It is best to place it on top of the monitor. Remember also that good lighting is essential to your interlocutor. If you are in the twilight, there will not much! Then install netmeeting then go to options to select your webcam (if it has not done automatically, and adjust the image size etc ...). If you do not have a fast connection, start with an image size small and maximum compression. You will see later if you can increase or not these parameters. Settings too high would produce an image any chopped and sound horrible. Avoid it.

Connecting and adjusting the microphone
Some webcams have a built-in microphone. Those who have these models can move to the next step. For others, check your sound card and locate the prize or is burned beside a small microphone. This is where you must connect. According sound cards that can differ slightly. If in doubt, the manual direction of the card. Many problems are caused by a bad connection of the microphone. Once installed the microphone away as possible from your speakers to avoid feedback. Then in Netmeeting to adjust the level of speakers and the micro (Tools menu and Audio Tuning Wizard).

Bandwidth settings and Netmeeting
Run the program and click Tools and then Options. Then click the Settings button bandwidth that is a General tab and select your connection type, then put on the General tab your name, e-mail etc ...

Connecting with netmeeting - Verifying ip
Before you connect directly to have your correspondent, you should be able to identify it. For this you must know its IP address (this is a result of figure, eg 234.345.432.1). The problem is that in many access providers, this address changes each connection (dynamic ip), The Next post will tell you About knowing its IP address and network settings. Warning: If you have a dynamic IP address, do not disconnect, otherwise it will be changed to the next connection.

Now that you know the address you want, start your Internet connection. Avoid at the same time to download something or go to a site filled with images that slow down your connection and affect Netmeeting with the quality of transmission. Click on "Call" and "New Call" and set the IP address of your in box next to A: (your correspondent must of course also be connected at the same time). Click Call then wait. Your contact will receive a signal asking if he wants to take the call. When he accepts, you should see the image of his webcam shows. To see you can also click "Start Video".

[Paul]

You'll need to know your ip (ip) or your networks. For example, the physical address of an ethernet card (MAC address) when configuring the firewall on your router or simply about your current network configuration.


Click on Start and then Run and type "cmd":

1. The command prompt window will appear.
   
   
2. Then type "ipconfig / all" and press Enter:
   
   
3. This is valid for Windows XP and 2000, if you are running Windows 95, 98, ME type the command winipcfg / all.
   
   
4. On networked computers with a shared connection behind a router or your IP address will be the network.

To find the IP address you on the Internet, go adsl test and the test of anonymity: ADSL Test, test anonymity

Tips

1. To run the command from start / run, use the following syntax directly into the first entry field:
   
   

   cmd /kipconfig/all

2. To copy the contents of the window before, for example to copy the result on a forum to help, click on the top left of the window on the small picture:
   
   
   1. In the menu "Edit" / "Select All"
   2. Back in the menu "Edit" / "Copy"
   3. On the forum or in a text file: right-click paste (or CTRL + V)
   
   
   
3. To send the contents of the window in a text file to the root of C: \ prompt, type the following command:
   
   

   cmd /kipconfig/all > c:\ip.txt