Q: Help reducing the quality of in-built HD camera for video calls

Hi, I live in an area with ridiculously slow internet it seems (Australia's internet capacity hasn't kept up with computer technology). I'm on an ADSL 2+ line and I'm told the best upload speeds I can achieve are 0.8MBs. Video calls (Facetime/Skype) require 2.5MBs for HD cameras (that are installed on my mac, iPad, etc) so i'm constantly losing calls. IS there anyway to 'dumb down' my inbuilt video so I can use Facetime/skype? I can't seem to find any settings where this is possible in my search so far.

Cheers,

Kristen

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)

Posted on May 30, 2016 8:57 PM

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Q: Help reducing the quality of in-built HD camera for video calls

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by EZ Jim,

EZ Jim May 31, 2016 9:54 AM in response to kristenfrommanly
Level 7 (22,547 points)

May 31, 2016 9:54 AM in response to kristenfrommanly

I can't speak to Skype, but Apple software sets video parameters automatically. That is why you cannot find any settings.

I don't know if simply using a lower resolution camera would allow your slower speed connection to stream video with your system and preferred software apps, but if you don't mind spending a few dollars to find out, you could try a VGA Logitech QuickCam Ultra 640x480 Fixed Focus or some other 640x480 http://www.mac-compatible-web-cam.com/. A web search will find several brands and different vendors for both new and used. (If you buy used, use a trusted retailer that will warrant that the device you buy is working.)

Message was edited by: EZ Jim

Mac OSX 10.11.5
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Q: Help reducing the quality of in-built HD camera for video calls

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