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User’s Guide
Creative WebCam NX
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology
Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Creative Technology Ltd. The software described in this
document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the license agreement.
It is against the law to copy the software on any other medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. The licensee may
make one copy of the software for backup purposes.
Copyright © 1998-2003 Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Version 1.0
April 2003
PC-CAM is a registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. All other products are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
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Package Contents................................................................................................................................. v
Minimum System Requirements...................................................................................................... v
Document Conventions.................................................................................................................... vi
About Creative WebCam NX............................................................................................................ 1-2
Installing Creative WebCam NX.......................................................................................................... 1-3
In Windows 98/98SE /Me/2000/ XP.......................................................................................... 1-3
Verifying the installation in Windows 2000 & XP....................................................... 1-6
Starting PC-CAM Center........................................................................................................................ 2-2
Capturing Images and Video.................................................................................................................. 2-3
Taking a Photo.................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Recording a Video........................................................................................................................... 2-3
Viewing a Photo......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Viewing a Video.......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Reactivating the Camera ......................................................................................................................... 2-4
Starting PC-CAM Center Help............................................................................................................. 2-5
Creative PC-Cam Center....................................................................................................................... 3-1
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Creative WebCam Monitor................................................................................................................... 3-1
Microsoft NetMeeting.............................................................................................................................. 3-1
Microsoft Internet Explorer................................................................................................................... 3-2
Appendixes
Construction.......................................................................................................................... A-1
Power....................................................................................................................................... A-1
Video Resolution................................................................................................................... A-1
Picture Resolution - Still mode......................................................................................... A-1
Video formats......................................................................................................................... A-1
Exposure control.................................................................................................................. A-1
Color balance......................................................................................................................... A-1
Color matrix........................................................................................................................... A-1
Field-of-view........................................................................................................................... A-1
Depth-of-field......................................................................................................................... A-1
Port compatibility.................................................................................................................. A-1
Software compatibility......................................................................................................... A-2
Problems in Windows XP...................................................................................................................... B-3
ii
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Introduction
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Introduction
Creative WebCam NX is a digital video camera kit that gives you everything you
need to capture 24-bit still images and video in 16.7 million colors. Not only that, it
also allows you to communicate face-to-face with others on the Internet!
Creative WebCam NX comes with the following software:
❑ Creative PC-CAM Center
❑ Creative WebCam Monitor
®
❑ Microsoft NetMeeting
❑ Microsoft Internet Explorer
Before You
Begin
Package Contents
Your Creative WebCam NX package contains the following items:
❑ Creative WebCam NX with USB cable attached
❑ Creative WebCam NX installation CD
❑ Quick Start.
README file
The README file on the CD-ROM contains information not available at the time of
printing. Read the file before you begin installing Creative WebCam NX.
Minimum System
Requirements
For the USB port version of Creative WebCam NX:
❑ 233 MHz Pentium II or higher IBM compatible PC
®
®
❑ 32 MB RAM
❑ 250 MB free hard disk space
❑ Available USB port or a USB hub with external power supply
®
❑ Microsoft Windows 98/98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP
(Windows 95 is not supported)
❑ 16-bit color display at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
Introduction v
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❑ CD-ROM drive installed
®
❑ Sound Blaster or other Windows-compatible sound card. Sound
Blaster 16 or higher required for simultaneous two-way conversation with full-duplex
support.
For Videoconferencing
❑ Microphone
❑ Modem or LAN access to the Internet at 28.8Kbps or faster
Document
Conventions
Tip. This tells you about short cuts or hints relating to a feature.
Note. This highlights additional or important information about a
feature.
Caution! This highlights proper usage of your product. Use this
information to avoid risky situations.
Warning! This warns you of possible hazards to yourself or your
product, that may result in injury or damage.
Introduction vi
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Installing Creative WebCam NX
This chapter tells you how to quickly install Creative WebCam NX.
Figure 1-1 highlights the features of Creative WebCam NX.
About
Creative
Snapshot button
WebCam NX
Press it to launch
PC-CAM center and
capture images
Focus ring
Adjusts the view
USB cable
focus. Point the
lens toward your
subject and then
rotate this ring in
a clockwise or
counterclockwise
motion until the
image is in focus.
Hinged lever for
mounting camera on
LCD display panel
Front View
Side View
Figure 1-1: Creative WebCam NX
Installing Creative WebCam NX 1-2
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Installing
Follow the installation procedures for your operating system.
Creative
WebCam NX
In Windows 98/
1. Do not connect Creative WebCam NX to your computer before installing the
drivers. If you accidentally begin installation with Creative WebCam NX
connected, the Add New Hardware Wizard or Found New Hardware
Wizard dialog box appears. Click the Cancel button.
98SE /Me/2000/ XP
2. Insert the Creative WebCam NX Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. If it
does not run automatically, click Start-> Run and type D:\ctrun\ctrun.exe
(Where D:\ represents your CD-ROM drive).
• You can install the
WebCam with your
computer turned on.
3. Click the options for installing drivers and applications.
• The USB port(s) on
your computer may
be found on the
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
You may be asked, after an application is installed, if you want to restart your
computer. Select No until all the drivers and applications are installed.
front panel and/or
the back panel.
• You can daisy-chain
the WebCam
through another
USB device or
attach the WebCam
to a powered USB
hub.
• If you have a
microphone,
connect it to
computer’s
microphone
connector. Read
your computer’s
documentation.
Installing Creative WebCam NX 1-3
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5. Place your Creative WebCam NX on top of your computer monitor or other flat
surface. For LCD flat panel monitors and notebooks, use the integrated hinged
lever to balance the camera. See Figure 1-2.
USB port
Hinged
lever
Figure 1-2: Connecting Creative WebCam NX to your computer
For Windows 98/98SE and Windows Me only
6. Connect the Creative WebCam NX’s USB cable to an available USB port on your
computer (Figure 1-2). Windows automatically detects the device.
i.
If you are prompted to insert the Windows 98 or Windows Me CD, replace
the Creative WebCam NX Installation CD with the appropriate CD.
Note: Windows 98 is available in various editions. Be sure to use the
correct edition for your system.
ii. In the Insert Disk dialog box, click the OK button.
iii. Follow the instructions on the screen.
Installing Creative WebCam NX 1-4
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7. Check the image in the Video preview pane of the Creative WebCam NX
Camera Configuration dialog box. If it flickers or displays a series of dark
bands, click the Cancel Flicker button.
8. Click the Finish button, and then restart your computer if you are prompted to
do so.
For Windows 2000 only
1. When a Digital Signature Not
Found dialog box appears, telling
you that Creative WebCam NX has
been detected, ignore the message
and click the Yes button.
2. Check the image in the Video
preview pane of the Creative
WebCam NX Camera
Configuration dialog box. If it
flickers or displays a series of dark
bands, click the Cancel Flicker
button.
3. Click the Finish button, and then
restart your computer if you are
prompted to do so.
Figure 1-3: Digital Signature Not Found
dialog box.
For Windows XP only
After connecting your camera, Windows automatically detects the device.
1. When the Found New Hardware Wizard dialog box appears, select Install
the software automatically (Recommended), and then click the Next
button.
Installing Creative WebCam NX 1-5
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2. When a Hardware Installation Dialog
message and click the Continue
Anyway button. For more details on
this warning message, see "Problems
Installation will be complete in a while.
3. Check the image in the Video preview
pane of the Creative WebCam NX
Camera Configuration dialog box. If
it flickers or displays a series of dark
bands, click the Cancel Flicker
button.
Figure 1-4: Hardware Installation
dialog box
4. Click the Finish button, and then
restart your computer if you are
prompted to do so.
Verifying the
installation in
Windows 98/98SE
and Windows Me
1. Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
2. On the menu that appears, click Properties.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Device Manager tab.
4. Click the plus (+) sign next to the Imaging Device icon.
The entry “Creative WebCam NX” should appear.
Verifying the
installation in
Windows 2000 &
XP
1. Right-click on My Computer.
2. On the menu that appears, click Properties.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab.
4. Click the Device Manager button. A window appears.
5. Click the plus (+) sign next to the Imaging Device icon.
The entry “Creative WebCam NX” should appear.
Installing Creative WebCam NX 1-6
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Using PC-CAM Center
This chapter tells you how to quickly set up Creative WebCam NX as a Web Camera
using PC-CAM Center software.
For detailed information about the application’s features and settings, refer to its
PC-CAM Center is an easy to use application that enables you to take pictures and
record videos with the Creative WebCam NX. You can also view pictures and videos,
and create and manage albums.
Starting
PC-CAM
Center
You can start PC-CAM Center in
any of the following ways:
❑ Click Start -> Programs ->
Creative -> Creative
WebCam -> Creative PC-
CAM Center.
❑ Double-click the Creative Cam
• If PC-CAM Center
does not recognize
the camera
Detector icon
taskbar.
in your
correctly, see
Appendix A,
“Troubleshooting.”
This icon appears if, during
installation, you clicked the
option for Creative Cam
Detector to launch
• PC-CAM Center
automatically
detects your
installed model of
Creative WebCam,
and disables any
unsupported
features in the user
interface.
automatically at Windows
startup.
❑ Plug your camera into the USB
port and let Windows
Figure 2-1: PC-CAM Center screen.
auto-detect it. You can choose to start PC-CAM Center in Live Video mode from
a popup window that appears.
Using PC-CAM Center 2-2
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With PC-CAM Center, you can take photos and record videos.
Capturing
Images and
Video
Taking a Photo
To take a photo:
1. In the PC-CAM Center window, click the Live Video button. The current
camera view is displayed in the Viewing window.
2. In the Save Photo in box, select the destination album for your photo.
The Save
3. To save the photo automatically, click the Save automatically check box to
automatically check
box is selected, by
default.
select it.
4. To preview the photo before saving it, click the Save automatically check box
to clear it.
5. To capture the image shown in the viewing window, click the Snap an image
button at the bottom of the window.
The image is captured but not saved. A preview of the photo is shown at the
bottom-left corner of the Live Video window.
6. Click the Save button.
The photo is added to the destination album.
Recording a Video
1. In the PC-CAM Center window, click the Live Video button. The current
camera view is displayed in the Viewing window.
2. In the Video Size box, select a suitable resolution.
3. In the Save video in box, select an album to put your videos in.
If you want captured video to be saved automatically, click the Save
automatically check box. Otherwise, click the check box again to clear it.
4. Click the Capture video button to start recording.
The button starts blinking to indicate that recording is in progress.
Using PC-CAM Center 2-3
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5. To stop the recording, click the button again.
The button stops blinking. The video is added to your selected album.
If the Save automatically check box is not selected, click the Save button to
save the video. Otherwise the video is not saved or added to your selected
album.
6. To preview the video, click the Play button on the bottom-left corner of the
Preview window.
1. Click the My Album button. PC-CAM Center is now in My Album mode.
Viewing a
Photo
2. In the My Album box, click the My Photo folder and then click the album that
contains the photos that you want to view.
Thumbnails of photos in the album are displayed in the Thumbnails window.
3. Double-click the thumbnail of the photo displayed in the Thumbnails window.
The photo, in its actual size, is displayed in the PC-CAM Center Viewing
window.
If you are not satisfied with the result, you can select a higher resolution, and
then capture the image again.
1. Click the My Album button. PC-CAM Center is now in My Album mode.
Viewing a
Video
2. In the My Album box, click the My Video folder and then click the album that
contains the video that you want to view.
Thumbnails of videos in the album are displayed in the Thumbnails window.
3. Double-click the thumbnail of the video you want to view.
The video plays in the Viewing window.
If you are not satisfied with the result, you can select a higher resolution, and
then capture the video again.
If your computer goes into standby mode, your camera will go into suspend mode.
You can reactivate the camera and computer by moving the mouse or pressing a
key on the keyboard.
Reactivating
the Camera
Using PC-CAM Center 2-4
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This Help file contains instructions on how to use PC-CAM Center to take photos and
record videos. It also teaches you how to optimize settings to take high quality
photos and videos.
Starting PC-
CAM Center
Help
To start the Help file:
1. Click the PC-Cam Center logo at the top left corner of PC-CAM Center’s main
window.
2. On the PC-CAM Center menu, click Help.
Using PC-CAM Center 2-5
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Creative WebCam NX Applications
The Creative WebCam NX application CD includes the following:
❑ Creative PC-Cam Center
This powerful application lets you take pictures or record videos and store them in
albums. You can also export pictures or videos to other programs, or send them as
attachments in your e-mail message. There are various settings for you to adjust,
allowing you to optimize the quality of your pictures and videos. For details, see
Creative PC-
Cam Center
Want to put a live snapshot of your office, coffee pot, or even your fishtank on your
web page? Creative WebCam Monitor is the application to look at. Just point your
camera at your subject and pick a time interval. WebCam Monitor does the rest,
including uploading the snapshots to the Internet. WebCam Monitor also acts as a
motion-detecting security system which automatically e-mails you when somebody
comes near your PC while you are not present.
Creative
WebCam
Monitor
Microsoft NetMeeting is a voice communications client that includes support for
international conferencing standards. It also provides true multi-user application
sharing and data conferencing capabilities.
Microsoft
NetMeeting
With its one-way or two-way video-conferencing features, your friends can see you
even if they do not have a camera. Audio-only conversations and text chats are also
supported. Two or more users can collaborate on a document, doodle on a
whiteboard, or even share any Windows application in real-time over the Internet or
on a corporate intranet.
Creative WebCam NX Applications 3-1
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Microsoft Internet Explorer is an Internet browser that features
ActiveX technology, so web pages can combine interactive
ActiveX Controls, Java applets, and more, to create interactive content. ActiveMovie
technology allows you to view multimedia content on the web, including MPEG
audio and video.
Microsoft
Internet
Explorer
Creative WebCam NX Applications 3-2
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Technical Specifications
Construction
Power
❑ USB Port version: Remote camera head with a USB cable
❑ From a USB port or USB hub with an external power supply
❑ CMOS image sensor
Sensor
Video Resolution
❑ Up to 352 x 288 pixels on a Minimum System
❑ Up to 640 x 480 pixels with software interpolation
Picture Resolution -
Still mode
❑ Up to 352 x 288 pixels
❑ With software interpolation: 640 x 480 pixels
Video formats
❑ RGB24
❑ I420
Exposure control
Color balance
Color matrix
❑ Automatic
❑ Automatic
❑ Preset and integral to camera
❑ 40 degrees +/- 5% (horizontal)
❑ 15 centimeters (6 inches) to infinity
❑ USB Port version: Universal Serial Bus port
Field-of-view
Depth-of-field
Port compatibility
Technical Specifications A-1
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Troubleshooting
If you have a technical problem with this product, you may wish to consult our self-
help tool “Knowledgebase” for online troubleshooting and solutions. Go to
www.creative.com and select your region.
An application reports that the video driver is already in use, or that the
camera cannot be found.
Do the following:
Problems
Using Creative
WebCam NX
❑ The camera is not properly connected. To resolve this problem, ensure that the
camera’s USB connector is inserted, and that the USB connector is enabled in
the BIOS. Refer to your computer’s documentation for information on the
BIOS.
❑ Reinstall the video capture drivers and restart your computer.
Troubleshooting B-1
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The camera’s Power LED does not light
up, or in Windows 98/98 SE, Me and
2000, the computer restarts for no
apparent reason.
You may have USB devices drawing too
much power from your computer. This can
happen especially when connecting USB
devices to a passive or self-powered USB
hub. In Windows XP, a dialog box similar to
Do the following:
❑ Connect the camera directly to your
computer’s USB port.
❑ Use a USB hub with an external power
supply.
Figure B-1: USB Hub Power Exceeded
dialog box
Insufficient system resources reserved for the USB port, causing the
system to be unable to function.
There are too many devices in the system, causing IRQ problems with the system’s
USB controller.
Do the following:
1. Remove some devices from the system.
2. Restart the system.
The system will rearrange the resources automatically.
Troubleshooting B-2
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A Hardware Installation error message appears on a Windows XP
operating system when applications are being installed.
Problems in
Windows XP
At the time of this product's release, Microsoft strongly encouraged companies to
submit their hardware solutions for certification. If a hardware device driver is not
submitted, or does not qualify, for Microsoft certification, a warning message similar
to the one below appears.
You may see this message when installing a driver. If you do, you may choose to
click the Continue Anyway button. Creative has tested the driver on Windows XP,
and it does not impair or destabilize your computer.
Troubleshooting B-3
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Note on USB Compatibility
While testing Creative WebCam NX on PC motherboards with integrated Universal
Serial Bus (USB) ports, we encountered a small number of motherboards that do
not meet the USB specification exactly. These and other non-USB-compliant
motherboards may not operate correctly with Creative WebCam NX. Fortunately,
the manufacturers of some of these motherboards have released new versions of
motherboards or BIOS to address the problem.
To look for a USB
compatible product,
you can visit the
product search page at
the official USB Web
site: http://
If the setup program warns you that your motherboard’s USB port is incompatible
with Creative WebCam NX, or if the camera does not work on your system and you
suspect that the problem may be related to your PC’s USB port, the following is a
list of available options:
search/products.
1. Contact your PC vendor.
Your PC vendor may be able to upgrade your motherboard or its BIOS to a
newer version that addresses USB incompatibilities.
2. Use a PCI host adapter that provides USB connectors.
If you are not able to upgrade your motherboard or its BIOS, we recommend
this approach.
3. Attach the Creative WebCam NX to a powered USB hub.
Some USB devices (such as monitors) also operate as powered USB hubs; you
can also buy dedicated powered USB hubs which are to be attached to your
PC’s USB port. However, in some cases, attaching a powered USB hub to a non-
USB-compliant USB motherboard connector will not solve the problem.
C-1
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