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September 8th, 2022 16:00
Microdia cameras, why is Dell using them in XPS and Alienware?
Microdia cameras (VID_0C45&PID_673B) have got to be worst choice for a laptop camera. Why is Dell using these in their higher end laptop systems if they fail so much?
So, I upgraded to an AW x17 R1 from an XPS 9500. Last year, I posted on the board about how my camera in the 9500 disappeared. Even after a system reload, the camera never returned. Not sure if this was a hardware problem or a compatibility issue, but the laptop was a little over a year old when the camera just stopped working, which meant my warranty was gone.
Today, my x17's camera is inoperative. Exhibiting the same issues as the 9500. I already checked if it was enabled in BIOS. I've already ran the pre-boot diagnostics, the camera doesn't appear there. And, obviously, it doesn't appear in Device Manager or in any app. So this week, I have to have my entire LCD panel replaced because Dell decided to use these seriously junky Microdia cameras. The quality on these is always washed out, with no real way to clean up the quality when they do work. And when they don't, Dell doesn't even offer an option to try to install the driver, they default to a Windows driver.
So as I wait for my AW to be serviced, I got to ask, why is Dell using such a lame camera for their higher end systems? Sure, use those things on Inspirons and Latitudes that start at $500 a unit. But not Alienware or XPS, for crying out loud.
Anyone else run into issues with the camera, as I have?
IntelliRick
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September 13th, 2022 17:00
So, I had Dell come out and replace the LCD, as it was the lowest replaceable unit for repairing the camera...
...and it didn't solve the problem.
I have this feeling the issue is with the BIOS. The camera still does not appear in ePSA diagnostics, much less not in Windows. Currently, I'm running BIOS 1.11, which is the updated version.
Does anyone else have this model and can provide some thoughts? Does Dell have any ideas, because it's kinda lame that I have a premium laptop without a functioning camera.
IntelliRick
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September 14th, 2022 14:00
So, I got on with Dell so-called "Premium Support". Was on the phone for over an hour, while spending about 45 minutes on hold. Explained everything that had happened up to this point. The only troubleshooting step we tried was to disable and re-enable the camera in BIOS. Their only solution was...
... Re-Install Windows.
Meanwhile I have so much stuff on there that a complete OS rebuild would be a major imposition on my work. But now, Dell won't address it any further until that happens.
I'm going to check with another person whom I know has an x17 R1. I need to verify if the Camera actually shows up in the ePSA Diagnostics list. Seems like it should be. I'll also do a comparison with his SysInfo and mine to see if that sorts it out.
So, I also hold to my contention about Microdia/Sonix cameras. Dell does not provide a driver; they rely on Microsoft to provide that driver. I do not know, at this point, what broke my camera's functionality. But I cannot believe that was Dell's answer...reinstall your OS.
And what if that doesn't work?