HP 13 manual Webcam tips, Adjusting webcam properties

Page 47

NOTE: For more information on using HP MediaSmart, click Start > Help and Support, and type MediaSmart in the Search box.

The webcam software enables you to experiment with the following features:

Capturing and sharing video

Streaming video with instant message software

Taking still photos

Webcam tips

For optimum performance, observe the following guidelines while using the integrated webcam:

Be sure that you have the latest version of an instant message program before attempting a video conversation.

Your integrated webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls. If you are having trouble viewing or sending video to someone on another LAN or outside your network firewall, contact your Internet service provider for assistance.

NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing or sending multimedia files to someone on another LAN or outside your network firewall, temporarily disable the firewall, perform the task you want to perform, and then reenable the firewall. To permanently resolve the problem, reconfigure the firewall as necessary, and adjust the policies and settings of other intrusion detection systems.

Whenever possible, place bright light sources behind the webcam and out of the picture area.

Adjusting webcam properties

You can adjust webcam properties using the Properties dialog box, which is accessible from various programs that use the integrated camera, usually from a configuration, settings, or properties menu:

Brightness—Controls the amount of light that is incorporated into the image. A higher brightness setting creates a brighter image; a lower brightness setting creates a darker image.

Contrast—Controls the difference between lighter and darker areas on the image. A higher contrast setting intensifies the image; a lower contrast setting maintains more of the original information’s dynamic range but leads to a flatter image.

Hue—Controls the aspect of color that distinguishes it from another color (what makes a color red, green, or blue). Hue is distinct from saturation, which measures the intensity of the hue.

Saturation—Controls the strength of color in the final image. A higher saturation setting creates a bolder image; a lower saturation setting creates a more subtle image.

Sharpness—Controls the definition of edges in an image. A higher sharpness setting creates a more defined image; a lower sharpness setting creates a softer image.

Gamma—Controls the contrast affecting the mid-level grays or midtones of an image. Adjusting the gamma of an image allows you to change the brightness values of the middle range of gray tones without dramatically altering the shadows and highlights. A lower gamma setting makes grays look black, and makes dark colors even darker.

Backlight Comp—Compensates in cases where a subject with a large amount of background light would otherwise be obscured by blooming or silhouetting.

Webcam 37

Image 47
Contents HP Envy 13 User Guide Product notice Safety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Pointing devices and keyboard Power management Drives and external devices Appendix B Backup and recovery Page TouchPad Identifying hardwareComponents Top componentsDescription TouchPad buttonsComponent Description LightsButton Keys Front componentsLeft-side components Right-side componentsBottom components Display components Wireless antennasAdditional hardware components Labels Using HP QuickWeb software select models only Identifying wireless and network status icons Wireless and local area networkUsing wireless devices Using the wireless key Using the wireless controlsUsing operating system controls Using a WlanUsing Wireless Assistant software Protecting your Wlan Setting up a WlanUse a wireless transmitter with built-in security Connecting to a WlanRoaming to another network Using the Voodoo Power Adapter select models onlyIdentifying the adapter components Connecting the adapterTroubleshooting the Voodoo Power Adapter Cannot connect to a preferred network Using Bluetooth wireless devicesTroubleshooting wireless connection problems Bluetooth and Internet Connection Sharing ICSCurrent Wlan network security codes are unavailable Network icon for Wlan is not displayedWlan connection is very weak Connecting to a local area network LANCannot connect to the wireless router Using TouchPad gestures Using pointing devicesSetting pointing device preferences Using the TouchPadScrolling Icon Description Using the action keysUsing the hotkeys Hotkey Description Cleaning the TouchPad and keyboardPage Multimedia Multimedia featuresAdjusting the volume Multimedia software Using the media activity keysInstalling multimedia software from a disc Using HP MediaSmart softwareUsing multimedia software Checking your audio functions Connecting external audio devicesAudio Select Start All Programs Accessories Sound Recorder Using Beats AudioIdentifying Beats Audio icons Connecting an external monitor or projectorVideo Connecting an Hdmi device Webcam Configuring audio for HdmiWebcam tips Adjusting webcam propertiesPage Initiating and exiting Sleep Power managementSetting power devices Using power-saving statesInitiating and exiting Hibernation Conserving powerUsing the battery meter Customizing power plans Using power plansViewing the current power plan Selecting a different power planSetting password protection on wakeup Using external AC powerConnecting AC power Identifying batteries Using battery powerTesting an AC adapter Removing or inserting the primary battery Finding battery information in Help and SupportUsing Battery Check Displaying the remaining battery chargeCharging a battery Identifying low battery levels Maximizing battery discharge timeManaging low battery levels Page Resolving a low battery level Using the accessory battery select models onlyInserting or removing an accessory battery Identifying the accessory battery componentsPage Battery charging and discharging sequence Calibrating a batteryShutting down the computer Storing a batteryDisposing of a used battery Replacing the batteryClick Shut down Handling drives Identifying installed drivesDrives and external devices DrivesIdentifying HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection status Using Disk CleanupUsing HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection software Managing power with a parked hard driveConnecting optional external drives Using external drivesUsing the external optical drive select models only Sharing optical drives Removing an optical disc when the disc tray will not openExternal devices Using a USB deviceConnecting a USB device Removing a USB device Using Digital Media Slot cardsRemoving a digital card Inserting a digital cardPull the digital card from the slot External devices Protecting the computer Using passwordsSecurity Setting passwords in Setup Utility Setting passwords in WindowsManaging an administrator password Administrator passwordPower-on password Using antivirus softwareInstalling an optional security cable Using firewall softwareInstalling critical security updates Page Changing the language of Setup Utility Setup Utility BiosStarting Setup Utility Using Setup UtilityDisplaying system information Navigating and selecting in Setup UtilityRestoring default settings in Setup Utility Main menu Setup Utility MenusExiting Setup Utility System Configuration menuUpdating the Bios Updating the BiosDiagnostics menu Downloading a Bios update Determining the Bios versionPage Creating recovery discs Backup and recoveryBacking up your information Create a system restore point Using Windows Backup and RestoreUsing system restore points When to create restore pointsRestore to a previous date and time Performing a recoveryRecovering from the recovery discs Click System Recovery in the Recovery Manager window USB IndexWlan Hdmi