Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How do I use the webcam on this notebook?

A: Follow these steps to use the webcam.

  1. On the taskbar double-click the Camera Assistant Software icon  Camera assistant software icon, or from the Windows® Start menu, point to All Programs, Camera Assistant Software, and then click Camera Assistant Software. The Camera Assistant Toolbar location briefly displays on the desktop.

    Toolbar Icon Button Description
    Webcam toolbar Camera Start Camera Turn on the camera and open the preview screen.
    Effects icon Effects Add a decoration or border to your picture.
    Properties icon Properties Modify properties such as zoom, backlight compensation, brightness, and contrast.
    Settings icon Settings Select the position of the toolbar or modify the picture, video, or audio settings.
    Help icon Help Open online help.

  2. On the Camera Assistant Toolbar, click the Start Camera button Camera icon.

  3. In the Camera Assistant, click one of the following options.

    Camera Assistant Icon Button Description
    Camera Assistant Snapshot button Snapshot Click this button to take a picture of what is currently in the preview screen.
    Video Recording button Video Recording Click this button to start creating a video recording. The first click places a time indicator at the bottom of the display. The second click begins the recording and starts the timer. To stop recording, press the Video Recording button again.
    Audio Recording button Audio Recording Click this button to create an audio recording. When the Audio Recording button is clicked, a red light flashes to the right of the icon and an onscreen timer indicates the recording time. To stop recording, press the Audio Recording button again.
    Functions button Functions Click this button to change a setting or access online help.
    Effects button Effects Click this button to add a decoration or border to your picture.
    Mute button Mute This button turns the audio capture on or off. For example, to create a video without sound, press the mute button before selecting the Create Video option (an X appears on the icon when mute is selected).
    Resolution button Resolution Change the size of the picture.

Note: If you are not hearing the audio portion of the video you created, or have difficulty hearing an audio recording try the following:

  • Verify that you do not have the audio capture muted. An X appears on the Mute button when Mute is selected.
  • In the Camera Assistant, click the Functions button, select Settings, and then click the Audio tab. In the Audio Volume section, use the slider to increase the volume, and then click Apply.
    View Picture

  • Verify that the notebook's volume is not muted. Pressing the Fn+End keys mutes the volume. Pressing the keys a second time restores the volume.
  • Increase the notebook volume level by pressing the Fn+PgUp keys.

For additional information about using the webcam, in the Camera Assistant Toolbar click the Help button, or in the Camera Assistant, click the Functions button, and then click Help.

For additional information about using a webcam Internet chat service, reference the help information for the specific application you are using.