FaceTime/PhotoBooth do not see built in iSight, Skype does

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Level 1

85 points

FaceTime/PhotoBooth do not see built in iSight, Skype does

I had this problem once before after an update and was told to reinstall the system software. That worked fine, but it's happened again and I've had no updates. Before anyone asks the usual questions here's some info:

• The iMac recognizes that there is an iSight connected

• Reset SMC/PMU

• Tried a new account. Still doesn't work.

• Repaired permissions and everything was fine.

• In console I get: FaceTime: [Warning] Couldn't start local preview: Error Domain=GKVoiceChatServiceErrorDomain Code=32017 "Could not start video previewing" UserInfo=0x7f8a2b3cd0d0 {NSErrorUserInfoDetailedError=108, NSLocalizedFailureReason=Video unavailable, NSFilePath=/SourceCache/AVConference/AVConference-245.23.4/AVConference.subproj /Sources/VideoConference.m:3957, NSLocalizedDescription=Could not start video previewing}

Any suggestions?

Eric

iMac (24-inch Mid 2007), Mac OS X (10.7.4), 4Gb Ram/320 Hard drive/500 watt firewire speakers system.

Posted on Feb 16, 2013 8:00 PM

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Answer 1

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Feb 19, 2013 2:57 PM in response to Saundhaus

Saundhaus wrote: ... Any suggestions? ...

(0) Do you quit Skype before trying to use the camera with your Apple apps?

(1) Does restarting Mac let your cam work with Apple apps before you launch Skype?

(2) Are you using the latest Skype version that is compatible with your system?

(3) If you have updated Skype, the problem might be a bad Skype install.

Have you tried a fresh Skype download and install since the problem reoccurred?

(4) From your posted info, Skype may not be releasing the camera when you quit.

Have you checked for help with your problem in Skype's dedicated Skype Discussions for Mac? The Skype users who post there may have already solved your same problem. You can even sign in and ask for email help directly from Skype's Technical Support people to see if yours is a known issue.

(5) Your system info shows you using Mac OS X (10.7.4).

Regardless of whether you are already updated to 10.7.5, properly applying the latest Combo Update for your OS X version may correct your problem. If you don't have a preferred method, here's how I apply combo updates:

• Unless you already have one, make a current backup NOW.

• Use your Mac's Disk Utility to repair permissions and then

download and apply the latest Combo Update, for your Mac OS:

currently http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1582

• Repair permissions again immediately following the system restart

that completes the Combo update.

(6) Use Lion Recovery to repair your startup disk (not disk permissions.)

Then restart the Mac and test your Apple apps' camera functions again.

(7) If nothing else works, use the fix you know: use Lion Recovery to reinstall Lion OS X.

Mac OSX 10.8.2

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Answer 2

Saundhaus Author

Level 1

85 points

Feb 17, 2013 9:48 AM in response to EZ Jim

I've tried quitting skype and I have the latest version as well. I also have 10.7.5, just haven't updated my specs down below.

I've tried the Lion recovery and there were no problems. I'll try the comb update again, but it's a little frustrating that this is the second time in six months this has happened and I feel like I shouldn't have to reinstall the system several times to get a piece of Apple software to work correctly.

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Answer 3

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Feb 19, 2013 2:56 PM in response to Saundhaus

Saundhaus wrote: ... I've tried the Lion recovery and there were no problems. I'll try ...

I read your update to mean that you used Lion Recovery's Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.

I understand your frustration. If your problem is related to your use of Skype but you must keep using it, Skype Help should be able to give you the best suggestions for minimizing their product's impact on your other system components. This might be as simple as restarting your Mac after Skyping.

We will watch for your status update after you have tried the remaining suggestions that have been offered here.

Mac OSX 10.8.2

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Answer 4

Saundhaus Author

Level 1

85 points

Feb 17, 2013 2:50 PM in response to EZ Jim

Yes, I used Lion's recovery disk to repair the start up drive.

I don't think turning to skype for answers is a solution since that works find and I have no proof that skype is causing the problem. I quit skype and restarted the computer and the problem was still there. From past experience it appears that the system has run into problems and needs to be installed. I was just looking to see if there was a way around having to reinstall the system yet a second time.

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Answer 5

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Feb 19, 2013 2:56 PM in response to Saundhaus

Saundhaus wrote: ... I have no proof that skype is causing the problem....

If you want proof, follow Skype's instructions on how to uninstall it. Restart Mac and verify that your camera works with your Apple apps when Skype is not installed. (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2090)

Reinstall Skype; launch and quit Skype. Then check whether your camera still works with your Apple apps.

If yes, Skype is NOT your problem.

If no, repeat the uninstall, test, reinstall and retest al least one more time.

If your camera works with your Apple apps whenever Skype is not installed but fails every time when Skype is installed, Skype is causing your trouble.

We will watch for your status update after you have tried the remaining suggestions that have been offered here.

Mac OSX 10.8.2

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Answer 6

Saundhaus Author

Level 1

85 points

Feb 17, 2013 4:05 PM in response to EZ Jim

Been there done that. Did it again.

Camera still does not work with Facetime or Photosbooth. It's not skype.

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Answer 7

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Feb 19, 2013 2:51 PM in response to Saundhaus

Saundhaus wrote: ... It's not skype.

Then perhaps it is some other third-party item you have added.

If you have tested all non-Skype suggestions that already have been offered here and are certain they do not correct your trouble, I can offer two other things I would try if my Mac exhibited the behavior you describe.

(1) When your Apple apps are not working, restart via Safe Boot and check Apple app camera function.

If your camera works with any Apple app, (Example: my Photo Booth captures still images while Safe Booted. Although thumbnails do not display in the tray, clicking in the blank space will display the PB image.) your trouble would likely be caused by a conflict with something that Safe Boot inhibits. The only way I know to determine which item causes that conflict is to zero the disk and then reinstall one third-party item at a time. Test camera function with Apple apps before adding any third-party items and again between every third-party addition.

(2) When your Apple apps are not working, zero your disk, reinstall ONLY Mac OS and Apple apps.

Test thoroughly (several sessions over several days) to be certain that your camera works reliably when your Mac has NO non-Apple software installed. If you encounter ANY camera issues at this point, your Mac requires service by an Apple-Authorized Service Provider. There are no user serviceable parts of Mac's camera.

The complete process I use is described in ¶ (5) of http://discussions.apple.com/thread/4796251?answerId=21206782022#21206782022

Mac OSX 10.8.2

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