Logitech Vid

[Joe13]

Hello,

I use a Logitech C270 webcam to communicate with my family members. I have a Win7, Intel Core i5 laptop with 4Gb of RAM and an internet connection of 16Mbps down / 0.9 Mbps up.

When I connect with my sister who has almost the same system, we have no problem to view both in HD... OK !

But with my parents, I can't get more than 320x240 both ways : of course their system is older (Intel Core Duo T2300 1,66 Ghz, 2 Gb RAM, XP SP3, webcam Philips SPC900nc which can do 640X480) an their internet connection is a bit slower (8 Mbps down / 0.8 Mpbs up), so I know I can't get HD with them but won't this be enough to get at least 640x480 ?  ( I've looked at the system requirements for the non-HD C210 webcam and it says that system would be good for 640x480 calling.).

Now, I'm visiting them and brought my C270 to replace their old webcam : did install lastest LWS drivers and reinstall Vid, updating other drivers, tuning the system but nothing changes : 320x240 (25-30 fps) is the more I can send and receive !

In operation, the system has sufficient memory and the processor is used < 40%.

What can I do to improve ? 

Thanks.

[MCW]

Hello Joe13;

Would you please perform all of the following steps on your parents laptop:

If Logitech Vid HD is currently running, exit the application by way of the menu options (do not click the X).

Make sure the webcam is connected to a high powered USB port directly on the computer (not an external hub).

Launch Logitech Vid HD again and sign in.

Click Help > Submit Diagnostic Information

This will generate a detailed diagnostic we can review with system specs and peripheral information.

Once submitted, in Vid HD go to Settings > Application & Device Settings > Advanced Settings

Make sure the box "Let Logitech Vid HD decide the best video resoution" is checked.

Then click on the "Clear Tuning History" button.

Click the "Save" button.

Add the e-mail address vidtest@logitech.com as a friend.

Place a call to the "Vid 2 Min Demo" and stay on the full 2 minutes.

Then submit a second diagnostic

Once this is done go back to Settings > Application & Device Settings > Advanced Settings

Uncheck the box for "Let Logitech Vid HD decide the best video resoution"

Then click on the "Clear Tuning History" button.

Click the "Save" button.

Place a call to the "Vid 2 Min Demo" and stay on the full 2 minutes.

Once this is done submit a third diagnostic.

Go back to the settings and check mark the box "Let Logitech Vid HD decide the best video resoution" to revert to the default setting and save the change.

Once you have submitted all three diagnostic, send me a private message through the forums and provide me the e-mail address your parents used to sign into Vid HD so I may look up the diagnostics.

Additionally, in that same private message if you would give me a summary of your test call observations and indicate if your internet connection is wired or wireless that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

MCW

[Joe13]

Hello,

Tests performed and private message send.

Thanks for your help. 

Joe

[Joe13]

Well, for those interested, here's the answer I receive from the support :

"We appreciate your submission of the diagnostic reports as well as the additional connections and bandwidth test results.

We reviewed the diagnostic details and they indicate that the cpu (Intel Core Duo T2300) is the limiting factor. In order for this specific computer to attain resolutions above 320x240 in Logitech Vid HD you would have to upgrade to a more powerful cpu.

Thank You "

So it seeems that a Dual Core is not enough, it has to be faster !

At 320x240 / 30fps the CPU usage is 30% on average. Why the software can't use the available power to attain a better resolution, even with lower fps ?  Looks like the processing power is not assessed accurately in VID HD...

[DT_HK]

I got the same problem and I have got i7 already.

[enation815]

Hello DT_HK,

Indeed your CPU should be more than adequate for Vid HD.

The resolution you experience in Vid depends on a number of factors.

　

The 4 most important are:

　

1. The quality of the camera you and the other party are using - What cam do you have and do you have the latest drivers installed?

2.  The amount of upload and download bandwidth the internet connection has

Vid HD go to Settings > Application & Device Settings > Advanced Settings

Click on the "Clear Tuning History" button

Make sure the box "Let Logitech Vid HD decide the best video resoution" is checked.

Click Save.

Add the e-mail address vidtest@logitech.com as a friend.

Place a call to the "Vid 2 Min Demo"

3.  The system resources available at the time of the video call this will include CPU specs, available ram, if on a network bandwidth allocation, other apps - make sure there are as few apps running in the background as possible.

4.  The amount of upload and download bandwidth the internet connection has - You can have your ISP verify that the upload and download speeds are providing the advertised specs

After these steps are taken (and right after making a video call) please submit a diagnostic log file by right clicking the Vid icon in the systray then selecting "Submit Diagnostic Information".  Please pm me your email address so I can take a look.

enation815