HP VZ243AV manual Webcam select models only, Adjusting webcam properties

Webcam (select models only)

Your computer may include an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. With the preinstalled software, you can use the webcam to take a photo or record a video. You can preview the photo or video recording and save it on your computer hard drive.

To access the webcam and HP Webcam software, select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Webcam.

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

●Capture video.

●Stream video with instant message software.

●Take still photos.

NOTE: For information about using software designed for use with the integrated webcam, refer to the webcam software Help.

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.

●The webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls.

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. For additional information, contact your network administrator or IT department.

●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 webcam, 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

62 Chapter 4 Multimedia