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Question

I need help with webcam software replacement

by Jan 13, 2014 5:50AM PST

Hi Everyone,

Can someone recommend a free webcam software to use instead of Lifeframe? I am interested in using it to send pictures, audio messages and videos in e-mails, although, I could graduate to Skype later on. I would like to be able to add backgrounds and graphics like I can on Lifeframe.

I had to install Shark007 for video conversion projects for my church. This resulted in my Asus Lifeframe v3 software not working. (My internal web cam light would appear, but once I selected video or camera or microphone, the webcam light would turn off. The graphics and backgrounds did appear when selected.)

I did a test online and found that my webcam worked and recorded, and I was able to use the webcam with ArcSoft Webcam Companion that I downloaded. However, the Webcam Companion "reception" was terrible. (My Lifeframe was a bit blurry, but this one was blurry and created red shadowing when I first accessed the software.)

I have an Asus K73E, an Asus USB2.0 webcam, and Windows 7 64 bit.

Any help will be appreciated!

Discussion is locked

7 Posts
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Clarification Request
Video in email?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 13, 2014 6:07AM PST

Too large for almost all email boxes.

But it appears you are trying to do what folk do with Ustream.com.
Bob

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My Lifeframe worked for this.
by Scoobyfan Jan 13, 2014 7:43AM PST

Before my Lifeframe malfunctioned, I was able to use it to send short videos and pictures via e-mail without any issues. I would just add them as an attachment, which was easily opened and played by the recipient. (I'm not talking about a 90-minute movie. Just a picture or short video clip that would be the length of the "Happy Birthday to You" song.

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Then my advice is to go back to what worked.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 13, 2014 8:57AM PST

All PC users long ago learned to keep backups. So my nod is go back to what worked.

Conversion apps are plentiful. Find more. I like HandBrake.
Bob

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Shark007 prohibits usage
by Scoobyfan Jan 13, 2014 9:24AM PST

I am able to install and update the LifeFrame software that came with my laptop, as well as reverting to the original version. However, no versions of LifeFrame work anymore -- after the installation of Shark007, which I need for other uses. I guess I will have to figure out what is more important to me -- the webcam or doing projects with Shark007.

Maybe I will give HandBrake a look!

Thanks! Happy

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Odd. A quick look at Shark007 finds nothng new.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 13, 2014 9:39AM PST

I see CODECS but many of those are infected which sounds like your machine. A CODEC should not interfere but it has.

Tell more. Why Shark vs. HandBrake and others?
Bob

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Why? I ask myself that same question!
by Scoobyfan Jan 13, 2014 11:28AM PST

Hi Bob,

Short Story:
It wasn't my choice to use not use Handbrake. The tech guy who remotely installed the software for his company said it was the best one that they use -- a much better choice than FFDShow. I don't even know if they know about Handbrake. FFDShow caused problems with everything having to do with sound and video on my laptop. I mean everything from games like Solitaire to playing videos and music on my laptop. This required a complete system restore -- which I don't care to go through again!

By the way, I found ManyCam on your website -- and my webcam recognizes it!

Long Story:
You see, my church has an outside LED sign. I create messages with backgrounds, sometimes with video loops, at home and send the messages for them to send to their sign, which is set up to their main computer.

When I installed the sign software (Visions Play) on my computer (ASUS), I found that I could not convert videos in a format requested by the sign software/manufacturer. In order to create a usable/compatible video loop, It has to be in .FLW format. This requires taking the original video, let's say, an MP4, and converting it to a format that can be converted into an FLW. I have to take the MP4 video and convert it into an AVI (in Any Video Recorder), saving it -- and opening it up and resizing it in the sign software program. Finally, I can convert it into an FLW and create my sign. Whew.

I know it does sound quite involved -- and I did contact the sign company to make sure I wasn't making more work than necessary. However, they confirmed that was the correct procedure -- and Shark007 was the way to go.

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Update
by Scoobyfan Jan 13, 2014 11:47AM PST

Now, that the webcam works with the ManyCam, the sign software conversion won't work. What a vicious cycle!

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