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Resolve poor audio quality by using your LifeCam in a Messenger Video Call

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Symptoms

You use Microsoft LifeCam together with MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger to make a video call. In this scenario, you hear one of the following noise disturbances:
  • Echoes
  • Buzzing sound
  • Static sound
  • Noise

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Cause

This issue occurs when one of the following conditions is true:
  • The speakers or the microphone levels are not set correctly.
  • The headset setting is selected when you do not use a headset.
  • The speakers are too close to the microphone.
  • There is more than one microphone.
Additionally, the microphone is highly sensitive. Therefore, the microphone may be affected by the following sources of radiation:
  • Proximity of the microphone and one of the following electronic devices:
    • Wireless router
    • Speaker
    • Television
    • Computer monitor
  • Radiation from electrical sources or electrical points. Fluorescent tubes can also cause this issue.
  • Incorrectly grounded computer connections

  • Buzzing sound from computer speakers
  • Buzzing sound when LifeCam is positioned next to the CRT monitor

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Resolution

Set the audio levels

  1. In the video call window, click LifeCam Dashboard, click the Settings tab, and then click Audio/Video Settings under LifeCam Settings.
  2. Follow the instructions in the wizard to adjust speaker settings, microphone settings, and LifeCam settings.

    Notes
    • In the speaker settings, make sure that the speaker volume is not too loud. Additionally, make sure that the headset setting is correct.
    • In the microphone settings, make sure that the microphone level is set appropriately. The microphone level meter must not be set to the red level.

Move the speakers

Move the speakers away from the microphone. Additionally, ask the video call contact to adjust the speakers that the contact uses.

Disable the microphone

If you use the camera microphone or the headset microphone, disable the other microphone that you are using, or disable line volume. To do this, follow these steps.

For Windows Vista or Windows 7

  1. Click Start Start button , type mmsys.cpl in the Start Search box, and then click mmsys.cpl in the Programs list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
  2. Click the Recording tab.
  3. Select the microphone that you want in the list of recording devices, and then click Set Default.
  4. In the list of recording devices, right-click Line In, click Disable, and then click OK.

For Windows XP

  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. Type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:
    mmsys.cpl
  3. Click the Audio tab.
  4. In the Sound recording area, select the microphone that you want in the Default device list.
  5. Click Volume in the Sound recording area.
  6. Click to clear the Mute check box for Line In.

    Note The names of the different volume controls for sound recording differ from one sound card to another.
  7. On the Options menu, click Exit, and then click OK.

Check the laptop power connection

If you are using a laptop that is currently connected to AC power through the power adapter, determine whether the power connector is still causing the static:
  • Unplug the power adapter and use the laptop battery to run the laptop. If the static issue persists even when the laptop runs on battery, you may have to service the laptop.
  • If there is no static issue when the laptop runs on the battery, try to connect the laptop a different plug in a different room or building. For example, try to connect the laptop power adapter in an office or in a friend's house. This is to determine whether the power sockets in your house have leakage.

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Keywords: kb, kbprb, kbentirenet, kbexpertisebeginner, kbtshoot, pchwport, dftsdahomeportal

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Article Info
Article ID : 921334
Revision : 5
Created on : 8/19/2020
Published on : 8/20/2020
Exists online : False
Views : 272