M11X R3 Webcam Flicker

Hi everyone,

I have been following this forum for some time and recently purchased the new M11X R3. I received the laptop this morning and while I am extremely happy with it I am noticing when I use the webcam, there is an annoying spuratic blue flicker. I have tried using the computer in different lighting and still have the same problem. I have used the built in Live Central program as well as Skype and the same issue happens with both. I made a recording to confirm this problem happens when video is transmitted / recorded. I tried adding my service tag on the Dell website to check if I need a new driver but for some reason the support site doesn't recognize my computer. Before contacting Dell I just thought I would check here to see if any other new R3 owners are experiencing any web cam issues?

Thanks!

 

i've also been experiencing the same issue. i am also trying to find an answer.

 

R3 is a mess for me here too. Webcam is ty. Also called to activate warranty (not necessary apparently) but Dell rejected my service tag, told me to call back.

 

Glad I'm not the only one & hopefully this means its a software setting or driver issue that an update will solve. On that note, I tried running all Windows updates including service pack 1, but still the issue persists. If it wasn't that noticable I would live with it but it is quite annoying and an obvious glitch considering this is a new computer. I will call Dell tomorrow and see if they can help.

 

I've used Skype w/ video; I don't see any flickering. Looks just fine to me, so far anyway.
Edit: Just used it again for another hour. No flickering on my end, or apparent to the other person.

The service tag is not valid for me though either; it's like none of the R3s are in the system yet. Other people have reported that as well. I was trying to upgrade my warranty, and they tried to apply it to a system I had returned! What was annoying is he kept insisting it was my correct #, and when I put it in the system, it came up as the R2. :-/

 

Three generations and AW still hasn't gotten it right... amazing!

 

Ive got the same problem with my M14x. Blue flickering when there's a light directly facing the webcam. Hopefully a software issue which can be fixed with an update.... Hopefully

 

Same issue here.

They are sending me a new unit, thinking it was a short or a bad cam.

Now I'm thinking it could be software?

 

+1, I also see the same problem as well.

 

Why can't dell produce something without any problem? All models including r1, r2 and now r3 had some or other problems. So whats next are you guys asking for replacement?

 

From all the brands of laptops I have used in my life, Dell produced the worst of all.
In despite of the fact that there were THREE revisions, problem occurs everytime.

I never imagined that there was going to be problem with webcam... I actually thought about probable problem with exterior design or something. I hope Dell can get this issue fixed asap for all those new R3 users.

Meanwhile, I will enjoy my flawless M11x R2 hehehe (faulty hinge removed, squeaky palm rest removed)

 

mine is fine no flicker. tried at night and again today in daylight.

 

I had this problem the first night I got my m11x r3 at night. I didn't see it during the day so it's probably light related. I don't use the webcam but it's annoying that it has a problem.

Does dell cross-ship? Or did you have to send your m11x back? I've never dealt with their RMA process.

 

Yeah they will ship it out, you don't have to send in yours first. They provide the RMA and label.

 

I really don't think this is a hardware problem. If it were people wouldn't have any video or worse problems and I doubt it would be so many people. What it is is terrible software and no option to use a different driver. I did have this problem but I found a stupid work around for it. I use skype and thus had it installed.
I exited Live! Central from the taskbar
Opened tools>options>video settings>webcam settings
Here I unclicked the auto box for white balance and that was it.
You may have to adjust the white balance to a point that looks right but it was simple as that. I hope this works for everyone else too.

 

They were going to replace it for me but after realizing my eyes are not getting used to the smaller text and my hands to the smaller keyboard I opted to change the system to the m14x. I read in that forum some are experiencing the same problem but I am hoping that the new system will be fine otherwise I'll try the white balance adjustment mentioned here.

 

I just thought I would post a quick update. My M14x arrived and the webcam is much better - very clear and no annoying blue flicker. Either the one in my M11x was damaged or not configured correctly.

 

Carnid thanks for the update.

I do believe it is software and not hardware though. I could be wrong.

But what's strange is that it is perfectly clear at first, and after about 30 seconds as it adjusts to your lighting conditions - then it turns blue / flickers.

Happens every time for me.

 

your solution worked!
I recommend everyone to get rid of live central

 

This method does indeed resolve the issue for me as well.

 

I don't have Live Central installed... but I still have the flicker.

 

Hardware issue then?

 

We shall see when my replacement comes.

They are taking theyre good old time with it.

Thankfully not a huge deal - this one works fine except for an uneven palm rest and the webcam.

 

Sounds like it's just an issue with the white balance. Different lighting types will affect the camera sensor in different ways (obviously) and some types of lighting aren't being white balanced correctly. If you want to narrow it down, people could report what lighting conditions they're under.

Incandescent, Fluorescent, compact fluorescent etc. Even the "colour" would be helpful - I've got compact fluorescent light bulbs (not the long tubes) that are called "warm" (yellowish) and "daylight" (more true white/slightly blue).

I don't have an R3 (yet) so can't verify the problem myself, but these tips might help ...

or just turn off the white balance

 

I tried Yawcam and Skype webcam and the blue flickering is still there. Could this be a hardware issue? Some people here suggested it is the creative live software but since I used a diff webcam software, the blue flickering still there.

 

Disregard my post above.

Problem solved!!

Here's what you should do, download skype, once you sign up etc.. (it's free), start up skype and go to TOOLS>OPTIONS>Video Settings>Webcam Settings and uncheck the white balance box, apply and hit ok. VOILA the blue flickering is gone on any webcam software.

Thanks to quitadamo!

 

Thanks for this.

Gonna try it out when I use it in gmail chat tonight.

If I uninstall skype, I wonder if it sticks..

 

Sweet! Thanks!