OK, I just did a test Hangout at the GE conference site with the new Chromebook to see if we can use this for a facilitated livecast for registered online attendees for a one-day event in couple weeks. As you can see from the screencapture, I'll need another camera. I've bought a couple before, but one of the biggest concerns I have (besides video quality) is these attachable cameras often don't hold onto the computer well - very unstable, very flimsy. I can't have a camera fall over in the middle of the presentation. Not too expensive - although I don't want to have to keep buying cameras that don't work. I need to order something ASAP (Amazon or Ebay) - the event is 2 weeks from tomorrow. Suggestions?
WaterCitizen I've found that a small strip of Velcro on top of my monitor and another on the bottom of the camera solves the problem. I'll admit this may not be ideal for laptops as you couldn't close but... a very small bit of every handyman's friend [i.e. duct tape] would also work and be easily removable. :)
ReplyDeletemy Logitech C920 seems to grip pretty well on the back of my lap top. I've found the trick to making sure both surfaces are flush with each other so the rubber pad on the camera holder can grip
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen The C920 also has a nice standard-threaded tripod mount built into the base so you can make it super-sturdy.
ReplyDeleteI have a separate 6 or 7 inch tripod that fits nicely on my webcam. It's completely adjustable for angles is any direction. The tripod keeps it free of any movement of the laptop lid and can be set on the table or on top of anything that will raise the height. I've used it on HOA virtual meeting with DearMYRT, Judy Russell and others at the Western Mass Genealogical Society.
ReplyDeleteC920 is great on a tripod or a desktop tripod
ReplyDeleteI have one like this:
http://www.amazon.com/VidPro-Gripster-Flexible-Compact-Camera/dp/B0019KPS66/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1428424175&sr=8-9&keywords=desktop+tripod
Works great.
Also, with a chromebook and a webcam you cannot download any software of the camera. Andrew Hatchett can verify this since he had issues with wanting to zoom in and out (I think).
Michael Daniels is correct. While the Logitech C920 comes with great control software (Autofocus, white balance, follow my face, etc), none of that is available when running Chrome OS as the Logitech control software must be downloaded and installed.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure out whether this Chromebook 2 Samsung recognizes my Blue Snowflake (the smaller version of the Snowball mic). What's the point of having a device dedicated to being able to do Google stuff including HOAs if we can't get working video and mic?
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen Have you selected it as your default audio input device? Click on your picture in lower right hand corner, click the speaker and you'll get a menu of input and output devices to set as defaults.
ReplyDeleteOK - I just found it under the volume control. PHEW! Still not sure where I'll be able to change video device. Making progress - will have to test later! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen Cameras can be chosen from inside the HOA using the gearwheel at the top center when in the actual HOA.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Hatchett so I really don't need to buy something else. doesn't always switch. We're also looking into having more than one computer in the room called into the HOA.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if a Samsung Chromebook 2 is strong enough to handle 2 external audio/video peripherals at a high frame rate and serve as the main host with high quality result. I'm curious to see if it can really handle hosting a quality HOA.
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen I'm unsure what you mean when you say "Doesn't always switch". Are you saying that you have two (or more) external webcams attached to the chromebook and that while in a HOA you ca't click the gearwheel at the top and switch between them?
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen I just came across this...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.head4space.com/connecting-usb-microphone-to-chromebook/
WaterCitizen realize that if you have multiple computers in the same room logged into the same hangout; 1) there are real concerns about creating a feedback loop (I've learned the hard way) and 2) your bandwidth requirment will double with the addition of the second computer, triple with the addition of 2.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I moved to local switching of video sources. This link is 8 months old but you'll get the idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cq0T33jy3Y
thanks for video John Brown . Wow - that's some serious equipment. Right now, I'm just trying to figure out the equipment I need for a minimal viable product (combining HOA knowledge with Mastermind facilitation skills) to create an ongoing revenue stream - still a long way from being able to bankroll that sort of setup. Good to know what I can expect not to be able to do with Logitech. I just want to create a worthwhile experience for the folks online to be part of the experience in the room.
ReplyDeleteWaterCitizen That rig is the product of incremental small investments. The logitech C920 worked fine as long as it was within about 15' of the subject. The mixer we use now sells for 179.00 on sale. Our mics are wireless which pushes the cost up considerably. You can get good wired mics for about $60-$80 per. The Canon HV20s were bought used on eBay for about 180.00 and the HDMI cables are cheap (16-20 bucks for long cables). The video capture card to connect the camera to the computer about $175.00.
ReplyDeleteJohn Brown the room we'll be in won't be that big, so there's a good chance we'll be able to hear our "VIP Front Row" Participants if I take out my earplugs and let the room hear them (we may also see how close we can get the room mics to the laptop without feedback). This will be a good first step, I think - our first paid event where we're offering remote participation!
ReplyDelete