Testing Camera Devices
Prior to actually utilizing UNC Asheville Zoom Meeting individual licensed accounts, users are highly encouraged to ensure that the video web camera (camera) function of their customer premise equipment (CPE) is operational and will support the Zoom Meeting system requirements. The use of the below articles will provide contextual assistance for UNC Asheville ITS equipment, on and off campus broadband networks, activation of Zoom Meeting accounts, and downloading Zoom Meeting software clients and applications.
Camera use within Zoom Meeting
Zoom Meeting participants joining a Zoom meeting session are not required to have a functional web camera. While there are several pros and cons regarding actual camera use, ensuring that the camera is functional is critical in the event that this capability is needed. Use of camera video provides meeting participants with an image of other participants and assists with increasing engagement and building community between all participants.
Many communication experts agree that 70 to 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal (body language). Nonverbal communication plays an important role in how we convey meaning and information to others, as well as how we interpret the actions of others during conversations. When someone's body language, facial expressions and tone of voice match their spoken words, their message is reinforced and helps others understand the speakers message. Having the camera on during meetings will ensure that this communication is successful.
All UNC Asheville computing resources are supported by the ITS Customer Support Technologies (CTS) unit. While every computer/device is issued with a properly functioning camera, occasional issues may arise that disable the camera, associated software drivers, or as a result of 3rd party software blocking access to the equipment. Also, many Zoom users have a second USB camera available for use during meetings for sharing physical hardcopy material, to provide an expanded view of the physical space the meeting is being conducted in, or capture images from a white board.
Many Zoom related video technical issues are a result of clients not confirming that the correct video equipment is available for Zoom use and testing prior to starting a Zoom Meeting as Host, or connecting to a scheduled Zoom Meeting as a participant.
Testing Camera Devices
Computer and device cameras are hardware components that are controlled and operated by the computer / device operating system. While the majority of cameras are automatically detected and become functional upon powering up the computer or device, sometimes this process does not happen properly. Below are suggested workflows to resolve technical issues related to proper camera operation and hopefully resolving local camera issues in a timely manner.
- Reboot computer or device: Often a simple reboot of the computer or device running the Zoom Meeting software will resolve inability for Zoom to recognize the camera device. Please follow the below workflow as an initial first step if Zoom Meeting software cannot detect a camera. 1) Log out of Zoom, 2) Close the Zoom Meeting program, 3) Shut down the computer or device, 4) Power up the computer or device, 5) Relaunch Zoom Meeting
- Check Operating System (OS) settings for Camera: Both Windows and Mac OS provide a software tool for use in testing installed or USB connected cameras.
| Test the installed internal or USB connection camera on a Windows platform computer | Type Camera in the search box.
|
|---|---|
| Test the installed internal or USB connected camera on a Mac platform computer | Go to Applications > Photo Booth |
| Zoom users can test their video camera with Zoom before joining a meeting to ensure that the camera is working properly online | Click here for instructions for Joining a test meeting |
- Technical issues with USB connected camera: A camera may become unavailable for use if it is still considered being used by another program. This issue may be resolved by following the below steps:
- 1) Log out of and close any software that might use the camera (Photo software, other web conference applications, etc.), 2) Disconnect and reconnect the USB camera to a different USB port (if possible), 3) Relaunch Zoom Meeting
- Zoom Camera Setup Instructions: The Zoom Help Center has several knowledge base video articles available for use with personally owned computers & devices. The steps listed within this article cannot be performed on ITS equipment as most clients do not have the required OS administrative permissions.
- The 'Testing your video' article provides a step-by-step workflow process for testing functional camera within Zoom before joining the meeting. Click here to access the 'Testing your video' article
- The 'My video/camera isn't working' article provides a step-by-step workflow process. Clients with OS administrative permissions may find this article at the following URL: Click here to access the 'My video/camera isn't working article'
- Zoom Communications provides a 24/7 Zoom Meeting testing page that allows users to test camera, audio speaker and microphone settings, as well as provide an opportunity to determine the Internet broadband service the user is currently accessing. Click here to access the Zoom Meeting 24/7 test page Zoom 24/7 test URL
- In the event that the above 'self help' workflows are unsuccessful in allowing Zoom Meeting to utilize your camera, uninstalling and reinstalling Zoom Meeting may be necessary, another OS issue (Privacy filter) may be present, or the camera may have become defective. Completing this process for ITS supported resources should be communicated with ITS Service Desk staff via the helpdesk@unca.edu email portal. This will create a service desk service request that will ensure that properly trained ITS staff with the necessary security permissions may assist with resolving the camera issue(s).
Knowledge Base Articles
ITS staff and the Zoom Help Center have created knowledge base help articles to provide assistance with the below 'Getting Started' related topics focused only on a users perspective.
- Allow an app to use your Mac's camera or microphone
- Allow an app to record your Mac's screen
- Changing setting in the Zoom desktop client or mobile app
- Click here to access the Zoom 'Join a Test Meeting' page.
- Disable Google Meet automatic access to your computer or device camera or microphone
Note: Only Zoom Communication and Google Workspace Meet web-conference platforms are fully supported by Information Technology Services staff. ITS support for all other third-party web conference systems (Bluejeans (Verizon), Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams, and Skype), are limited to application specific downloads to ensure that campus users have access to the latest required software. There are no campus accounts available for use with any 3rd party software and users are directed to contact the available user support services for any technical support issues.
Resources for assistance or follow up questions and concerns.
Contact UNC Asheville's Information Technology IT Service Desk for assistance in implementing the above described services and support. Email: itservicedesk@unca.edu or by calling 828.251.6445
Contact UNC Asheville's Center for Teaching and Learning unit for pedagogy and teaching strategies regarding this knowledge base article. Email: ins_tech@unca.edu. or by calling 828.251.6540
Use the Zoom Video Communication system knowledge base for Zoom meeting specific support questions or concerns. www.zoom.us/support