Eliminating Video Lag on Dell Webcam?

**Ed Goist** · Jan-22-2011, 11:30am

I have a relatively new Dell Inspiron PP42L notebook computer that is equipped with the factory webcam.

I'd like to use it to for mandolin video recording, but in all of my recordings so far, the video has lagged slightly behind the audio.

Is there anyway to fix this, so that the video and audio are in sync, or do I need a better, after market webcam for the Dell?

**Jim Broyles** · Jan-22-2011, 11:39am

Well, I don't know for sure, but I had the same problem with my Gateway and it cleared up when I started using a Microsoft LifeCam.

**Brent Hutto** · Jan-22-2011, 11:53am

One possibility is to use software to separate out the audio and video track, sync them up, then re-render to put them together again. Major hassle, although while you're in there you can normalize the audio and do and EQ or processing you like.

**Ed Goist** · Jan-22-2011, 11:58am

Brent, I'm afraid that's way outside my depth. I need a solution that involves either making minor adjustments to my current set-up, or getting something new (that will also be idiot proof and profoundly easy to install).

**MikeEdgerton** · Jan-22-2011, 12:09pm

The first thing I would do is call Dell customer support and ask them. There might be a simple fix or an update the cures the problem.

**Rob Gerety** · Jan-22-2011, 5:58pm

I hate computers - most of the time.

**Bernie Daniel** · Jan-22-2011, 7:59pm

Originally Posted by Rob Gerety

I hate computers - most of the time.

Sure beats my Droid for posting on the Mandolin Cafe though.

You said its a factory web cam? Is it a stand alone unit and does it have its own mic and is that mic handling the audio? Wondering if there is another mic on the PC that took over? Also might be a faulty driver for the video camera or a mismatch in drivers. Try this site for some ideas:
http://www.videohelp.com/

**MikeEdgerton** · Jan-22-2011, 8:23pm

By the way, if you're looking for simple video take a look at the Cisco Flip Camera's. It doesn't get any easier than that.

**Rob Gerety** · Jan-23-2011, 7:23am

I have a flip. Great little camcorder. Very simple and easy to use and the video quality is quite good. Cheap too.

**Ed Goist** · Jan-23-2011, 10:01am

This "flip" folks are talking about (Cisco Flip Camera?), does it fit these criteria:
* Easy to operate by a lone Luddite. (I need something very easy to use, and that can be effectively used by just one person). A monitor visible from the 'subject' perspective is a must.
* Decent and synchronized audio and video.
* Immediate playback capability (the ability to preview the video before saving it)
* Very basic instructions for uploading to the computer.
Thanks again,

**MikeEdgerton** · Jan-23-2011, 12:31pm

You won't have the monitor capability unless someone knows a way to do that. The rest is easy. You shoot the video (it will sit on a tripod or stand) then plug it into your PC and it appears as a drive. It doesn't get a whole lot easier than that. Just for giggles stop at your local Best Buy or Staples and ask if they'll show you how it works.

**John Kasley** · Jan-23-2011, 1:19pm

Make sure you no have no other programs running while you are recording. Recording video is a processor hog. Unfortunately, the monitor feature, if available, is also a processor hog. Notebooks are not the best for this kind of application. Desktop with separate graphics card would be better.

**Ed Goist** · Feb-07-2011, 9:43am

Thanks to everyone for the input.
No luck on driver updates or working with the Dell folks to improve the current on-board webcam. So, I think an equipment upgrade is in order, and I think I've narrowed my choices to:
* Microsoft LifeCam
* Cisco Flip Camera
* Zoom Q3 HD
Any additional comments regarding these choices?
It seems the Cisco Flip is the most recommended choice for what I'm looking for. But, I do have a question about it. How does one know the shot is well framed on the flip when working alone? It appears that the shot perspective can only be seen from a user behind the camera.
Also, is the audio on the flip decent?
Thanks again.

**Ed Goist** · Feb-11-2011, 8:41am

Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton

The first thing I would do is call Dell customer support and ask them. There might be a simple fix or an update the cures the problem.

I finally found the download for the Dell Webcam upgrade.
I installed version 2.0 and set the webcam to "anti-blur" and, voila! - Problem solved!

The video is now perfectly synced with the audio. The picture is a little darker, so I might want to adjust some of the image settings, but the overall quality now seems acceptible. I'll try to get something recorded this weekend and post it here.

Thanks Mike (and all) for the suggestions.