Computer Applications I

2.01 - Use web cameras and video conferencing applications.

Webcams and Video Conferencing

A webcam is a camera that captures video for Internet transmission.

Webcams can also be used to record video directly into a computer system or to take snapshot pictures.

Webcams

Some webcams have built-in microphones. Others do not have built-in microphones. Some are made specifically for laptops. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even built right into the

computer.

Webcams Camera Prices

Webcams come in a wide price range. Usually the low end price is around $19.95. The mid range price is around $39.95. The high end price is around $99.95

Webcams Camera Software Software

comes with the camera.

Software is usually upgraded online once it is installed.

Webcam Setup Depending on the camera, the picture size

can be adjusted for several formats. The smallest size is usually 160x120 pixels

like the example here. The next size up is usually 320x240 pixels –

all the way up to a full screen. Although most cameras work well with the

default settings, they usually have some advanced settings where you can make various adjustments.

You may have to adjust room lighting to achieve a real good quality of photograph or video.

Capturing Photographs and Video To take a snapshot, click the

“Take a Picture Button.” Hold your pose for a few seconds to ensure that your photo is not blurred.

To create a video, click the “Record Video Button” and start talking.

Notice this picture is set for 320x240 pixels.

Be sure to smile!

Photo and Video Names The software usually

automatically saves the photos and videos in a gallery.

Default names such as Picture 01, Picture 02, Video 01, Video 02, etc. are usually assigned.

You should get in the habit of saving your photos and videos to a folder and giving them meaningful names so that you can manage them better.

Webcams and Video Conferencing Photos are usually saved

in .JPG format. Videos are usually saved in

.AVI format. If you rename the photos

or videos and put them in a folder, you can easily attach them to email and send to your friends, relatives, or business colleagues.

Desktop Video Conferencing

Desktop video conferencing is supported by Instant Messenger (IM) hosts and is just an extension of instant messaging.

AOLMSN

Yahoo

Desktop Video Conferencing AOL

America Online (AOL) is referred to as AIM for the instant messenger. It can be downloaded free from the AOL website. Video conferencing is then an add-in component. You can only see your video or your chat partner’s video by selecting the tab circled above.

Microsoft’s IM is referred to as MSN for the instant messenger. It can be downloaded free from the MSN website.

MSN instant messenger supports

1-to-1 video conferencing.

Desktop Video Conferencing MSN

Desktop Video Conferencing YahooYahoo Messenger can be downloaded from the Yahoo site. It permits setting up groups for multiple participant desktop video chats.

Yahoo Messenger can be downloaded from the Yahoo site. It permits setting up groups for multiple participant desktop video chats.

Multiple Participant Desktop Video Conferencing using iVisit

Just like email, you can attach files through your IM software. Consequently, you can send documents for review and discuss them using your desktop video conferencing or audio conferencing chat sessions.

Even without a camera, most IM software

supports the use of audio.

Attachments and Other Options

As more and more people become familiar with desktop video conferencing, it is becoming a very productive communications tool for the workplace. Multiple participant conferencing permits group involvement which can save corporations a great deal of time and money when several people can meet in cyberspace as opposed to conducting physical meetings of the past.

Desktop Video Conferencing