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Level 1

0 points

iMac iSight camera doesn't work in oSX

The built in iSight camera in my iMac has stopped working in OSX. It certainly used to work in the past but I'm not sure exactly when it stopped.

This is definitely an OSX software issue as the camera works when using Skype on Windows XP on Parallels on the same Mac.

iChat, Skype and Photo Booth on OSX all just show a black screen for video. The green camera light is on.

System Profiler shows USB / USB High-Speed Bus / Built-in iSight

This issue seems to come up a lot and I have tried the following without success:
- reset the SMC (power down computer and unplugging all connectors)
- reset the PRAM
- created a new account to see if the issue occurs in that account - it does

Any suggestions?

iMac 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Aug 27, 2010 3:08 PM

20 replies

redhanded Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 29, 2010 1:04 AM in response to EZ Jim

Your most recently posted system info now shows that you are using Mac OS X (10.6.2). Because you also posted that you updated, I expect 10.6.2 is a posting error. If it is not, apply the 10.6.4 Combo using the method suggested previously.

Yes - my signature was wrong (I don't use this site very often). I have been running 10.6.4 since it was releeased.

+> Based on the results of all you have tried, iSight problems remaining at this time seem likely to be related to a conflict with your third-party software. Check to be sure both Parallels and XP are updated to the latest versions compatible with your system. If your problem remains when you are certain you are using the latest compatible Mac OS X (10.6.4), Parallels, and XP, I have these two remaining suggestions:+

It could very well be some 3rd party software however I only installed Skype on Windows XP and Skype on OSX after I came across the problem with iSight to check i it was just a problem with the Apple apps or if it could be hardware, in which case the camera wouldn't work on OSX or XP.

I realise doing a clean install is probably the ultimate solution but it is such a PITA that it seems a pity there isn't some other debug information to diagnose the problem. I have a MacBook Pro and iSight works perfectly on this so could compare a working and non-working system, but I don't know what to look for.

The other thing I will try is borrow an external webcam and see if that works, and if it does, if moving between the external webcam back to iSight may force iSight to work properly.

After that, I may wait until 10.6.5 is released to see if that fixes the problem, before trying the clean install.

Message was edited by: redhanded

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Aug 29, 2010 3:52 AM in response to redhanded

every video app gives that message about timing out whilst waiting for pbs...

Is that process running in Activity Monitor? (shouldn't be)
what happens if you run it manually, opening /System/Library/CoreServices/pbs ?
I get
$ /System/Library/CoreServices/pbs ; exit;
No languages specified - assuming English.

Just a thought...

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Aug 29, 2010 6:41 AM in response to redhanded

Hello, redhanded

You have my best suggestions.

... I have a MacBook Pro and ... I will try is borrow an external webcam ...

You have some creative ideas for more troubleshooting options using your MBP and another webcam.

If you cannot get sorted with help from others who post here, an AASP will be able to get your iMac working properly.

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

MacPro QuadCore(Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/MacOSX (10.6.4)
MacBookPro(13inch,Mid2009) 2.26GHz(10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display G4PowerBook 1.67GHz(10.4.11)
iBookSE366MHz(10.3.9) External iSight

Oct 29, 2010 11:58 PM in response to redhanded

My imac webcam doesn't work either

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Oct 30, 2010 6:36 AM in response to QuanZheng

QuanZheng wrote:
My imac webcam doesn't work either

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090

Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz Mac OS X (10.6.4); MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.4)
LED Cinema Display; G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11); iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9); External iSight; iPod touch 4.1

iMac iSight camera doesn't work in oSX