Webcam with microphone: how it works, functions, how to choose

The webcam has become an indispensable device for people who regularly communicate via video calls. To use only the joy brought the device, before the acquisition is necessary to familiarize with features and some of the subtleties.

How does a web camera with microphone

Webcam with microphone - a kind of computer equipment intended for transmission to a PC, images obtained by the shooting. Initially, with microphone webcam was created to connect Internet users.

Measurable goals and are now key. In addition to this function, the current cameras are used for a different purpose. Depending on the characteristics of the device, it becomes possible to record videos, take pictures, watch the natural phenomenon and use it in security systems.

An important role is played here by the transmission rate, and not the quality of video and sound. Therefore, the camera consists of the following components:

• CCD is made of two types, but remember enough one - CMOS. It is characterized by an improved image quality. Matrix has another characteristic - resolution. Depending on the model, it varies from 0.3 to 5 M;
• Lens - a lens that projects the matrix of light rays.
• Optical filter. A small but important detail that affects the received light beams. The filter is needed to filter out infrared and ultraviolet rays.
• The video capture card is set as the main analog signal transmitter to digital.
• compression processing unit compresses the image and ready to accelerate the transmission network.
• Processor - a component performing calculations within the chamber.

Since this is a webcam with microphone, focus on the model in detail. Built-in microphone provides a number of advantages. First, it does not need to buy another device, consequently, spend money on it. Secondly, the webcam can transfer files with a soundtrack. However, the camera without built-in microphone also has a number of advantages.

In addition, depending on the product there are other components:

• RAM;
• CPU;
• flash memory;
• connectors for connecting alarm sensors.

differences

What is the difference between web camera with microphone from the digital camera? The digital camera is connected to the network without having to connect to a computer via USB. Small domestic chip implements upload feature images and videos directly to the Internet.

Some models are equipped with adjustable brightness values, exposure and focal length. From these characteristics it depends on the image quality, so it is important to take into account the presence of these facilities.

Camera with microphone come in various types and designs. The microphone is built into the body and taken out of it as a separate item. Of this feature depends quality of sound that is transmitted from the camera.

functions

• Photography - As already mentioned, the camera with a microphone, which can make high-quality images, are not uncommon. This property depends on two parameters. Large resolution, which is to obtain good images should be at least 640 * 480. You need enough memory to store the picture. It is proposed to use a volume of 8 MB. Such amount is enough to store up to 120 images.
• videography - Video recording requires a high-quality video capture device and a good microphone. The necessity of the first parameter is not necessary to explain, but the microphone can be said that the low sensitivity, can ruin an excellent record of poor sound quality, such as promiscuous speech. The disadvantage that affects the shooting, is the lack of some models of the viewfinder and a permanent connection cable of fixed length.
• autofocus - automatic regulation of the focal distance for obtaining high-definition image saves time. Automatic mode eliminates the need to adjust the camera at each shooting. In our time, yet available on the camera without auto-tuning, but the manual gradually ceased to be in demand.
• password protection - yet rare feature used for cameras, which are made for the safety systems. Password is designed to limit the receipt of images from the camera on the Internet. View at the default setting is open to the computers connected to the network, even through your default browser. You need to enter your password when you attempt to view a protected broadcast. Some advanced camera models allow to distinguish between the administrator and other users access to edit the camera settings and view the video.
• Motion Detector - the standard option is to search for the visible space of moving objects. The motion detector can be set so that the recording will be activated when the moving objects. In addition, this parameter can calculate the size and speed of the object.
• Fixing the camera - camera fixed in space due to attachment method. Available in models that attach special clip on the monitor. If the base is not equipped with the hinge, then change the position of the camera is difficult. The second option - to set the table. They rely on the leg of the platform, which is put on the table. Despite the expenditure of space, they provide freedom of movement.

watched

In our time, it remains one of the main areas of application webcam with microphone. Devices arranged in the room and is adapted to synchronize on the computer from which the video monitoring is conducted. The tuning process is simple, it requires the installation of the drivers and activate the desired functions.

Limitations in equipping the cameras there, except that it is worth considering the USB-cable as short as possible (5 m). Even when using a large number of cameras, the system cost will be low. As a result, the person will receive not only high-quality image, but also the sound of all that is happening at the expense of the microphone.

malfunctions

Failures caused immediately after purchase
The new device does not display an image on the computer screen. It is recognized as faulty, or notices are not displayed.

• Open Manager in Control Panel devices.
• "Imaging Devices" tab. If the webcam is faulty, or not activated, the key is not present. If the webcam is turned on, it is not recognized by the computer's operating system.
• If the webcam device list is highlighted in yellow triangle with an exclamation point, the device installation is not completed. You need to reinstall the software standard for the camera, which is provided by the manufacturer.
• If the camera is detected and installed correctly, but there is no picture and sound, the reason to install improper drivers. The operating system chosen standard set that is not compatible with this model. Problem is eliminated by removing the device from the list and the installation of a new set of drivers.

If these suggestions do not solve the problem, then proceed to the inspection of physical damage.

• Camera System requirements and PC must meet each other. If not, the Web camera is not compatible with your computer.
• If the cable is damaged coil (cracks, cuts, creases), replace the unit at the service center.

Not working built-in microphone. The causes of many, the most common - wrong configuration software.

• In "and Sound" indicated on the control panel the desired device (web camera with microphone name).
• Make sure that you have the drivers that the manufacturer provides, if necessary, for the correct operation of the microphone.

Problems encountered in the process
The reasons why the camera stops working:

• The operating system is reinstalled, and the drivers for the webcam there. The decision - to reset the camera and the factory.
• Faulty USB-ports, or damage to the motherboard. To test the connection to other components. Solved by replacement of equipment.
• Obsolete / informal / unstable version of the software. Please update by downloading the new version from the developer's site.
• Accidentally installed malicious software or other programs that affect the web camera with microphone. Anti-virus scan will help to correct this problem if the software is really harmful.
• Equipment failures. To solve the need to complete computer diagnostics.

Precautionary measures

Webcam - electrical equipment. Do not install it in wet areas and where to get the water it can. Humidification provoke a short circuit, a fire or melt plastic parts webcams.

You can not use a device with damaged wires, especially if children are present. The cord can overheat, melt and cause a fire or burn your computer.

If as a result of hitting the processor or other component fails, the webcam will stop working.

How to choose a webcam with microphone

• Price category. Strive for very expensive products is not necessary. However, I like to dwell on the most cost.
• Resolution webcam matrix: an objective measure of image quality. For comfortable use suitable megapixel resolution 3. It will give a realistic detailed image resolution higher than 3MP slow data transfer rate.
• shooting speed: this attribute describes the number of frames per second by the camera. The higher the value, the softer and smoother transitions.
• Autofocus: in pursuit of a clear image acquired by the camera just for auto focus and zoom. This used to be controlled manually, but now there is no such need.
• Light sensitivity: for quality training in the room must be to the webcam can automatically adjust settings for shooting, regardless of the amount of light.
• Microphone: it is not installed in all webcams, so make sure it is available.
• Trivia: the length of the USB cable and method of attachment to the surface. Webcam for desktop computer - the cord is not less than 1.20 cm. There are two types of fastening: table or on the clip, which is attached to the edge of the monitor. In the clip-on hinges leg fits the webcam and records it to the desired angle. Similarities characterized webcams that are attached to the table. The latter option is considered to be a reliable and comfortable to use.