Troubleshooting Netmeeting

Problem: No Local Video

When NetMeeting detects video capability on your PC, it offers the corresponding menu items (such as "Send Video" and will display a local video window.

Graphic: "My Video" blue screen

Unfortunately, that local window may be just a blank, blue screen. Several situations can cause that blue screen.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

  • The camera doesn't have power.
    Graphic: Back of camera without power connection
    We've all done it. When straightening up that mess of cables on the desk, or after temporarily "borrowing" the wall socket for something else, we forget to plug it back in. The software can't tell that the power is off, so it doesn't complain. This one is easy to fix!
  • You need to pick the right video source.
    Graphic: Video Source Panel 1
    Your video capture card may have several different types of plugs available, and the "driver" (software that comes with the card) needs to know which plug the camera is connected to. NetMeeting has an option so that you can pick the right setting.
    On the "Tools" menu, choose "Options" then choose the "Video" tab. You will see a button under the name of your video card driver labeled "Source" Click that.
    Graphic: Video Source Panel 2
    The "Video Source" window that pops up will have a selection of connection types. It may not look exactly like this graphic. If you are using an RCA plug, choose "Comp Vid" (composite video). If you are using a DIN plug, choose "S-Video"
  • The registry entry for MSVIDEO isn't set right.
    Note: this applies to older operating systems and peripherals. Do not try it on Windows 2000, ME, or XP.
    This affects the drivers of some video capture cards, notably the "cheap generic" one from JDR Microdevices, the Hauppauge WinTV, and the ATI All-In-Wonder. There is a simple fix. Download the registry-edit file. Be sure to rename it wincast.reg. Then run that file. You might have to reboot before you see the effect.
    Graphic: Saving wincast.reg

© 2008 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITC makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.