SP2008WFP and the Webcam in 320x240

Question

I have encountered a problem with a newly purchased SP2008WFP monitor. I have found out that when I use the integral webcam in 320x240, it transmits a black screen back to the computer. The light comes and, and it appears to be transmitted a signal back, but it nothing but a black screen. When used with Yahoo Messenger, other people report that they are getting a webcam screen, but it is just a black screen (which is what is coming up when I select 'My Webcam' ). Using the Dell Webcam Console software and selecting 'Video Record', and then setting my camera to 320x240, it also shows a black screen. The higher and lower resolutions (except for the other odd 300 resolution, I think 352x???) work fine. Checking the forum, I saw other people having the same problem. I uninstalled the Dell Software and used the default Microsoft drivers, which did not solve the problem. I also had Windows Update install the latest driver automatically (Driver Provider: Creative Technology Ltd., Driver Date: 6/8/2007, Driver Version: 1.0.13.608) and the problem still persists. Essentially, with 320x240 not working, it makes the webcam pretty useless to me, as most IM utilities use this resolution. Message Edited by ChrisInPA on 11-23-2007 07:36 PM

ChrisInPA · Answer

Bump? I really don't want to have to return the unit.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

ChrisInPA,

So your IM does not allow you to change the resolution to one of these?
1600x1200
1280x1024
1024x768
800x600
640x480
352x288
176x144
160x120

Message Edited by DELL-ChrisM on 11-26-2007 07:57 AM

ChrisInPA · Answer

Unfortunately, no. It's Yahoo Instant Messenger that I use, version 8.1. It appears to be locked onto 320x240. It's odd. When I use other applications and set the cam at 320x240, I get a black screen as well. But when I set it to a higher resolution (say, 640x480) the picture is crystal clear.

ChrisInPA · Answer

Okay, did a little bit of experimenting.

Apparently, Yahoo Messenger requires one of these three Color Space Compression systems for the webcam to work:
* RGB 24
* I420
* IYUV

Using the Microsoft amcap.exe utility, I see the webcam in the SP2008WFP only supports these two protocols:
* MJPG
* YUY2

When, using the amcap.exe utility, I set the resolution to 320x240, I can get a picture.

This may what is also causing the problem with people trying to use Skype as well.

Message Edited by ChrisInPA on 11-29-2007 02:09 AM

OvidiuTulpan · Answer

Have you found any solution yet ? Up to now I can use the monitor just as mirror :(

Monitors

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