Virtual Webcam?


  1. Posts : 6
    Windiws 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Virtual Webcam?


    Hi, I just recently upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate x64.

    I have WebcamMax 7.5.3.6 installed and everything running fine. My question is.. Was the ability to select virtual devices such as WebcamMax removed from Windows 7 x64?? No matter what I use such as Skype, Windows Live Messenger, etc.. It only gives the option to select my actual webcam and not the installed virtual software.

    What I need:

    Software that I can stream video (load video files directly) via any codec I have installed (Including HD) while having a PIP of my webcam feed on screen. I'm not talking about streaming live desktop (Though WCM can do that as well).. I mean me actually being able to drag and drop video files into a program and have them stream while my webcam PIP is in the corner. Like WCM has accomplished in XP for me for years..

    Please tell me Windows 7 didn't just screw me over big time..
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  2. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #2

    Tragon said:
    Please tell me Windows 7 didn't just screw me over big time..
    Windows 7 didn't do anything to screw you over. Windows 7 has nothing todo with WebcamMax.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windiws 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    logicearth said:
    Tragon said:
    Please tell me Windows 7 didn't just screw me over big time..
    Windows 7 didn't do anything to screw you over. Windows 7 has nothing todo with WebcamMax.

    Then why does the same version of WebcamMax work as intended in any other OS I run? Please refrain from making asinine comments.

    It's a legitimate question... Was the option to use Virtual devices/software removed from Windows 7? XP has it.. Vista has it.. Windows 7?
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  4. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #4

    The option to use virtual devices/software is not something the OS has any setting or option for, that is completely up to the software in this case WebcamMax. Your legitimate question was answered in my first reply. WebcamMax is the problem. Talk to them. WebcamMax made the virtual webcam, it is in charge of it, Windows 7 or any version doesn't control it.

    Please refrain from making asinine assumptions.
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  5. Posts : 6
    Windiws 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    logicearth said:
    The option to use virtual devices/software is not something the OS has any setting or option for, that is completely up to the software in this case WebcamMax. Your legitimate question was answered in my first reply. WebcamMax is the problem. Talk to them. WebcamMax made the virtual webcam, it is in charge of it, Windows 7 or any version doesn't control it.

    Please refrain from making asinine assumptions.

    So what you're saying is, the option was in fact removed from Windows 7. If Windows 7 doesn't give the option to search for any virtual devices/know how to handle any program/those settings (As XP and vista does) then it actually IS controlled by Windows 7. How can any program fully work if the options it tries to enable, aren't even recognized/made available by the OS.

    Every program I've looked up that has the options I'm looking for works with XP and Vista correctly, does not under Windows 7.

    Example 1:

    I install 5 different programs, all the latest version, all compatible with Windows 7. All have the option to set itself has the default video source on any given program. Out of those 5 programs, Windows 7 neglects to give those sources as options in any program setting.

    I take those same 5 programs and install them exactly the same way into XP and/or Vista. Viola, XP nor Vista have any issues using the software as the default video source and I can now use the programs as intended.

    Yet... it's not a Windows 7 problem? Is it that Windows 7 doesn't support that type of program option? I'd feel rather foolish blaming the countless other software vendors all facing the same problem knowing what I do now.

    Example 2:

    Say Vista uses Directx 10. Windows 7 comes out and uses Directx 11. Windows 8 comes out and says wait a second, let's use Directx 10.. All those Directx 11 programs that worked in Windows 7, aren't supported in windows 8. All those options that you've grown to love/hate.. Poof! but it's all the 3rd party vendors faults right? Well I'm looking for those Directx 11 options...

    Is Windows 7 capable of them?
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  6. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #6

    ...No I am not saying Windows 7 removed anything, the option to run virtual devices was never an option in any version of Windows. The option to have a virtual device was an option in software packages like WebcamMax, it had nothing todo with a feature in Window (any version). Now do this. stop posting on this forum and go here: Support | WebcamMax Talk to them. It is their software, their problem.

    Windows 7 removed NOTHING, understand? NOTHING. A virtual webcam is not an OS concept it doesn't see a difference between virtual or physical webcam, that is the point. The software connects the virtual webcam to the OS as a physical webcam, that is how the OS sees it. If the software fails to do that, the software is at fault.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6
    Windiws 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Okay, problem was solved.. I was waiting for a reply from a couple software vendors and was finally able to get in touch with someone that knew what they were talking about.

    He asked if I had done an upgrade or clean install of Windows 7. When I told him a clean install, he knew right away what the problem was. For whatever reason, the controller that's needed for most if not all of these virtual cam programs, was failing to install during setup. Once I obtained the correct controller, it worked like a charm.

    He explained that since XP SP1, a default/generic controller set handled these types of software, as did Vista. For whatever reason.. Windows 7 does NOT include that generic software.. (Therefor, does not know how to properly run and/or configure certain programs like XP/Vista did). Windows 7 doesn't even know the software is there and of course fails to initialize the option. Which is why they had to implement their own controller for their software to work.

    For those of you who upgrade from XP SP1 +, you should not have any issues getting your virtual software to work properly.. As for anyone who does a clean install (Like myself), you will need to locate and install an extra set of controller software if it's not provided with the 3rd party software.

    As for you logicearth.. You should really take your own advice and contact WCM support and have them explain it to you. Maybe you'll learn something so you can actually help people rather than doing what you did in this thread.

    You have a great day!
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