HP wide vision HD camera quality

[phiLL-09]

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We specifically bought out a new laptop for distance learning and as key criteria looked for a laptop with sufficient memory, a nice display, and a quality camera.  One of the value points of the laptop we selected was the "HP Wide Vision HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone" as we assumed that HD stood for "high definition".  However it now appears that HD might have stood for highly deficient.  Its so bad that my child's school issued 5 year old non-HP Chromebook produces better video! 

I've attached a picture to show just how poor the quality is in a well lit room.  Even with as bad as this picture is, the video quality is even worse.

We've surfed the support site and tried all the common suggestions such as what follows.  Nothing works - in fact, none of the below suggestions has ANY impact on the video quality.  Is there anything else to try?  Or should we just throw in the towel, return the device and buy a Dell?  Or maybe but a refurbished Chromebook for $75?

I've tried the list below

• Reduce the size of the video image in the webcam software.

• Use a high-speed Internet connection.

• Do not use other high-speed USB devices while using the webcam.

[praveenbv]

@phiLL-09,

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:  

The webcam works, but the image is too dark or the video is choppy.

If the image is too dark, take the following actions:

• Make sure your video recording environment has good lighting.

• Change the image quality, brightness, contrast, and other adjustments in the webcam software.

• Check for the BIOS update and windows update 

To resolve problems with choppy playback, take the following actions:

• Reduce the size of the video image in the webcam software.

• Use a high-speed internet connection.

• Do not use other high-speed USB devices while using the webcam.

And, also perform Windows Update and HP Support Assistant: (do not skip any troubleshooting steps if you feel steps are repeating) 

To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings  > Update & security  > Windows Update, and select Check for updates.

Install updates from HP Support Assistant: Go to Download HP Support Assistant to install the tool.

1. To open HP Support Assistant, double-click the HP Support Assistant icon .
2. Click My devices in the top menu, and then click Updates in the My PC or My notebook pane.
3. Click Check for updates and messages to scan for new updates.
4. Review the list of updates. Updates with a yellow information icon are recommended. Updates with a blue information icon are optional.
5. Click the update name for a description, version number, and file size.
6. Select the box next to any updates you want to install, and then click Download and install.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.