Cyberlink YouCam - 5.0 User’s Guide

CyberLink

YouCam 5

User’s Guide

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of CyberLink Corporation.

To the extent allowed by law, YouCam IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY FOR INFORMATION, SERVICES, OR PRODUCTS PROVIDED THROUGH OR IN CONNECTION WITH YouCam AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

BY USING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU AGREE THAT CYBERLINK WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE OR MATERIALS CONTAINED EITHER IN THIS PACKAGE.

The terms and conditions here under shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Taiwan.

YouCam is a registered trademark along with other company and product names mentioned in this publication, used for identification purposes and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners.

International Headquarters

Mailing Address

Web Site Telephone Fax

CyberLink Corporation 15F., No. 100, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist. New Taipei City 231, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

http://www.cyberlink.com

886-2-8667-1298

886-2-8667-1300

Contents

Welcome................................................. 1

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

Latest Features ................................................................................................... 1

YouCam Versions .................................................................................................... 2

Updating Your Software ................................................................................. 4

DirectorZone ....................................................................................................... 4

System Requirements ........................................................................................... 5

Using YouCam ........................................ 7

Getting Started ........................................................................................................ 7

Enabling YouCam .............................................................................................. 8

Launching YouCam .......................................................................................... 8

Enhancing the Video Image .......................................................................... 9

Configuring YouCam Settings ....................................................................10

Previewing Webcam Image at Full Screen .............................................13

Taking Photo Snapshots .....................................................................................13

Taking Snapshots ............................................................................................13

Using the Burst Feature .................................................................................14

Capturing Video ....................................................................................................14

Capturing a Webcam Video .........................................................................14

Using Captured Content ....................................................................................15

E-mailing Photos and Videos ......................................................................16

Uploading Videos to YouTube ...................................................................16

Uploading Photos to Facebook .................................................................17

Uploading Videos to Facebook ..................................................................18

Printing Photos ................................................................................................19

CyberLink YouCam

Visual Effects and Drawings ................ 21

Using Visual Effects ..............................................................................................21

Visual Effects Overview .................................................................................21

Adding and Applying Visual Effects .........................................................23

Using Avatars ....................................................................................................24

Augmented Reality .........................................................................................27

Drawing on the Webcam Image .....................................................................29

Presentations ....................................... 31

Desktop Capture ...................................................................................................31

Creating Video Presentations ...........................................................................32

Enabling Two Webcams .....................................................................................33

YouCam Utilities ................................... 35

Face Login ...............................................................................................................35

Setting Up and Enabling Face Login ........................................................35

Adding a Web Site to the Sign In List .......................................................36

Editing Face Login Settings .........................................................................37

Face-out ...................................................................................................................37

Setting Up and Enabling Face-out ............................................................38

Video Surveillance ................................................................................................38

Motion Detection Recording ......................................................................39

Continuous Recording ...................................................................................39

Time-lapse Recording ....................................................................................40

Auto E-mailing Surveillance Videos ..........................................................41

YouCam Mirror Mode ..........................................................................................41

Mirror Settings ..................................................................................................42

Technical Support................................. 43

Before Contacting Technical Support ...........................................................43

Contents

Web Support ..........................................................................................................44

Index .................................................... 45

iii

CyberLink YouCam

Chapter 1:

Welcome

Welcome to the CyberLink family of software programs. CyberLink YouCam is a creative little program that provides you with some fun and interesting effects, as well as some useful add-ons for your webcam.

This chapter introduces the new features of CyberLink YouCam, and also outlines the available program versions and minimum system requirements.

Note: this document is for reference and informational use only. Its content and the corresponding program are subject to change without notice. Please go to http:// www.cyberlink.com for additional information and product support.

Introduction

CyberLink YouCam uses a virtual driver to easily work with most webcam devices and messaging software, allowing you to perform a variety of different functions.

From spicing up webcam chats, photos, and videos with effects, avatars, and augmented reality, to useful features such as Face Login, video surveillance, and presentation video creation, CyberLink YouCam is the all-in-one webcam companion software.

Latest Features

The following are the new features available in the latest version of CyberLink You Ca m.

Face Login

• Register your face with CyberLink YouCam’s facial recognition software, and

use it to log in to Windows and sign in to your favorite web sites*.

Face -out*

• Enable the Face-out feature and have your computer lock, sleep, or hibernate

automatically once your face leaves the webcam image.

Create Presentation Videos*

• Create custom presentation videos that include PowerPoint slides.

CyberLink YouCam

Dual Webcams*

• Enable two webcam video inputs at the same time for video recording and

conferencing.

HD Desktop Recording*

• Capture videos of your screen movements on your computer in HD.

Intel Quick Sync Video Optimization

• Leverage Intel Quick Sync Video Technology to encode HD video into the

H.264 (MP4) format that includes visual effects.

Note: * this feature is not available in some versions of CyberLink YouCam.

YouCam Versions

The features that are available in CyberLink YouCam are completely dependent on the version you have installed on your computer.

To determine the version of CyberLink YouCam you are using, click the button on the title bar, and then select About

Feature

Face Login to Windows Yes Yes Yes Yes

Face Login to Web Sites Yes Yes -- --

Face-out Yes -- -- Yes

Create Presentation Video

HD Desktop Recording Yes Yes -- Yes

Dual Video Input Support

Intel Quick Sync Video Optimization

Record HD Video in H.264 (MP4) Format**

Apply HD Effects Yes Yes Yes --

Deluxe Standard DE BE

Yes -- -- Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Chapter 1: Welcome

Feature

Augmented Reality Yes -- -- --

Avatar Creator Yes Yes Yes --

Download Avatar Facial Features

Download Custom Avatars from DirectorZone

Share Custom Avatars on DirectorZone

Edge Detection with Particle Effects

Moveable Distortion Effects

Enhance Preview and Recorded Video Quality

Webcam Splitter (Webcam Virtual Driver)

Effects Room Yes Yes Yes --

Take Sna psh ots Yes Yes Yes Ye s

Deluxe Standard DE BE

Yes -- -- --

Yes Ye s Ye s - -

Yes -- -- Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Capture Video Yes Yes Yes Yes

Surveillance Yes Yes Yes Yes

Surveillance: Auto Emailing in Desired File Size

Free Hand Drawing Yes Yes Yes Yes

Record Desktop Event or Share in IM Mode

Share Photo or PowerPoint in IM Mode

Yes Ye s - - Ye s

Yes Yes Yes Yes

CyberLink YouCam

Feature

Emotion Stamp Mode Yes Yes -- --

Full Screen Mode Support

Note: ** Intel Quick Sync Video Optimization platforms only.

Deluxe Standard DE BE

Yes Ye s Ye s - -

Updating Your Software

Software upgrades and updates (patches) are periodically available from CyberLink. CyberLink YouCam automatically prompts you when either is available.

Note: you must connect to the Internet to use this feature.

To update your software, do this:

1. Open the Upgrade Information window by doing one of the following:

- click the button.

-click the Upgrade button in the About or YouCam Settings window.

2. Click the feature you would like to upgrade to, or the patch you want to update with.

3. A web browser window opens, where you can purchase product upgrades or download the latest patch update.

DirectorZone

You can enhance your version of CyberLink YouCam by downloading more visual effects from DirectorZone*.

Note: * this feature is not available in some versions of CyberLink YouCam.

DirectorZone is a free web service that lets you search for, download, and import additional effects into CyberLink YouCam. You can also upload custom avatars you

Chapter 1: Welcome

create to DirectorZone, or share the details of the effects you used in captured videos uploaded to YouTube.

Click the Sign in to DirectorZone link on the top of the window in stand alone

mode to sign in. Or click to go directly to the DirectorZone web site and view more information on the available features and benefits.

System Requirements

The system requirements listed below are recommended as minimums for running CyberLink YouCam.

Minimum System Requirements

Memory

CPU

HDD Space

VGA Card

Device

Other Software

Note: to ensure you can enjoy all the features in CyberLink YouCam, make sure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements.

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP (with DirectX 9 or above).

• 512 MB (1 GB recommended).

• Intel Pentium D 3.0 GHz.

• AMD Athlon 64 3200+ or above.

• 1 GB required.

• Intel 945 (Independent graphics card recommended).

•Webcam (built-in or external USB).

• Instant messaging software with video communication functions, such as Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger.

• Windows Internet Explorer 7 or above to use the Face Login sign in to web sites feature.

CyberLink YouCam

Chapter 2:

A D

HIO J

F G

Using YouCam

This chapter provides an overview of CyberLink YouCam and includes the steps to set up the program. It also outlines the procedures for viewing and capturing webcam photos and videos, and sharing them via e-mail, on social networking web sites, and more.

Getting Started

When CyberLink YouCam launches in stand alone mode, it displays as follows:

A - YouCam Menu, B- Webcam Preview Window, C - Sign in to DirectorZone, D - Go to DirectorZone Web Site, E - Visual Effects, F - Presentations, G - Utilities, H - Effect/Features Panel, I - Show/Hide Panel, J - View at Full Screen, K - Clear Effect, L - Captured Content, M - Capture Video, N - Snapshot/Burst, O - YouCam Settings, P - Enhance Video

CyberLink YouCam

Enabling YouCam

You may have to enable CyberLink YouCam before you can use it with your instant messaging software. The following example demonstrates how to enable CyberLink YouCam for Windows Live Messenger.

Note: depending on the type of instant messaging software you are using, the procedure to enable CyberLink YouCam will differ. Consult the help for the instant messaging software you are using and see the section on selecting a webcam or something similar.

1. In the Windows Live Messenger main window, select Too ls - Audio and video setup.

2. In the Webcam window of the Set Up Audio and Video wizard, select CyberLink Webcam Splitter from the drop-down menu.

3. Select the Finish button to save your changes and enable CyberLink YouCam.

Launching YouCam

CyberLink YouCam is launched in one of the following ways:

• automatically when you begin a webcam video call with an instant messaging

software.

• manually from the start menu, desktop shortcut, or the icon in the system tray.

Note: you don’t need to start a webcam session to begin taking photo snapshots, capturing live webcam video, or to making a desktop capture. Just simply launch CyberLink YouCam manually in the stand alone mode.

CyberLink YouCam Modes

CyberLink YouCam has several different modes: stand alone mode, IM mode, split mode, and mirror mode. Some features are only available in certain modes.

• Stand alone mode: when CyberLink YouCam is launched manually from the

start menu, desktop shortcut, or the icon in the system tray, it opens in stand alone mode. In stand alone mode you can record and upload videos to YouTube/Facebook, and e-mail and print photos. The video surveillance feature is only available in this mode.

Chapter 2: Using YouCam

• IM mode: when you start a webcam video call with a friend on your instant

messaging software (Windows Live Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, etc.), CyberLink YouCam launches in the smaller IM (instant messaging) mode.

• Split mode: you can share your webcam with more than one webcam

application. To do this, ensure your webcam application capture devices are using the CyberLink Webcam Splitter (see "Enabling YouCam" on page 8 for more information). Next, ensure the CyberLink YouCam system tray icon is available, right-click on it, and then select your Capture Device from the list. Next, set your Capture Resolution and then select Launch Effects Room to open the effects room. When you use visual effects, they display in any open webcam applications.

• Mirror mode: you can access this mode via the start menu, the system tray

icon, and in Utilities. This mode is designed to act just like a mirror if ever you need one. See "YouCam Mirror Mode" on page 41 for more detailed information.

YouCam User Interface

When using both stand alone or IM mode, you can resize the CyberLink YouCam user interface to suit your requirements.

Simply click and drag in the bottom right corner to resize any CyberLink YouCam window to fit your preference. You can also click on the CyberLink YouCam title bar, in both the main window or the effects room window, to drag them to other locations on your desktop.

Note: you can also change the UI skin color. See the Skin color item in "UI Preferences" on page 12 for more information.

Enhancing the Video Image

Before you begin capturing photo snapshots and recording webcam videos, select the button underneath the webcam preview window to enhance* the video image.

Note: * this feature is not available in some versions of CyberLink YouCam.

In the Video Enhancement window, the following controls are available:

CyberLink YouCam

• Auto lighting: select this option to have CyberLink YouCam auto adjust and

correct the lighting in the webcam video image for you.

• TrueTheater enhancement*: select this option and then use the available

sliders to enhance the video image using TrueTheater technology from CyberLink:

- Video sharpness: use to enhance the video image, making it sharper and

artifact-free.

- Noise reduction: use to reduce the video noise, or static on your webcam

video, to achieve a clearer video image.

• Brightness: use the slider to manually adjust the brightness/darkness of the

webcam video image.

• Contrast: use the slider to adjust the difference in proportion between lights

and darks in the webcam video image.

• Exposure: use the slider to adjust the amount of light that is captured in the

webcam video image. Adjusting this feature can dramatically adjust the overall brightness of your webcam video.

Note: * this feature is not available in some versions of CyberLink YouCam.

Select the Advanced button to adjust the specific settings for your webcam device. Consult your webcam’s user manual for a detailed description on the configuration of these controls. Select the Default button to return all the settings back to their original values.

Click to close the Video Enhancement window and save the changes.

Configuring YouCam Settings

To configure the settings in CyberLink YouCam, select the button underneath the webcam preview window.

Camera Settings

In the Settings window, select the tab. The available options are as follows:

• Capture device: select the primary webcam device you want to use with

CyberLink YouCam from the drop-down list.

• Capture resolution: select the size/resolution of captured video from the

drop-down list. Selecting a larger video size, results in a larger video file.

Chapter 2: Using YouCam

Note: CyberLink YouCam supports high-definition (1280×720) video capture if your webcam supports it. If capable, the 1280×720 option is available (without "Snapshot only" beside it) in the Capture resolution drop-down list.

Audio device: select the audio device from the drop-down list that you want

•

to use to capture audio for webcam videos.

• Flip horizontally: select this option to flip the webcam image horizontally.

Note: if using a touch enabled display device, you can touch and slide the webcam image to flip it horizontally.

Capture with audio: select this option if you want to capture webcam video

•

with audio.

Note: you need to have a microphone connected to your computer or webcam to capture webcam video with audio.

Enable video zoom: select this option if you want to zoom in on the webcam

•

video image. Once selected, the following features are enabled:

- Auto face detection: select to have CyberLink YouCam detect your face

and auto zoom in slightly. Using this feature enables the program to track and follow your face as it moves around the webcam image.

- Manual zoom: use the slider to manually zoom (up to 4x zoom) in on a

specific part of the webcam video. Drag the boxed area to the area of the video you want the camera to focus on.

Capture & Snapshot Settings

In the Settings window, select the tab. The available options are as follows:

• Capture folder: set the folder where captured photos and videos are saved. To

change the capture folder, select the button and then a new folder location.

• Countdown before capture: select this option to enable a three second

countdown before CyberLink YouCam captures photo snapshots or videos.

• Display timestamp: select this option to display or hide the timestamp on the

webcam image. Once enabled, select the desired timestamp display format from the drop-down list.

+ 37 hidden pages