Webcam.Humming noises. (I'm sure Jonathan will know--he's the greatest)

[Norman Kaye]

Hello.
I have just installed Microsoft's Lifecam VX 3000.
To get the feel of it I have been recording myself (vain) and have the
following problem. Although the room area is deathly quiet there is a lot of
background noise (hum)on the recordings. Presumably any of my contacts will
also hear this.I find this most annoying. Is there anything I can do about
it?
Norman

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Norman,

I've yet to procure one of these VX 3000s so I can't really vouch for the quality of the
microphone. Just to clarify, are you just using sound recorder to record yourself directly
(no other applications)? Normally a hum I would blame on grounds or electrical interference
but that would be normal analog audio which doesn't apply here.

As such, given the device is USB it's either some sort of problem with their driver, a
problem with the webcam microphone itself or the hum actually is there. For instance, PCs
make noise that microphones configured to be extremely sensitive (like webcam mics) pick up
quite easily and could be what you're describing.

Yes, I realize this isn't really that helpful...

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2006 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.

 

[Norman Kaye]

Thanks Jonathan.
I've been using the mic in the webcam.
If I switch to headset there is no noise whatsoever.
Does that mean anything to you?
Should I complain to Microsoft?
Norman