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Q: Where can I get windows drivers to use my dv camcorder as a webcam? ( Answered 5 out of 5 stars,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Where can I get windows drivers to use my dv camcorder as a webcam?
Category: Computers > Operating Systems
Asked by: sherpaj-ga
List Price: $6.00
Posted: 27 Jun 2006 17:52 PDT
Expires: 27 Jul 2006 17:52 PDT
Question ID: 741603
Where can I get windows drivers to use my dv camcorder as a webcam?

I have a Canon Optura DV camcorder
(http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=174&modelid=8275)

I want to use it as a webcam with whatever webcam software I decide on
(skype or MSN or whatever).  Where can I get drivers to make windows
see it. My scanner shows up under My Computer, so I would think a
firewire DV camera would if it hd the right software.

thanx in advnce
Answer  
Subject: Re: Where can I get windows drivers to use my dv camcorder as a webcam?
Answered By: sycophant-ga on 28 Jun 2006 16:44 PDT
Rated:5 out of 5 stars
 
Hi,

Most DV cameras will show up in Windows XP using a WDM driver. Some
applications should be able to use WDM devices as a webcam source. But
many others rely on the older VfW driver system (which DV devices
generally don't support). However the specifics of the DV format means
that many WDM-capable applications still don't support direct access
to DV devices

More information on this issue can be found in this article:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/tweleve_questions_three.htm

And here on Skype's forum:

However, there are applications that provide a bridge between standard
DV devices and the video input requires by the application you have
mentioned.

WebcamDV( http://www.orangeware.com/endusers/webcamdv.html ) claims to
do exactly what you want. It is compatible with MSN, Skype and many
other applications (as listed on that page). A free trial is
available. The price of this software is $20-30.

Also, DVDriver ( http://www.dvdriver.com ) provides a very similar
driver. Again, a free trial is available, and the full product is $20.

One problem you may encounter in using a camcorder as a webcam is the
fact that most cameras will switch off automatically if not recording.
To get past this with most cameras you normally need to remove the
tape from the camera, and ensure the camera is connected to a power
adaptor, not running of battery.

Some cameras also have menu settings that disable the Firewire output
when the camera is in 'camera mode' that might need to be changed.

I hope this answers your question. 

Regards, 
Sycophant-ga
sherpaj-ga rated this answer:5 out of 5 stars and gave an additional tip of: $2.00

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