Use a webcam to chat over a video link

Beneath this are options relating to sound, both input and output. Use the Microphone dropdown menu to select the input that should be used to capture sound. Some webcams have a built-in microphone, while for others a separate microphone will be required. Now scroll up the page slightly so that the microphone meter (to the left of the video window) is visible. Speak into the microphone and check that the meter responds accordingly. If it doesn’t, check the Windows sound settings.

Similar settings need to be configured for the speakers so that sound can be heard. Use the Speakers dropdown menu to select the soundcard that is installed, although in most instances selecting ‘Default device’ will also work.

Next to the video preview window, click the ‘play the test sound’ link and check that audio is working. Assuming everything is work as it should, tick the box labelled ‘Enable echo cancellation (recommended)’ as this will help to reduce improve sound quality by reducing microphone interference. Click Save Changes.

If you experience any problems with either the microphone or sound output, click the ‘Troubleshoot your settings’ link next to the video preview window. This link leads a page featuring an introductory video about video chats along with links to troubleshooting resources to the right of the page. A list of webcams that are known to work with Google video chats is displayed, but this catalogue is far from exhaustive. If your webcam fails to work, it may be necessary to install updated drivers.

Start a video chat
To start a video chat, return to the Google Mail inbox and ensure that the chat box is visible to the left of the screen. Any contacts with a green camera icon next to their name have a webcam installed. Click their name to open a chat window and then click the ‘Video & more’ link at the bottom of the screen. Select ‘Start a video chat’ and wait for the call to be answered. The output of your webcam is shown in a small window, while the larger display shows that of the person you are speaking to.

By default, sound is enabled during a video chat: it can be disabled by clicking the microphone button beneath the video window. To view a larger video window, click the arrow button above the video to ‘pop out’; the icon in the upper left of the video can also be clicked to enter full-screen mode. When the video chat has come to an end, close the video window to end the call. If someone else instigates a video call, all that needs to be done is to click the Answer button.

Tweaking the picture
Lighting is very important when using a webcam. Certain cameras have a built-in light that will automatically activate when conditions are too dark, but if this is not the case, you will have to rely on other sources of light.

The light emitted by a computer monitor is unlikely to be sufficient to light a scene satisfactorily, so it may be necessary to switch on a light or lamp in the room. Be careful to position this lighting so it is beneficial rather than a hindrance.

A light source behind the head of the subject, whether this is electric lighting or a window, will result in a silhouetted image. There are controls available that can be used to adjust the brightness of video footage, but this is only really suitable for making minor tweaks. If the image is very dark, increasing the brightness will simply result in a very grainy picture.

Other ways to have online video chats
All the major instant-messaging programs, such as Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger, support webcams. There are even ‘cross-platform’ instant messengers, such as Digsby, that can be used for video chats regardless of which tool your contacts might use. While using Google Mail for video chats keeps things simple, and makes it possible to chat to others whilst checking email, you may prefer to use a dedicated program.

Google Talk is an instant-messaging client which works much likes its rivals and can be used with a webcam. Click here to download Google Talk for free.

Get talking
Video chats online are both simple to set up and free. Obviously, though, you will need someone to hold the other side of the conversation. If you don’t know anyone who uses Google Mail then coerce some webcam-owning friends or family members to sign up. Alternatively, get them to download the standalone Google Talk tool from www.google.com/talk (they will still need to sign up for a Google account, though). With that complete, starting a video chat is as straightforward as clicking a contact’s name. So, what are you waiting for?

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