Help with webcam/video calling

flutterbyuk25

Hey all

I'm looking for some advice. I have a friend in New Zealand and I've bought a cheap webcam with built in microphone so that we can do video calling through MSN Messenger.

Just tried it tonight and did not have much success!! I have checked the settings on MSN and all is set up okay on there. But all she could see was a flickery screen instead of me. My webcam pic that I could see (of me) switched between me and flickery screen!

We managed to have a quick chat but then there was a high pitched squeaky noise from one of us! Also I could hear her well but I was faint.

Then Messenger crashed for me. When I logged back in, my webcam had crashed and had an error message saying something like "could not load graph". Needed to unplug webcam and restart PC to get it working again.

Any idea would be gratefully received.

For info, I have a Dell Inspiron 1300 laptop (2006 model), Mikomi DC-7115 1.2MP mic/webcam, using MSN Messenger Windows Live 2008 and have ADSL Broadband with BT.

x

Conor_3

Firstly, see if there's any new drivers for the webcam. Always the first port of call.

Bob63

IMHO video calling through Skype is much more successful and easier to setup. It is free to get the software and free to make video calls. It also has the advantage, for me, of working on a Mac so I can easily make video calls from my Mac to other users regardless of whether they are on Mac or PC.

jamesnc

Agree Skype is much easier to use for web camera calling. You both just need to install Skype on both ends and it will have install instructions for webcam's worth a try.

A flickering screen suggests there maybe a problem with one of the leads. I presume you both have broadband, otherwise it makes it difficult to have video calls