purple web camera, envy 15

[timmernabben]

The video from my web camera is in grayscale/purple.

The camera of the envy 15 is supposed to have a night-vision feature. It seems like this is turned on all the time. There is no problem with the lightning conditions, other cameras work fine.

I have updated the drivers, but it does not help. I am running windows 7, and I have had the problem from when I bought the computer.

I have seen (online) that other people have had similar problems, but not been able to find a solution.

Grateful for any help.

[smigl001]

I have exactly the same problem with the camera and nothing works (changing camera settings, reinstal, unistal, clean instal, bios update, driver update, firmware update). does anyone found the reason. I think it is faulty camera but the tech rep doesnt want to allow me to send the computer for repair because he is convinced that the camera is working fine. NO IT IS NOT. I am disapointed wiht HP. I have 4 Dell's and this is my first HP - it may be the last one too. Need help!!

[meridianig]

And I have identical problem.... what to do about this. How to fix it?

[DavidJay]

I have exactly the same problem. Brand new Envy 15. Solutions HP?

[DavidJay]

In daylight it is fine but when it is even remotely dark (even if well lit by a bright lamp) the color goes gray/purple. My Blackberry works infinitely better.

[wes_hpnotebook]

timmernabben,

Just in case you haven't tried it already, please update the camera firmware.  This is different than the driver.

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp46001-46500/sp46058.exe

-wes

[DavidJay]

Thank you Wes,

Unfortunately that does not solve the problem. The camera image is incredibly weak compared to my MacBook Pro, my 5 year old Sony, my Blackberry, etc. Many complaints of this exact same problem on this forum including someone who has already had the camera and OS replaced by HP  . . . . .  with exactly the same results.

Does ANYONE have an Envy that has a great looking image from the camera? Thank you.

David Jay

[smigl001]

I am still having the same problem. I tried everything from software to all possible setings and drivers for other cameras. I think  the problem is in the IR sensor (not the IR LED). I think it is the build in sensor in the camera that picks up the heat (like night vision) and causes the color distortion. If there was only a method to block or turn of this wavelenght spectra for the camera that should do it.

[simonnguyen81]

I have the ENVY 15 and the camera picture is black and white color when I turn on the webcam;

I tried to find to reset but I don't know how; Is it true that the camera of ENVY doesn't have color option?

[wes_hpnotebook]

HP has investigated the matter regarding some ENVY 15 webcams having a dark blue or
purple tint. The ENVY 15 has an ambient light sensor (ALS) that controls the display
brightness and webcam lighting in low-light conditions. The adaptive brightness feature is
what controls display brightness and the webcam InfraRed (IR) lights help prevent fuzzy,
ghost-like images in dark or low light conditions. In dark or low light conditions, the
webcam may produce images that appear dark blue or purple. It’s normal for a webcam
with this technology to show images that appear dark blue or purple. An investigation and
further testing shows the webcam is operating as designed. To better tune a webcam for
brighter light conditions, you can do one or more of the following:

Disable the ambient light sensor (enabled by default):

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Location and Other
Sensors.
2. Select the Microsoft Windows ALS Device check box.

NOTE: Disabling the ambient light sensor will cause the display to no longer automatically
adjust to low and bright light conditions.

Disable adaptive brightness (enabled by default):

NOTE: The ambient light sensor must be enabled to use the adaptive brightness feature.

1. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Power Options.
2. Click Change plan setting, and then click Change advanced power settings.
3. Click the plus sign next to Display, and then click the plus sign next to Enable
adaptive brightness.
4. Change the settings as needed, and then click Apply.
5. Click OK.

Disable the webcam IR lights (enabled by default):

1. Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP MediaSmart > HP MediaSmart
Webcam.
2. In HP MediaSmart Webcam, select Settings > Display > Advanced Settings, and
then click the Camera Control tab.
3. Select the Low Light Compensation check box, and then click Apply.
4. Click OK.

NOTE: Disabling the webcam IR lights will cause display images to appear darker in low
light conditions. The webcam IR lights are also available on other webcam programs. Refer
to the software Help for additional information.

FYI: This and other information is available in the HP ENVY 15 User Guide at the URL below
on pages 39 – 42. http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02104703.pdf

One other option is to uninstall the ambient light sensor program by following the steps below:

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Locate the HP Webcam ALSMON application Installer Package… item and use
the Uninstall option to remove this program.
3. Restart the system.

Below is a link to some key highlights of the ENVY 15 that mention the adaptive brightness
and IR LED features.

http://www.hp.com/unitedstates/campaigns/envy/pdf/envy15_datasheet.pdf?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

This document mentions a specific model (ENVY 15-1150NR), but the adaptive brightness
and IR LED features apply to all ENVY 15 Series models.

If the dark blue or purple tint appears when the system is in sunlight or florescent light
conditions, the camera may need to be serviced and you should call or chat with HP tech
support.