[nickbraddock]

Hi,
just bought a webcam (cheap in argos).
I can get pictures on the screen but cannot get any sound when I play back recordings.
Any boffins out there that can help me?? I am worried that there is no audio capability on it but would have thought all webcams have audio (and it has the holes beneath the lens for the mic) but would appreciate any help/advice
Thanks
Nick

[Dazza]

Hiya Nick

What Make/Model is it??

[nickbraddock]

It's from argos, no obvious brand name, model: ARG MK9 2NW if that helps???
Cheers
Nick

[Dazza]

Nick is that the code on the web cam? Its just thats the post code of the Argos Head Office :P

(ARG) Argos Ltd, 489-499 Avebury Boulevard,
Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2NW :?

[nickbraddock]

hi again,
all it says on the box is:
PC Camera
676/7268(D)
P/O NO.:335053

The number I gave you before was the one on the User guide for the webcam

If it helps, it comes with "Ulead" software, Video Mail and Video Monitor

It is argos product number 676/7268

Thanks for helping so far
Nick

[zsj]

am not a boffin but we had problems with our webcam with the sound too - in the end we bought another mike for my mothers and that worked ok. Can't remember what we did this end. You could try buying a seperate mike?

Don't mean to be rude either but almost every time I have a webcam chat with my mother she frantically says 'I can't hear you ' and I have to type every time - turn the speakers on! You've done that right?!

sarah.

[Timbo]

Dont worry too much if your cam does not have a built in mic Nick. It will just mean you need to get a seperate headset with microphone.
I recenlty bought a webcam for under £20 that has pretty good video and sound. It is an I-cam 330 and is very easy to set up and use.

[Biddy]

A webcam without sound is a pretty good idea if the mother in law is involved!

More seriously though, what else is needed to make those long distance chats? MSN messenger? Skype etc any recommendations?
Mike

[Dazza]

Only meeeeeeee

Looking at the cam and description I would say it has no built in mic, as suggested previously I would get a seperate mic. I have found that a headset with a built in mic are pretty good.

[Timbo]

Biddy. Messenger supports webcams, but I am unsure about Skype.
I havent checked it out yet, but I think the latest version of messenger allows you to go to a full screen picture as well.
Just rememember to put some clothes on.

[Biddy]

Clothes! I'm going native me!

I've no experience of Messenger at all, just heard it was good for those long distance calls back to blighty - also heard that Skype allowed you to do it for free to another Skypee, or something!

[richard]

Messenger supports webcams, but I am unsure about Skype.


Skype doesn't as such but as the API is reasonably open programs such as http://www.video4skype.com/ have been developed.

[nickbraddock]

Hi again,
I have bought a mic and plugged it in and it comes through the speakers ok. How do I get it to save as a clip with audio?? Is there some free software out there that does this for you???
Cheers
Nick

[Timbo]

Nick. Sorry, I cant answer your question. But, I think you would probably be better off with a headphone set with built in mic. From what my son tells me, you do get a fair bit of sound distortion when using speakers in conjuction with, say, messenger. The headset does not cut it out completely, but greatly improves the sound quality.
Mind you, it probably depends on the quality of the speakers used as well.