Thread: Webcam problem

I have a Philips webcam, which appears to work perfectly on its own until I try to speak to a friend on Skype. I can see her, but she can't see me!

It had been working perfectly, but when it began to fail, I downloaded new drivers, but to no avail.

I'd appreciate if someone could offer some help.

Originally Posted by JAYCEETOO

I have a Philips webcam, which appears to work perfectly on its own until I try to speak to a friend on Skype. I can see her, but she can't see me!

It had been working perfectly, but when it began to fail, I downloaded new drivers, but to no avail.

Here are the steps I would begin with -
I would first verify in Device Manager that the device is working properly (right click and select properties). Check all cables and connections.

Next, if there is Philips software that came with it, I would verify that the webcam is working properly through that software. Make a test video if you can.

Next, I would try the webcam using another program, such as Microsoft Live Messenger (which works very well with Vista). If the webcam works with Messenger, then we know that the problem lies with Skype - either the software version, or the setup, etc. If the webcam doesn't work with Messenger either, I would go back to Device Manager and try rolling back the driver to see if that resolves the problem.

Hope this helps.

Thank you, simrick.

As I didn't think I was going to receive a reply to this problem, I tried to sort it out myself. I have already done most of what you have suggested; verified in Device Manager that the device is working, checked all cables and connections and downloaded the driver again.

On its own, the webcam appears to be working absolutely fine. I can even do a test video on Skype.

The only thing I haven't tried that you have suggested is to try it in Microsoft Live Messenger.

I will be speaking via webcam & Skype in a couple of days' time, so if that doesn't work, I will give MLM a go.

Thank you very much.

How do you know that your webcam is the problem? It sound more like your friends got the problem with hers.

Originally Posted by Ferret

How do you know that your webcam is the problem? It sound more like your friends got the problem with hers.

Good Point!

Funny you should say that. I've suggested this to my friend but she won't have it!

If everything is fine at this end with my webcam, that's definitely probable, especially as there are another two people she has problems viewing as well!

'nuff said.......

Thanks for that simple suggestion - it's put my mind at rest and stopped me buying a new one.

Originally Posted by JAYCEETOO

Funny you should say that. I've suggested this to my friend but she won't have it!

If everything is fine at this end with my webcam, that's definitely probable, especially as there are another two people she has problems viewing as well!

'nuff said.......

Thanks for that simple suggestion - it's put my mind at rest and stopped me buying a new one.

"I can see her, but she can't see me!".....makes me think that it is a problem with the Skype setup, probably on her end, since you said you are successful making a test video with your webcam. If you can get your webcam to work successfully in Messenger (with anyone), then you've confirmed that it is a Skype setup issue - and most likely on her end. I wonder if she has installed the new beta version with screen sharing - that may have some bugs in it still, since it's a beta.

Just to let you know that the webcam worked PERFECTLY tonight. I rang South Africa (rather than the other way round) and everything was spot-on.

Thanks for all your help on here - it's good to know someone is listening!

Super! Glad to hear it.