Document Camera - Webcam and VLC

Summary

A description of how to use the webcams that are installed on Instructor Teaching Center (ITC) carts in Bethel University classrooms.

How to use the Webcams

Use as a Document Camera

• Click on the Classroom Camera icon on the desktop. 
  
  • A video window will open in VLC Player that displays your image.  There are optional adjustments you can make in VLC (see below):
    
    
  • A Logitech Webcam controller window also opens.  Use the controller for Focus and Zoom (See below): 
    
    
    
  • Position the two windows as you find convenient on the screen.
  • Use the Gooseneck to zoom in and out appropriate to what you are trying to display. 
    Note if you have manual focus on, then you may need to refocus.
  • Tip: Double click on the video window to go to full screen and 2X click again to return to a window view
  • Tip: Use the Logitech Webcam Controller Window for controlling your camera: 
    • Focus;  Unselect Autofocus, and move the focus bar to a sharp focus for your image. 
    • Click on Advanced Settings to bring up more options in the Webcam Control and Advanced Settings windows
      
         Webcam Controller                                      Webcam Options Screen                              
      
                   
  • Optional VLC Settings to improve performance:
    • Image Orientation:  In the VLC window select the Tools Menu 
      • Select Effects and Filters
      • Select the Video Effects tab and then 
      • Select the Geometry tab. Check the Transform checkbox and Select Rotate by 180 degrees.
      • Click Close to close the Effects window.
        
        
        
        
  • Image Quality and "Speed": Select the Media Menu and select Open Capture Device
    • In Video size type 1280x720
    • Click Show more options and set Caching to 0 ms
    • Click Play
      
        
      
      

Use as a WebCam

The camera works like a standard webcam for webcam uses like Google Hangouts or WebEx.  For this purpose simply open up your sharing program. Google Hangouts or WebEx are recommended.  Installation of Skype is problematic on Bethel systems so if interested in this application please connect with the ITS Help Desk.

• Google Meethings (Hangouts)

  • Open up Chrome and go to https://mail.bethel.edu

  • Click on the Apps icon in the upper right and select "Meet"

  • Select Start a new Meeting

  • Share the meeting information with others and start your meeting.

Use for Audio Amplification

• Open the Application Audacity
• Set the Preferences in Recording to Sofware Playthrough

Use for Lecture or Video Capture

• Click on the Logitech icon on the desktop.
• Select Quick Capture
• Select Video (lower left)
• Click the Record Movie button in the middle of the screen below the live image.
• Click stop recording
• Transfer your saved movie to your Google Drive or to YouTube