Webcam FAQs
Learn the answers to the most common questions regarding webcams.
What are the system requirements for sharing webcams?
- Internet connection with cable modem, DSL or better
- Windows® 8, 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server, or Mac OS® X 10.6 Snow Leopard® or later
- Dual core 2.4GHz CPU or faster with at least 2 GB of RAM
- Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or later, Google Chrome 5.0 or later or Safari® 3.0 or later
- 700 Kbps or more bandwidth recommended per participant for simultaneous screen sharing, audio and video conferencing
Which webcams are recommended?
- Logitech® HD Pro Webcam C910
- Logitech HD Webcam C510
- Logitech HD Webcam C310
Which webcams are unsupported?
- 4eyeGrab
- Hava Remote Video Device
- Hava Video Device
- BT878 VfW to WDM mapper (32-bit)
- Live! Cam Notebook Pro (VF0400)
If the maximum number of video streams are being shared and I turn off my video stream, can another participant share their video?
Yes, users can stop and share video streams at any time. Organizers can also disable an attendee's video stream so that another participant can share their webcam.
Can I temporarily stop my webcam without giving up my webcam slot?
Yes. You can pause your webcam temporarily by clicking the Pause button on the top-right corner of your webcam feed.
How do I set up my webcam?
Install your webcam using the manufacturer's installation instructions. You can set your webcam settings from the preferences. We recommend using a headset with mic and speakers (VoIP) instead of your webcam's built-in mic and speakers.
What happens if I install a webcam during a session?
In most cases, we should be able to detect your new hardware and allow you to use it during the same session.
What are the bandwidth requirements for webcam sharing?
We recommend 700Kbps or more per participant for simultaneous screen sharing, audio and video conferencing. HDFaces uses bandwidth optimization to make the best possible use of any available bandwidth. If you experience slow performance issues, try closing data-intense applications like YouTube, Netflix, Skype, etc.
Can I share and view webcams from an Android or iOS device?
- If you are on an iOS device, you can share and view webcams during the training.
- If you are on an Android device, you cannot share your webcam but can view others during the training.
What are some video conferencing tips and best practices?
- Secure your webcam on your computer to make sure it's stable and won't move around.
- Choose a location with adequate lighting. If you're sitting directly in front of a window, try moving to another spot; otherwise, your webcam may only capture your silhouette.
- Position your webcam so that your entire face fills up at least half of your webcam viewer.
- For optimal performance, open . If you have a high-performance webcam, you can enable high-quality features, such as "face recognition" or "right light," to enhance your video conferencing experience.
How do I select a different webcam if I have more than one plugged in to my computer?
To select a different webcam, open
. If more than one webcam is detected, simply choose which webcam you'd like to use from Your Camera.Why can't I see other participants' webcams?
Your webcam viewer may be minimized, but you can bring the viewer back up again from your taskbar or dock. If you previously selected Hide Webcams from the Webcams drop-down menu, select Show Webcams. Only staff members can show their webcams.
Why can't other attendees see my webcam?
Double check to see if your webcam is connected to your computer and then try selecting Share My Webcam if you haven't already done so. To see if your webcam has been detected, open
.What should I do if I'm experiencing poor video quality?
Make sure you have adequate lighting in your room. If you have low bandwidth, you should make sure you have nothing else running that might use up bandwidth. If your webcam is out of focus, turn off the auto-focus setting on your webcam. You can also check to see if you're using one of our unsupported webcams.
What should I do if my webcam stops working?
If you have low bandwidth or CPU issues, you may see a "Low Bandwidth" or "Computer Overloaded" message. You'll be prompted to hide all webcams and/or stop sharing your own webcam. If you select Yes, all webcams and/or your own webcam will be hidden.
To improve bandwidth and CPU performance, close all other programs on your computer, and switch to a high-speed cable Internet connection (if you haven't already).