Operation

Video capture

Note: Make sure the camera is not being used by another program, such as a messaging program.

Before recording video you first have to create a file where the video can be stored: click File > Set Capture File..., select the directory where you'd like to save your video and then enter a filename. The filename should be based on the following format: Filename.avi

If you want to restrict the maximum size of the video file, click File > Allocate File Space... and enter the desired maximum video file size.

Additional webcam options are available under Options > Video Capture Filter.

Adjust the contrast, brightness and other settings to suit your individual preferences. You can now record a video by clicking on Capture > Start Capture and then OK in the following window. To stop video capture click Capture > Stop Capture. Now save the file by clicking on File > Save Captured Video... ,select the directory where you'd like to save the file and then enter a filename. Make sure you add the file extension '.avi' to the end of your filename. You can view the video that you have created using Windows Media Player or any other player which supports the AVI file format.

Face Tracking

The 'Face Tracking' option in AmCap improves picture quality during video chat sessions as you always remain in the centre of the camera's field of view even if you move. To activate this feature, proceed as follows: In the 'Options' dropdown menu, select 'Video Capture Filter...'. Under the 'Face Tracking' tab, check 'Face Tracking'.

Focussing

Configuring the webcam for use with a messaging program

Using with Skype™

Start Skype™ and then click Tools > Options... On the 'Video Settings' tab, check 'Enable Skype Video' if this isn't checked already. From the list of webcams, select: USB Video Device. You should now see the picture being transmitted by your webcam in the Skype™ window.

Note: If necessary, exit other video/imaging programs like AMCap otherwise the Skype video function may be affected.

If you'd like to adjust the video settings, click 'Webcam Settings'. It is recommended that automatic white balancing is deactivated and adjusted manually.

Using with MSN® Messenger

Note: The contact who you'd like to invite to a video conversation must also have a video-capable version of MSN® Messenger.

Right click on the person you want to contact from your contact list and click Video > Start a Video Call.

MSN® Messenger will now guide you through the process of configuring your webcam. Follow the on-screen instructions. Wait until your contact accepts the invitation to start a video conversation.

To adjust the webcam settings, click on the small arrow in the lower right-hand corner of your webcam image, click 'Web Camera Settings' and then click 'Advanced'. It is recommended that automatic white balancing is deactivated and adjusted manually.

Using with ICQ®

In the ICQ window, right click on the contact you'd like to start a video conversation with and then click on ICQ Video. Wait until the contact accepts the invitation to start a video conversation.

ICQ will automatically detect if you and your contact have a webcam. If you have already started a conversation and would like to transmit your webcam image then click on the camera symbol on the left of the conversation window and wait until your partner accepts your request for a video conversation.

Using with Yahoo!® Messenger

Right click on the person you want to contact from your contact list and click More Actions > Invite to View My Webcam.

A separate window with the webcam image will open. Yahoo!® Messenger will now prompt you if you'd like to activate Super Webcam mode. Click 'Yes, always'.

To adjust the camera settings click File > Settings. In the window that opens, click on the tab 'Webcam' and then on 'Camera Settings...' and adjust the properties to suit your individual requirements. It is recommended that automatic white balancing is deactivated and adjusted manually.