• Popular webcam programs. Instructions for enabling and disabling the webcam on Asus, Acer, HP, Lenovo, DNS, Sony Vaio, Samsung, MSI laptops and personal computers

    Satellite communications and world wide web opened up great opportunities for people to communicate living in different distances, in different parts of the planet. The online mode allows you not only to hear, but also to see your interlocutor thanks to the web camera. Despite the general computer literacy, not all users know how to enable the built-in camera on a laptop. Now we will tell you how and in what sequence you can do this.

    The process of turning on the built-in camera on a laptop

    Many models have built-in web cameras, so before you start turning on the video device, you need to make sure it is available. If your laptop does not have it, then you can connect the camera using the USB connector. You can turn it on for a video call by pressing the “video call” button in Skype. There are also online services, which provide services for broadcasting images from a video device.

    A special feature of the camera is that it does not manifest itself in any way until it is “awakened” by a program designed for collaboration.


    Important! If the manager list does not contain a webcam icon, you will have to reinstall the drivers or try to configure the device.

    These simple steps, coupled with a visual video, will allow you to make the settings yourself. If problems arise, then you should ask for help from specialists.

    The programs listed below are primarily needed to operate webcams. The fact is that IP cameras, as a rule, have the necessary software as standard. However, some of the utilities discussed are multifunctional and can cope with a wide variety of sources.

    Platforms

    The main advantage of AtHome Video Streamer is its multi-platform functionality. Besides mobile applications for surveillance, it has full-length versions for Windows and macOS.

    The program can record on a schedule, save video and send notifications to a smartphone when motion is detected. You can use as sources USB cameras, IP, Smart TV, iOS and Android devices.

    Platforms: Windows.

    EyeLine Video Surveillance can use up to 100 channels simultaneously. Allows you to use both web and IP cameras as sources.

    The program is equipped with a motion detector, an archive recording manager and the ability to upload videos to an FTP server. Event notifications can be received via email or SMS.

    EyeLine Video Surveillance is a great option for those who need a simple and effective video surveillance system. The program has a two-week trial period and offers several subscription options with enhanced functionality.

    Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android.

    Netcam Studio was created by developers popular program for video surveillance WebcamXP. Multifunctional utility, like its predecessor, works with a large number cameras

    Netcam Studio has a motion and sound sensor, can recognize license plates and upload recorded recordings to your hard drive, FTP or cloud. Remote access to cameras is carried out both through a browser and through special applications for iOS and Android.

    The free version has many features, but you can only view two sources. Purchasing a license will allow you to use the program for commercial purposes, increase the number of available sources and remove the watermark from the video stream.

    Platforms: Windows.

    Simple and functional program for video surveillance. Has a sound and motion detector, can send notifications by mail and beep, if an unfamiliar object comes into the camera's field of view. Supported connecting four sources, recording at specified time intervals and broadcasting video.

    5. iSpy

    Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android.

    iSpy has open source code, which provides ample opportunities for its modernization and makes detailed setup very comfortable. You can expand the functionality using plugins for license plate recognition, text overlay, and barcode scanning.

    You can connect an unlimited number of sources. There is a motion sensor, network broadcasting, notifications. Additionally, iSpy supports uploading to YouTube, Dropbox or FTP server.

    You can use not only USB and IP cameras as a source, but also a desktop image.

    Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

    This multi-platform program boasts smart sensor movement, which is able to distinguish a person from a car or a pet. Can work with IP and web cameras, but in free version You can stream video from only one source.

    Sighthound Video can save videos to cloud services and has a lot useful features for those who are impressed by the concept of a smart home.

    On the Sighthound website you can buy a kit that will ensure the security of, for example, a country house, and the program itself can work with the IFTTT automation service.

    Platforms: macOS.

    The program works with both IP and the computer's built-in camera. There is a function automatic download video in Dropbox, as well as triggering at a certain volume or intensity of movement in the camera’s field of view.

    Periscope Pro can shoot video in a resolution of 1,600 × 1,200, using a small amount of space RAM and easy to set up. It is not designed to detect burglars (although it will work for this as well), but it will do an excellent job as a video baby monitor and help look after a pet or elderly relatives.

    Do you need a program that can turn your computer into a video surveillance system for your home, office, apartment or property? Carefully study the section table and best solution there will be! All those that score more than three pluses for the utility are adapted to work with a large number of cameras simultaneously, both connected to a computer and remote.

    They have a built-in motion detector and record at specified intervals when you are not at home. Plus, some can be downloaded for free. But main question How is the utility implemented when motion is detected? Features such as ringing an SMS to your phone or sending a message to email, can significantly expand the capabilities of the application, with the help of which you can turn your video surveillance webcam into a full-fledged system security alerts. But, unfortunately, they are not supported by all programs.

    The universal and inexpensive Xeoma stands out from its analogues. Its main features are ease of use, a developed notification system, a file manager that copies records not only to hard drive, but also immediately network storage. The function of recording video from multiple cameras deserves special mention, which allows you to organize video surveillance as efficiently as possible.

    Also pleased Ivideon Server- a program that adds remote access to the image from your cameras via the smartphone where it is installed Ivideon Client and vice versa (the phone lens works as a webcam, and the video can be turned on in the preview window in the user’s personal account on the PC). The service supports IP cameras, web cameras, broadcast video recordings or online mode through personal account user. Additionally, the motion sensor always takes screenshots when triggered. They are stored in a separate gallery.

    Well done Active WebCam, has many functions, dozens of settings for each display parameter, encoding, auto shooting mode, support for all known capture devices, including capture cards. Perhaps the only significant drawback of the solution is the price of almost $40 and the outdated interface. It seems that it was not designed for Windows 7 - 10, but for an archaic operating system Windows systems 95. In other respects, she has few equals.

    Some of the software listed in the selection can be downloaded for free; to expand the functionality of certain utilities, you will need to purchase a license. Depending on the software you choose, with the help of a webcam you will have the opportunity to realize your plans, be it a fun shoot for your friends from VK or targeted tracking of CCTV cameras by IP address.

    ManyCam will help you conduct a colorful live broadcast, webinar or productive communication session via Skype. The utility edits video and audio online at a professional level, but is not without presets and “tricks” for amateurs. It integrates closely with popular platforms and works quickly even on a weak PC. We recommend trying at least the free version.

    Xeoma is considered one of the most advanced tools in its category, allowing professional video surveillance even inexperienced users. The program is distributed free of charge, but if you want to expand its functions, you should consider purchasing the Pro version, which can be called one of the most optimal options prices and quality. IP Camera Viewer will help build a simple and convenient monitoring system without delving into detailed settings certain configurations.

    Movavi Video Suite unites best qualities other described programs, generously seasoning them with the functions of a high-quality video editor, video editing application, format converter and viewer. Record broadcasts, cut, add effects, improve and create entire films within one program. With their conversion and uploading to YouTube There will be no questions either. This is all done within the Movavi Video Suite menu!

    WebcamXP fans will like it remote control, because it allows you to follow what is happening as if remote computers, so with mobile devices. The official website of the developer provides not only the usual modification, perfect for home use, but also Pro, which, although it costs $99, will allow you to manage several streams simultaneously broadcast to the network.

    WebCam Monitor stands out from its competitors with its thoughtful task scheduler and is considered professional means. A disadvantage may be the lack of Russian menu language, but a clear advantage will be the exclusive ability to send SMS to your cell phone or smartphone if movement is detected in the frame.

    CyberLink YouCam It will appeal to fans of making presentations and video tutorials, as well as supporters of high-quality protection of their PC from prying eyes. Can change your appearance, but from an entertainment point of view, this function is better handled WebcamMax, which is recommended for downloading by anyone who wants to have a good laugh while communicating with friends in popular online services. But the simplest means of photographing yourself would be Webcam Toy, created specifically for the purpose of further posting the processed photo on social networks.

    A webcam is an essential attribute of any modern laptop. With its help you can communicate on Skype, create video conferences and take photos. The built-in cameras are turned on by default, and you can check its readiness for work in several ways.

    Make sure you have a video camera installed on your laptop. It is located in the upper part above the screen - it is a small peephole and an LED next to it. Most often problems arise due to the fact that mobile camera simply disconnected or there is no USB connection external device. We will use the following methods:

    • a combination of pressing the Fn + V buttons (marked with a blue camera icon) on the keyboard. This combination is standard for all mobile PCs. As a result, the camera should appear on the taskbar. If this does not happen, then the problem is in the driver or device malfunction;

    • camera check online. To do this, go to the page of any site that provides such a service. Launch the application and the “Allow” button will appear on the screen, turn it on and see. This indicates that the camera is working properly;

    Checking the functionality of the system

    By opening the device manager, we will see the status of the laptop webcam, the status of its driver and possible malfunctions. It can be accessed like this:


    In the device manager we find our camera or the “Image processing devices” tab.

    Three options are possible further development events:

    • The webcam is not detected by the computer. This happens due to a hardware failure or connection problems external camera. We eliminate the flaw and update the page;
    • the device is not recognized, but in its place there is unknown equipment that requires connection. Information about this may be duplicated on the taskbar in the lower right corner of the screen. The problem is solved by installing required driver or updating the old one;
    • The webcam is recognized, but there is an icon next to it exclamation mark in the yellow triangle - malfunction. An arrow in a circle means it is disabled in the operating system.

    Interesting! The driver is installed from the official website of the laptop manufacturer. There is no separate driver for the webcam; it is installed along with a Windows update.

    Typical errors in web camera operation

    A disabled camera in the device manager is activated by clicking “Enable” in the menu that appears after right-clicking on the selected camera.

    An error in operation can be corrected by clicking “Delete” and rebooting the laptop. If this does not help, then reinstall the driver.

    If these measures do not help, you should contact service center for camera repair.

    Most laptops are already equipped at the factory special programs For . These may be Asus ECam Utility, HP Cyberlink YouCam, Lenovo EasyCapture and others. All of them have a clear interface and are designed for a novice user. Removing them does not lead to loss of functionality of the device’s camera.

    Video - How to turn on the video camera on a laptop

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