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Where can I get windows drivers to use my dv camcorder as a webcam?

• 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:

  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