PC Camera Drivers

One of the most common devices used by PC users in today’s modern computing world is the PC camera. PC cameras are used for not only taking still photos but for video conference and instant messaging chat rooms. Employing the use of video in communication is also known as “video telephony”. Video telephony has opened the doorway to low-cost, real-time video communication for the masses. Video communication is typically coupled with two-way audio communication, although people have devised creative ways of using PC cameras without sound, such as visual communication for the hearing impaired via sign language. PC cameras are also as an inexpensive way to record motion pictures. With the advent of consumer-grade broadband internet, this has paved the way for grassroots mass media sharing. Websites such as YouTube offer users a way to share homegrownvideos taken with a modest PC camera with the entire world.

Why we need PC Camera drivers

A wide variety of PC cameras exist, each with different features. PC cameras vary in picture quality (resolution) from a modest one or two megapixels up to professional-grade video quality. Some cameras only provide video while others integrate incoming and outgoing sound through microphone and speaker lines. Although almost all PC cameras connect either through the computer’s USB ports or video card, many manufacturers use their own proprietary communication protocols to exchange data between the PC camera and the computer to which it is connected. It is the PC camera driver that makes this communication possible.

How to handle common PC Camera problems

There is very little that can go wrong with a PC camera. This doesn’t mean they are fault-proof, however. If a PC camera does not work at all, check to make sure the drivers are properly installed. It is crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, as installation procedures vary from camera to camera. If driver discs were not included with the camera, check online at the manufacturer’s website to download them. Be sure to install them before plugging the camera in if the instructions say to do so. Failure to install the PC camera and PC camera drivers in the proper order will cause problems that are difficult to remedy without a complete uninstall. During installation, the task bar should display a message indicating that the computer has detected the presence of a new PC camera and will begin setting up the appropriate PC camera drivers. After installing, be sure to check your computer’s device manager to make sure the PC camera drivers were properly installed.

Sometimes a PC camera will function but have erratic display results. If closing and reopening your camera software does not remedy the situation, try rebooting the system. If problems still persist, you may have to open the PC camera’s control panel and adjust picture settings. The control panel will have a variety of settings much similar to settings for a television. Adjust them and test the camera again.