Webcam advice please!

[Howardh]

Never used the webcam that came with this PC, so thinking of using it for an on-line drinking session with my pals (who are probably in the same boat technically).

So, yes, I can get the cam working - no issues there. But if I use Skype there's a charge - think it's 1.5p/minute just like an ordinary call. Which, knowing our drinking habits when we get together, could end up bankrupting us all.

So, basically, a free site we can all log into and it's not pestered by ads (or xxx rated stuff)?

Thank you!!

 

[najaB]

So, yes, I can get the cam working - no issues there. But if I use Skype there's a charge - think it's 1.5p/minute just like an ordinary call.

AFAIK, Skype to Skype group video calls are free for up to 50 people?

 

[Howardh]

AFAIK, Skype to Skype group video calls are free for up to 50 people?

Oh, right! I'll look into that!! I just thought you made a phone call and you webcammed at the same time.

 

[alxndr]

Skype only charges if you're using it to call a normal phone number. If you're just using it to talk to someone else also using Skype it should be free. I don't even think you all need an account these days.

 

[gazthomas]

Why would you pay for Skype? Those charges relate to calls that go onto the traditional telephone network. For video conferencing you'll be fine and free!

 

[gazthomas]

Oh, right! I'll look into that!! I just thought you made a phone call and you webcammed at the same time.

OMG

 

[Howardh]

OMG

Don't laugh, despite it being 15 years old it's all new to me....grrrrrr.....!!!

 

[SteveP29]

I'm seeing posts on social media of people doing meetings online via Zoom.

I know nothing and don't have the time or inclination to find out what it is, but the pictures that have been shared are your computer screen with the webcam view of yourself and a dozen or so other people via their webcams

 

[A Challenge]

Given this thread is called webcam advice (though mods, feel free to split off if needed) I would appreciate some advice in getting my Webcam to work on my Dell laptop (Windows 10). It works in Teams web (now I've turned it on) but getting it to work in the desktop app seems impossible, as I can't select to turn it on and the box to select input has been greyed out. As I've found, the Windows key + I opens the Camera settings, and I have not got Teams in the list of apps I can toggle the webcam access for there, and this is what a search came up with a solution. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[StarCrossing]

Don't laugh, despite it being 15 years old it's all new to me....grrrrrr.....!!!

Entirely understandable. Loads of people haven't used video conferencing before and are now exploring it to keep in touch with friends and family while we're all stuck at home. I've used it in work for years, but not at home until now.

Just remember to keep your beer away from the computer, especially when you've had a few.

 

[ajs1981]

I agree with StarCrossing.

As some general advice to all: If you using speakers, rather than a headset, then be aware of the microphone picking up the sound from the speakers. You create an echo for the other people in the conversation and all they can hear is the echo. Easily fixed by adjusting the volume and microphone sensitivity but it's not always obvious what's causing it especially if a few people have the same issue with their setup.

Given this thread is called webcam advice (though mods, feel free to split off if needed) I would appreciate some advice in getting my Webcam to work on my Dell laptop (Windows 10). It works in Teams web (now I've turned it on) but getting it to work in the desktop app seems impossible, as I can't select to turn it on and the box to select input has been greyed out. As I've found, the Windows key + I opens the Camera settings, and I have not got Teams in the list of apps I can toggle the webcam access for there, and this is what a search came up with a solution. Anyone got any ideas?

Sorry I haven't used that software but one suggestion - if you still have Teams web open that might stop it working in the desktop app. Some equipment can only be accessed by one program at a time.

 

[Howardh]

Entirely understandable. Loads of people haven't used video conferencing before and are now exploring it to keep in touch with friends and family while we're all stuck at home. I've used it in work for years, but not at home until now.

Just remember to keep your beer away from the computer, especially when you've had a few.

Wrong on so many levels. Keep ME away from the computer when I've had a few beers. In fact want to make a million on a device which stpos plopel gettik on the intewnt wehn theyv'e had a few and sayink daft thinks like "I think TPE are OK".