off topic - Bandwidth problem

[Dee]

Hi Guys ;) ...wondering where to get help on this one...My sister lives in France and we used to keep in touch on a regular basis to discuss our joint hobby - art...we both love it and often show each other what we are working on...this was done using msm messenger with our Logitec 4000 webcams...until recently...now I can see and hear her...but she can only see me...no sound. I get messages saying I have exceeded my bandwidth, which I find strange as I'm on the highest option (4) with BT Broadband...what could be wrong? It shows me what looks like usb connector and talks of 70% Logitec Webcam and others ranging from 30 -10%...but I have no Idea where to kiik for these! HELP PLEASE?

[AMDave]

Hi Dee. don't stress.
We can step through things one at a time and clear it up.

Not clear on something, though:
Is this message coming from your web-cam program or from BT?

You have a 40GB download limit per month on that package. I have to push pretty hard on 5 machines to get to my limit of 32GB per month, so I doubt that you are out of bandwidth on your broadband connection. Even if you exceed this, BT will contact you first. If you do it often they will contact you about extra useage charges unlike my ISP which throttles the bandwidth instead (I prefer it this way actually). So you can assume that your connection has not been throttled in any way.

Try out the BT Broadband speed test -> here <--
If you don't like the answers, a quick call (local call charged) will get you to your 24/7 free support service
>>> BT Broadband Technical Support 0845 600 7030
and they can walk you through checking your configuration and making sure the BT Desktop Helper application is installed properly.

If all is OK on the BT Broadband front then it is time to diagnose your webcam application.

Is the webcam USB2.0 capable?
Have you plugged it into a different socket on your PC recently?
Is it plugged into a USB 2.0 socket or a USB 1.0 socket?
(That is annoying to find out. They look exactly the same. You'll need to check your PC manual and the webcam manual)

Does the webcam program say the webcam is transmitting at the optimal resolution or at it's maximum?
Which program are you using?

That's plenty for starters.
Let us know what you find.

[NeoGen]

Is it plugged into a USB 2.0 socket or a USB 1.0 socket?

In windows XP at least if you connect a USB 2.0 capable device to a USB 1.0 port, it'll immediatly pop up a message saying something like "This device could work faster. Click here for a list of available USB 2.0 ports"

[Ototero]

I've found that when MSN has problems, Yahoo messenger doesn't.

Try that or even Skype. Better still, have all 3. Choose the one that works on the day :!:

[Empty_5oul]

if either of you upgraded MSN (7.5) recently you may have caused the problems. I had something very similar where i could get audio OR video not both :?

In the end reverting back to MSN 7.0 solved the problem. Its not ideal but there are very few benefits in the newer version.

[Strongbow]

Hi Dee,

1st question, have either of you adjusted anything to do with firewall settings on your router or in Windows?

2nd question, have you tested your microphone locally (meaning try a microphone test in the MSN settings)?

...and a recommendation for you both, if you're both PC based then try SKYPE for Windows as it has a superior audio/video link compared to MSN messenger so you'd see each other much clearer and the audio is razor sharp.

I use my Mac for A/V using ichat A/V to talk to my relatives abroad and we sometimes get erractic results which can be often put down to either the firewall settings (always on my side as I lock down my network a bit too much) or just general internet congestion. Loss of audio is a typical issue which can normally be fixed by retrying from the other user!

[drezha]

if either of you upgraded MSN (7.5) recently you may have caused the problems. I had something very similar where i could get audio OR video not both :?

In the end reverting back to MSN 7.0 solved the problem. Its not ideal but there are very few benefits in the newer version.

MSN 8 I seem to have no problems.

The live beta version is in fact very nice. (I also have plenty of invites if anyone wants to try)

And Skype is great. No idea what it's like for webcam but for audio is excellent. Use it regulary to phone home whilst I'm at uni...It's free

[Dee]

Thanks Guys! I do have MSN 7.5 and was using it with no problems until a couple of weeks ago. I also tried Yahoo messenger...weird or what? Only one screen...no sound and broadcasts to the world! I haven't tried Skype though I have heard of it. I'm wondering if it is a firewall problem....the message I get is Bandwidth exceeded

[Dee]

Just realised it also said usb controller so I changed the usb port...and it works just fine now! Thanks for the help guys! =D<

[Strongbow]

Great to hear that you're Sis can hear you now as well.

I'd still recommend you try SKYPE 2.0 out though as it is very good, you and your Sister should give it a go...

http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/

:D