Using a digital camera as a WEB camera

Posted on : 16.03.2021
Web Camera 

Possible difficulties

When installing all drivers and programs, it is advisable to create a restore point on your computer. Various difficulties and errors are possible in the operation of video processing software. To secure your system and you should use the recovery capabilities in the OS.

If the system freezes while Skype is running, restart your computer. If this happens often, then it is advisable to reinstall all programs and drivers (used in this manual). If this does not help, then you can use another utility program to redirect the video signal. If there is only minor interference, then you can try to turn off all programs and turn it on again.

The order of turning on the programs does not need to be changed (first the utility that directs the video stream, and then Skype).

Almost any electronic device, if desired, can be used in an atypical role. This also applies to smartphones, tablets, TVs, computers, cameras, and even ordinary calculators.

using, digital, camera

Wanting to “turn” (conditionally) your gadget into some other device, you need to ask yourself at least one question, but the key one: “Is it really necessary to do this?” Most of such transformations can negatively affect the basic functionality of the device, which, with certain consequences, can lead to the actual refusal of work (when interfering with the structure of the system or physical modifications).

But it is good that these problems are not related to the topic considered in this article. Since below will provide a small guide on how you can connect your camera to a computer as a web camera, what you need for this, as well as how to make the settings correctly and whether all cameras and computers are suitable for this.

Connecting the camera

To organize the operation of the camera as a WEB-camera, it is necessary to have a video capture device (Capture Video) on the computer. This device will transmit the video signal to the desired programs.

Such a device for capturing video can be a TV tuner, video card or adapter. But at the input of such devices, there must be a video input in the form of a “tulip” connector. We will connect the yellow tulip from the camera to it.

Having installed the necessary drivers, you will also need to install a utility for redirecting the video signal to the Internet (ManyCam, Active WebCam, SplitCam). After all, programs for ensuring the operation of video capture devices can save the video recordings taken by the camera to the hard disk, but they cannot broadcast this signal to the network. This is where you need a special utility for redirecting the video stream.

For normal operation of the camera, you need to disable the shutdown function when idle in the settings. Also, to save battery power, it is advisable to connect the camera to the power supply. Especially if you use constant focus.

After that, connect the camera to your computer using the yellow tulip A / V cable. Before that, you need to connect the tuner or adapter to the computer, if they are external and located outside. All connections must be made with the equipment turned off.

In the window of the program supplied with the video capture device, you should see the video from the camera (you may have to set the input to composite “composite”).

After that, open the utility window for redirecting video recording and select the desired device as a signal source:

File Video Source Your video capture device.

Here you can configure the parameters of the video signal, which can be useful if the Internet is slow and the image slows down.

After that, you can open Skype or another video communication program and in the settings specify our utility as a video signal source:

Tools Settings Video Settings Select Webcam.

What is needed for this

Several key points should be noted right away, namely:

  • The given guide is relevant for cameras (popularly “DSLRs”, digital ones are not considered in this case) of the middle price category and / or those that have already left the category of “modern models”.

This is due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of modern gadgets have been supplied with the built-in function of working in the “web-camera” mode for quite a long time.

Older models cannot boast of such functionality.

  • It is possible to connect DSLRs to a computer and use it for video calls only if it supports streaming video. In other words, the camera must be able to display the resulting image directly on the screen of the receiving device, for example, a TV or monitor.

In order to check the availability of this functionality, do the following:

The rest is simple. If there is a picture, then your camera is suitable for the manipulations in question, if not, then alas.

Similar “tulips” were supplied, just with the models, the category of which was announced above. Currently, most of the camera is equipped with HDMI support.

  • Not only the camera must meet the above requirements, but the computer itself.

The installed video card must be equipped with an appropriate connector for one of the “tulips”, which is responsible for transmitting a video signal.

If you plan to use a DSLR like this in the future, then the best option would be to purchase a special TV tuner, which will be the main link between the camera and the computer.

So, taking into account all of the above, it is worth noting that the “transformation” in question is not a “five-minute” business, since it requires certain money costs and time for delivery / receipt.

In addition, you should ask yourself once again the question: “Do you really need to do this?” The most common webcam costs the same money as a “TV tuner”, but it does not require other investments and any complicated settings. Therefore, it may be worth considering purchasing a specialized device. Question, question.

If your determination has not faded away, go to the direct settings for displaying the picture and recognizing the device.

Possible difficulties

When installing all drivers and programs, it is advisable to create a restore point on your computer. Various difficulties and errors are possible in the operation of video processing software. To secure your system and you should use the recovery capabilities in the OS.

If the system freezes while Skype is running, restart your computer. If this happens often, then it is advisable to reinstall all programs and drivers (used in this manual). If this does not help, then you can use another utility program to redirect the video signal. If there is only minor interference, then you can try to turn off all programs and turn it on again.

The order of turning on the programs does not need to be changed (first the utility that directs the video stream, and then Skype).

Can a digital camera be used as a WEB-camera to work in video communication programs over the Internet? It depends on the capabilities of the camera itself.

You may also need to install the driver supplied with the camera.

Other cameras that, according to the instructions, do not provide for such a mode of operation can be divided into two groups:

  • The first group includes cameras that can be used as a web-camera, but for this you need to install special programs.
  • And the other group includes cameras that cannot work as a webcam.

To understand which devices belong to the first group, you need to connect the video output of the camera (see the instructions) to the TV. Typically, this uses a cord with tulips and a USB connector at one end, and the other end should have a connector to connect to the camera. So, having connected the camera with this cord to the TV, using a yellow tulip, on the TV screen you should see the image that the camera is currently filming through the lens in real time. On the TV set, you need to select the appropriate input. To do this, you do not need to enable viewing of photos or video files on the camera.

If such a connection is possible, and you really see the real-time image from the camera on the TV screen, then you can use such a device as a WEB-camera. You just need to install the necessary programs on your computer.

Using the camera as a WEB-camera

Can a digital camera be used as a WEB-camera to work in video communication programs over the Internet? It depends on the capabilities of the camera itself.

You may also need to install the driver supplied with the camera.

Other cameras that, according to the instructions, do not provide for such a mode of operation, can be divided into two groups:

  • The first group includes cameras that can be used as a web-camera, but for this you need to install special programs.
  • And the other group includes cameras that cannot work as a webcam.

To understand which devices belong to the first group, you need to connect the video output of the camera (see the instructions) to the TV. Typically, this uses a cord with tulips and a USB connector at one end, and the other end should have a connector to connect to the camera. So, having connected the camera with this cord to the TV, using a yellow tulip, on the TV screen you should see the image that the camera is currently filming through the lens in real time. On the TV set, you need to select the appropriate input. To do this, you do not need to enable viewing of photos or video files on the camera.

If such a connection is possible, and you really see the real-time image from the camera on the TV screen, then you can use such a device as a WEB-camera. You just need to install the necessary programs on your computer.

Settings

You need to understand that even if your camera and computer meet all the above requirements, if you just connect them, then nothing efficient will come of it.

For correct operation, you will need additional software that creates a virtual webcam, the responsibilities of which will be taken over by your camera.

Quite often, such software comes bundled with a TV tuner or other video capture device in the form of an installation disc.

Or you can simply additionally download the free program “SplitCam”, or similar options “ManyCam” and “ActiveWebCam”.

For Canon products there is a proprietary utility called “PSRemote”.

Next, install and run one of the above programs and do the following, for example, in the “SplitCam” program:

  • Open the “File” tab and go to the “Source” section;
  • Select your video capture device from the list;

At this point, the “transformation” settings can be considered complete.

Connecting the camera

To organize the operation of the camera as a WEB-camera, it is necessary to have a video capture device (Capture Video) on the computer. This device will transmit the video signal to the desired programs.

Such a device for capturing video can be a TV tuner, video card or adapter. But at the input of such devices, there must be a video input in the form of a “tulip” connector. We will connect the yellow tulip from the camera to it.

Having installed the necessary drivers, you will also need to install a utility for redirecting the video signal to the Internet (ManyCam, Active WebCam, SplitCam). After all, programs for ensuring the operation of video capture devices can save the video recordings taken by the camera to the hard disk, but they cannot broadcast this signal to the network. This is where you need a special utility for redirecting the video stream.

For normal operation of the camera, you need to disable the shutdown function when idle in the settings. Also, to save battery power, it is advisable to connect the camera to the power supply. Especially if you use constant focus.

After that, connect the camera to your computer using the yellow tulip A / V cable. Before that, you need to connect the tuner or adapter to the computer, if they are external and located outside. All connections must be made with the equipment turned off.

In the window of the program supplied with the video capture device, you should see the video from the camera (you may have to set the input to composite “composite”).

After that, open the utility window for redirecting video recording and select the desired device as a signal source:

File Video Source Your video capture device.

Here you can configure the parameters of the video signal, which can be useful if the Internet is slow and the image slows down.

After that, you can open Skype or another video communication program and in the settings specify our utility as a video signal source:

Tools Settings Video Settings Select Webcam.

So, as you can see from the above small guide, there is nothing complicated in the process discussed in this article. The main thing is desire, a little time and small financial costs.

We use a smartphone camera as a WEB camera

Quite often in technical support we are asked whether it is possible to use a smartphone camera (iPhone or Android) as a WEB camera? Yes, it is possible, and very simple. You don’t even need to connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. Below we will give you step-by-step instructions.

  • – Smartphone (iPhone / iPad or Android) with built-in camera and active WI-FI network connection
  • – AlterCam program for connecting to a smartphone camera

Smartphone camera as a WEB camera. how it works?

The AlterCam program will install a virtual WEB-camera into your system, into which you can broadcast anything you want. whether it’s video from a real webcam (with real-time effects added!), desktop video, or even a pre-recorded video file. In our case, the video source for the virtual WEB-camera will be the smartphone’s camera. The AlterCam program will connect to the smartphone camera via IP protocol and will take video from it in real time and broadcast it in a virtual WEB-camera. It may sound complicated, but it’s very easy to set up. here is a step by step instruction:

The first step is of course to download AlterCam and install it on your computer. It is not difficult and requires only a few mouse clicks. The program will start automatically after installation.

Now we need to install the IP camera application on the smartphone. For Android smartphones, install this application (it’s free). For iPhone / iPad / iPod touch, install the iPCamera application. High-End Network Camera. Not free, but inexpensive, 1 (we couldn’t find a free worker).

For Android: Launch the IP Webcam application on your smartphone. There will be a list of settings, usually by default everything is configured in the optimal way, so we scroll to the very bottom and select the “Run” item.

For iPhone / iPad: Launch the iPCamera application. At the first launch, you will need to allow the application to access the camera. Rotate the settings by clicking the Configure button. at will (well, at your own peril and risk), by default everything works well.

We launch the AlterCam program on the computer. In the drop-down list “Camera” select the item “Add IP-camera”. Take a closer look further. responsible step.

We connect to the smartphone camera using the AlterCam program. In the dialog for adding an IP camera, enter the “Name of the IP camera”. arbitrary string. The IP camera resolution depends on the camera settings in the smartphone app. If you do not know the exact value, do not change this parameter.

Now the main thing. at the bottom of the application on the smartphone, the address is indicated, exactly transfer it to the “IP camera address” parameter in AlterCam and (ATTENTION!) add “/ live” to it in the case of an iOS device and “/ video” in the case of an Android device as shown in the figure:

Click OK. If everything was done correctly, then the picture from the smartphone camera should appear in the AlterCam program. If the picture does not appear. check that the previous steps were performed correctly.

Now you need to select the virtual camera AlterCam where you are going to use the smartphone camera. in skype (in settings), in other chats. As you can see, with AlterCam, use your smartphone camera as a WEB camera. easy peasy!

By the way, you can overlay a picture from a smartphone camera as an additional one to the main video. That is, you can choose your webcam on your computer as the main video source, and your smartphone’s camera. as an overlay (a small picture on top of the main one). Or you can stream your desktop video with your smartphone camera overlaid on top. In general, AlterCam will fulfill any of your fantasies 🙂 In order to add a video from a smartphone camera over the main video, you need to click on the “Add IP camera” button on the “Overlays” tab.

We have removed a small instruction on how to connect a smartphone as a webcam on a computer:

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How to use a GoPro as a webcam

Recently, the demand for video conferencing has grown significantly. Now that HERO9 Black can be used as a front-facing HD webcam, users can easily compose and share wide-angle views to better present content. from home teaching and art courses to cooking and fitness classes. to their viewers.

Those looking for a high-performance webcam will appreciate the GoPro’s more impressive surround-enabled shooting capabilities than traditional webcams.

GoPro webcam mode is currently supported on the following devices:

  • HERO9 Black
  • HERO8 Black
  • HERO7 Black
  • HERO6 Black
  • HERO5 Black
  • HERO4 Black

All you need is the latest camera firmware, USB-C cable, and the GoPro Webcam PC app, available for macOS and Windows at GoPro.com/webcam.

USB-C cable (for example, supplied with your GoPro camera)

GoPro mount, here we go to step 2

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. Make sure your HERO8 Black has the latest firmware available here or requested when connected to the GoPro App.

The GoPro Webcam is compatible with all existing GoPro mounts, so you can experiment with angles. You can get the standard webcam view by using the magnetic swivel clip to attach your GoPro to a monitor or set up the Shorty tripod on a table. But this is a GoPro, so use it like a GoPro! Get creative, have fun, and experiment. Here are some of the options we recommend:

JAWS: Flexible Clip. This flexible clip with lock can be used for over-the-shoulder shooting during training sessions where viewing your screen may be helpful.

Magnetic Swivel Clamp. The magnetic part makes this mount ideal for those looking to get creative with their shots. Want to stream while digging under the hood of your car? Or hang out with your family while you cook? This magnet will securely attach to your cooker hood and any other metal surface.

Suction Mount. As with the above two mounts, the GoPro Suction Mount can be attached to surfaces such as a window or rack to provide an angle not available with other webcams.

Gooseneck. Use your Gooseneck with any of the mounts listed above (or any GoPro mount with a quick release base) for an extra-long, ultra-flexible extendable monopod that lets you shoot from any position. No hard-to-reach place will remain unreachable!

How to use Sony cybershot dsc w55 digital camera as webcam tutorial

Install and Launch the GoPro Webcam PC App

Download the GoPro Webcam PC software to your computer, available here.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. The GoPro Webcam PC app is currently available for macOS and is available as beta for Windows users.

The GoPro icon appears on the status bar.

Connect GoPro to Computer with USB-C Cable.

Once your HERO8 Black is connected and turned on, a blue dot will appear on the status bar on the GoPro icon, and then it will switch to webcam mode.

How to use your old Camcorder & Digital Camera as webcam.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. If the GoPro is connected to a USB port that supplies 500mA, the computer will power the camera without using a battery.

Select GoPro as Preferred Camera for Streaming

You can preview your GoPro webcam by clicking the GoPro icon and selecting Show Preview from the drop-down menu.

You can choose to flip or flip and everything is as sharp as possible, as the default GoPro Webcam PC app is set to 1080p30, switchable to 720p30.

You can also switch the digital lens to select wide, narrow or linear angle of view.

Once the connection is established and a blue dot appears on the GoPro icon, navigate to your selected video conferencing platform and select GoPro as your preferred camera.

Join the call and a red dot will appear on the GoPro icon after the broadcast starts.

The following video conferencing platforms are currently supported:

  • Zoom (version 5.0.5 and later)
  • Google meet
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Skype
  • Twitch via OBS
  • BlueJeans
  • GoTo Meeting
  • Snap Camera
  • Rooms

The following platforms are also supported when accessed through the Google Chrome browser:

  • Zoom
  • YouTube Live
  • Webex

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. To have Chrome recognize the GoPro Webcam as an option, click the Chrome menu button (top right corner), then go to Settings Privacy and security Site Settings Camera to assign the GoPro as the source input signal.

If you are using a GoPro camera older than HERO8 Black. HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, or HERO4 Black. follow these steps. Most important to consider, at least one third-party accessory is required to use these GoPro models as webcams. see our advice below.

GoPro camera with Micro-HDMI port for HDMI signal output

HDMI to USB video converter

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. We recommend using Magewell or ELGato Cam Link 4k as they support 1080p @ 60fps broadcasts and offer low latency for low latency live streaming.

The use of this adapter is mandatory as it converts the HDMI input to a webcam signal.

USB charging cable power supply

Choosing a broadcast medium

You can connect your GoPro as a webcam to any video conferencing tool that allows you to select a camera to broadcast. These include Webex, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meetings, OBS, and Wirecast.

Setting up your GoPro as a webcam

  • Turn on your GoPro camera.
  • Swipe down and select Preferences.
  • Scroll down and select Input / Output.
  • Select HDMI Output and change to Live.
  • Mount your GoPro (see above for recommended mounts).
  • Open the side cover of the GoPro and insert the Micro-HDMI connector into the port.
  • Connect the HDMI connector to the video recorder.
  • Connect the HDMI to USB converter and connect it to your computer.
  • Connect your GoPro to a power source.

Configuring Video Conferencing Software

  • Skype: Go to Settings Audio Video Camera.
  • Webex: Select the Video Connection icon, open the dropdown select your camera.
  • Zoom: select the arrow next to Start / Stop Video Video Settings change the camera selection.
  • If there are more than two cameras available in the Zoom Room, you can dynamically switch the active camera by tapping the Switch Camera option and selecting a camera from the list.

Setting up OBS or a similar application

  • Open Streamlabs OBS or another OBS app and follow the instructions to add a video source.
  • When using OBS, press “” in the video source menu.
  • Select video recorder.
  • Select New and name the video source.
  • Select the device you are using from the drop-down menu (e.g. Cam Link 4k) then click OK.
  • The display shows the GoPro camera configured as a webcam.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS. The GoPro camera is capable of streaming up to 1080p @ 60fps via HDMI. However, the maximum resolution supported by most streaming services is 1080p @ 30fps. In any case, good lighting is required to ensure high quality and clarity during streaming.

You can now use the GoPro Webcam.

For those looking to stream wirelessly, the GoPro HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black and MAX cameras support live streaming to:

  • GoPro.com, now with a GoPro subscription
  • Twitch
  • Youtube
  • Profiles
  • Pages

Through RTMP, users can stream to:

  • Workplace from
  • Group (s)
  • Twitch
  • Vimeo
  • Huya
  • DouYu
  • Bilibili
  • Inke

If you’d like to learn more about using an action camera for live streaming, check out this step-by-step guide on setting up a live stream with your GoPro camera.

Resolution setting

To change the resolution, click the GoPro icon in the status bar and select [Preferences].

Here you can select 1080p (default) or 720p resolution.

Using a GoPro webcam in your program

Launch the webcam app and select your GoPro as your preferred camera (see below for a list of supported programs). Attention! If the app is already open, you may need to quit and restart the app for the GoPro to be added to the list and available.

The camera will enter GoPro webcam mode as shown below.

A red dot will appear over the GoPro icon in the status bar to indicate that the camera is recording.

Webcam preview

Click the GoPro icon in the status bar and select Show Preview. This will allow you to get an idea of ​​the width of the coverage angle and adjust the frame before going on air.

Now you can see a preview of the camera. You can switch between Mirror and Flip settings.

Camera orientation

When you rotate the camera to portrait orientation, the image will rotate automatically.

Adjusting the digital lens to change the angle of view (FOV)

After connecting the camera and starting the broadcast (red dot is displayed), you can select another digital lens to change the angle of view. This change takes a while.

Webcam preview

Using a GoPro webcam in your program

Launch the webcam application and select [GoPro Camera] as your preferred camera (see below for a list of supported programs).

Attention ! If the app is already open, you may need to quit and restart the app for the GoPro to be added to the list and available.

Then the camera will enter GoPro webcam mode.

A red dot will appear over the GoPro icon in the status bar to indicate that the camera is recording:

Smartphone connection via Wi-Fi

To get started with DroidCam, make sure your smartphone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Then proceed according to the following scenario:

  • Run the app on the phone and the client on the PC.
  • The smartphone displays the connection information. If the value 0.0.0.0 is specified in the IP Cam Access field, the device is not connected to the network correctly.
  • In the PC client, select the Wi-Fi / LAN connection method.
  • In the same window, enter the IP address and port. Just copy the values ​​from the smartphone app.

Check the box on how to use your smartphone (video / audio). Click “Start”.

  • Launch the video chat app to test the camera.

    • The PC client displays the camera image. The program can be stopped by pressing the “Stop” button in the client on the computer or the “Stop” button on the smartphone. For user convenience, Client PC displays the phone battery charge.

    You can add effects to your video. To do this, go to the application settings on your smartphone and select one of the filters.

    Note! If you have problems with the connection, reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.

    Installing DroidCam on your computer

    Now DroidCam needs to be installed on your computer. The program will automatically download the drivers for the camera and microphone of the smartphone.

    • Download and install DroidCam for Windows.
    • Allow the program to make changes to the system (click “Yes”).
    • Click on the “Next” button to continue with the installation wizard.

    Select the folder where the program files will be copied and click “Next”.

    Select the components to install and click “Install”.

    Wait for the installation to complete and click “Finish”.

    The DroidCam shortcut will now appear on the desktop and in the Start menu.

    Browser connection

    In order not to install the client on a PC, you can use the IP Cam function. For this:

    • Connect to Wi-Fi on your smartphone.
    • Open the DroidCam app.
    • Open a browser on your computer. Enter “http: // ip: port”. Replace IP and Port with the values ​​indicated in the program on the smartphone.

    An image from the smartphone camera will appear in the browser window. Here you can flip the picture, adjust FPS and autofocus, turn on the flash, reduce / enlarge the image, turn on the filter, change the resolution, save the photo.

    Connecting the camera via USB cable

    Before connecting your smartphone to a computer via a USB cable, make sure that USB debugging is enabled on the device. This can be done in the developer options. Then follow the instructions:

    • Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable.
    • In the client, select the USB connection option and click the Update icon.

    Confirm debugging on your smartphone. To do this, tap the “OK” button.

  • Click “Start” on the computer.

    • Note! If you are having problems connecting your smartphone via USB, you may need to manually install the drivers for the device. After installation, reconnect your smartphone and follow the above steps.

    How to use your smartphone as a webcam on a PC?

    A modern smartphone is capable of performing a huge range of tasks, but the user may not be aware of some of them. This article will discuss how to turn your smartphone into a webcam in a few minutes. These tips will help those who need to use video calling on a PC or laptop with a faulty built-in camera.

    An important point. The image quality from the phone lens is often significantly superior to the image quality of a computer webcam.

    Installing DroidCam on a Smartphone

    DroidCam program

    DroidCam is the fastest and easiest to use tool to connect your smartphone as a webcam. The program works with applications for communication and video conferencing (Skype, Zoom, Teams), as well as streaming software (OBS).

    Among the main features of the DroidCam program are the following:

    • Using your phone’s camera and microphone to video chat on your computer.
    • Connecting smartphone to PC via USB cable or WI-Fi.
    • Background work on Android. User can open other apps on smartphone.
    • Using the phone as an IP camera via a browser (no additional software required).
    • Video resolution up to 1080p.
    • Autofocus, rotate, zoom in / out.
    • Turning on the flash.
    • Free to use without limits.

    How to activate high definition video

    To change the image resolution to 720p, do the following:

    • Open the client on PC.
    • Click “DroidCam” on the top bar of the client to open additional options.

    Select the desired image resolution and click “OK, Restart Computer”. The computer will be restarted, after which the new settings will take effect.

    Attention! After enabling HD or Full HD mode, the computer will consume more CPU and RAM resources.

    To activate Full HD mode, do the following:

    • Go to client settings on PC.
    • Select “HD Mode”.
    • Press the “-” key on the keyboard.
    • Select 1080p resolution and click “OK, Restart Computer”.

    Connecting CFC to ManyCam.

    So, the ManyCam program is installed, and you can start switching the video signal.

    As mentioned above, we connect the photo camera to the video capture device and make sure that the live picture is already there.

    The interface of the program is so simple and straightforward that even if I give a description of it here, you will not read it.

    The only thing you need to do to get started is to select a signal source on the Source tab. We select our video capture device, after which, on the ManyCam screen, the video image received from the digital camera should appear.

    Here, you can also adjust the picture quality by selecting the required video signal resolution.

    Now the video received on the ManyCam screen can be transferred to Skype.

    To do this, as in the case of SplitCam, go to Tools Settings Video Settings Select a webcam and select ManyCam Video Source in the drop-down menu.

    If during the broadcast of the video stream, at regular intervals, the video starts to slow down for 1-2 seconds or other artifacts appear, then you need to turn off ManyCam and Skype, and then turn on, first ManyCam, and then Skype.

    Installing and using SplitCam.

    Installing the program does not differ from installing other applications, except that during the installation process, the installer offers to install a bunch of any accompanying software that is not related to capture. I have not installed anything from the proposed software and I do not advise you.

    The picture shows the installation process. On pages with options not related to video capture, you can safely click the “Declines” button.

    The installation process itself takes only a few seconds.

    So, the Split Cam program is installed, and you can start switching the signal.

    Video capture software.

    Before installing video drivers on your computer, if possible, create an OS restore point, or even better. an OS backup.

    Some software and hardware conflicts are easier to spot when you can roll back and start over. This, of course, applies not only to the installation of video drivers. Simply, conflicts that arise when using all kinds of video software can be a little more difficult to resolve.

    Any video capture device comes with a driver program that allows you to record a video signal on a hard drive, but this program does not broadcast the video signal to Internet telephony programs. In order to transmit this video signal directly to Skype, it needs to be intercepted and redirected. For this purpose, you can use the free SplitCam program.

    However, the software supplied with the video capture device must be installed, as without it, the video signal cannot be captured.

    The only case where you can do without installing the accompanying software is when the video device supports the UVC (USB Video Class) standard. This standard does not require installation of drivers in the OS, starting from Windows XP SP2. Such a device, for example, might be a webcam, which nevertheless does not want to “cooperate” with Skype. There are similar cases, and we will consider them below.

    Which digital camera can work as a webcam.

    CPCs are divided into those that have a “webcam” mode and do not have it. As for the former, there can be no special problems with the connection, except for the usual problems that arise when connecting a webcam to Skype. You just need to connect the camera to the USB socket, and if the camera does not support the UVC protocol, then also install the driver supplied with the camera.

    Further, we will talk about digital cameras that do not have the function of a “web camera”, but transmit an analog video signal not only in the slide show mode, but also in the transmission mode of the video image received through the lens in real time.

    Before buying any video capture device, connect your camera to your TV and make sure that it is capable of transmitting a video signal of the quality you like.

    All digital photo cameras have a video output that can be used to view photos or videos on a TV screen.

    That is why, in addition to the USB cable, a cable is attached to the DSC for connecting to a TV.

    If, when connected to a TV, your camera is capable of streaming video, then it can be used as a webcam for Skype conversations or recording a video signal on a computer hard drive.

    It’s good if the camera allows you to turn off the information board with data on shooting conditions.

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    Processor load when transferring video images.

    I tested both of the above programs on a weak computer with a processor clock speed of 1.5GHz. There were no problems with video transmission in Skype. Processor load could reach 60-80% while transmitting and receiving video signal of normal (not HD) quality.

    However, when changing the resolution of the video signal upwards or when adding various effects to the image in the ManyCam program, the processor load could reach 100%.

    On a dual-core processor with a clock frequency of 2.2GHz, the processor load did not exceed 50-60% in any case.

    Possible problems with video signal transmission.

    The appearance of the video image in the Skype settings window does not guarantee that you will be able to successfully transmit this video signal to your subscribers.

    The first obstacle on this path is the Skype program itself.

    If the video signal successfully passed Skype and went to your interlocutor, then we cannot significantly affect his further wanderings via the P2P protocol (Peer To Peer, equal to equal). Here, a lot will depend on a number of circumstances, such as the transfer rate between individual computers on the network (of which there can be many), the amount of pings, the number of lost packets, etc.

    But, even worse, if, some time after establishing a connection with the subscriber, the video signal “pereklinit” in the Skype program itself. This may be due to a software conflict caused by a specific hardware configuration. It manifests itself as “freezing” of the picture or even freezing of the Skype program itself. In the worst case, this conflict can lead to an OS freeze and require a computer restart.

    Manufacturers are aware of existing problems and are trying to solve them, but the huge variety of hardware used and its configurations makes this process difficult.

    On one of the tested computers, I encountered a similar conflict, which manifested itself in the video “freezing” and Skype freezing. I followed all the manufacturer’s advice, from installing the latest drivers on all computer hardware to flashing the BIOS with the most recent version of the software, but nothing has changed from this.

    If such a conflict takes place, then you can use another program that also knows how to redirect the video stream. ManyCam.

    Video switching when using a video capture device.

    If your video capture device, for example, adapter or TV tuner, is outside the computer, then first you need to connect it to the computer.

    Then, in the composite input (usually it is yellow) you need to plug in a cable connected to the analogous output of a digital camera.

    The digital camera has an automatic shutdown timer to save battery power. Set it to the maximum time so that the camera does not turn off at the most inopportune moment.

    Using an external power source will eliminate the need for frequent battery recharging.

    Before attempting to redirect a video stream using SplitCam, make sure that the image from your camera is being received by the video capture device.

    To do this, run the program supplied with the video capture device.

    In the program menu, select the signal source: File Video Source Your video capture device. Do this even if a bird is already standing against your device.

    This contradicts logic a little, since, usually, when reselecting, the bird is removed. But, let’s leave it on the conscience of the program developer, not forgetting that the program is free.

    If you select the option: Options Advertisements Exchange ad and video Windows, then the captured video picture will move to a larger window.

    Now that you have made sure that the video signal has been successfully intercepted, you can start Skype.

    The latest versions of the Skype program themselves offer to check the quality of the video picture. But, if this did not happen, then you will have to select the signal source manually.

    In the main Skype menu, select Tools Settings Video Settings Select a webcam. In the drop-down menu, select SplitCam Capture.

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