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camcorder/webcam/messenger

I'm trying to use my digital camcorder as a webcam to enable us to have view with messages whilst 'talking' to my sister in law.
The camcorder has the capability and I've connected it to my PC but the PC does not recognise it. What do I do now?
I'm clueless about what I'm should do to get it working, so I'm guessing. Any help really appreciated.
Thanks
A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all

Comments

  • Rex_Mundi
    Rex_Mundi Posts: 6,312 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you installed a driver for your cam? Your computer will need the software to tell it how to use a device that you plug in.
    How many surrealists does it take to change a lightbulb?
    ...
    ...
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    Fish
  • How are you connecting the camcorder to the PC? If via Firewire connection, you will probably need additional software like DVDriver for around $20.

    Download a trial version here.

    Read review of the software here.
  • Thanks for the suggestions. ;)

    I've uninstalled and reinstalled the driver. I'm connecting via USB. I;ve gone through the wizard in messenger and all seems OK. I can see my friend, but he can't see me. >:(
    I get a couple of messages:
    "Your conversation cannot begin because your camera is currently in use or not plugged in. Make sure your camera is available and try again."
    and
    "You have canceled your invitation to start viewing webcam."

    swiftly followed by:

    " You have stopped viewing webcam with (my friend)".

    I'm really confused now. Why can't he see me? Not that it's that pretty......... :)but

    Thanks!
    A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all
  • Rex_Mundi
    Rex_Mundi Posts: 6,312 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Always worth a try at the camera manufacturers website to see if there is a more up to date driver.

    Maybe google to see if there are any known problems with your model camera. Sometmes you can find others that have had exactly the same problem.
    How many surrealists does it take to change a lightbulb?
    ...
    ...
    ...
    ...
    Fish
  • Thanks Rex Mundi. :)
    Tried JVC website - no luck. :(
    Tried Messenger help - no luck :(
    Tried Google - no luck there either :(
    Have now emailed JVC direct. ???
    A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all
  • The wizard recognises the camcorder but the settings says it's either not plugged or I'm using it with another program.
    A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all
  • Thanks Paul R
    I've got a JVC GRD 73.
    The instuctions for video conferencing using messenger say to use the USB cable. It doesn't say anything about firewire.
    It's been suggested that I try closing off the firewall as they may be the inhibitor. I'll give it a go later and let you know.
    A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all
  • When you connect the camera does it show in Device Manager or My computer ???

    8)

    TOG
    604!
  • Yes, it appears in the device manager
    A woman of many moods...... and chocolate solves them all
  • The exact same thing happens to me, with a JVC GR-DX77 AA.

    This seems to be a common problem with digital video cameras, and using them as webcams... even though their user manuals make it sound sooooo easy.

    Any help would be appreciated.
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