How to fix the dark webcam on the HP Mini 1000

hp-filmThe HP Mini 1000 netbook has an excellent keyboard, a thin and light case, and a bunch of customization options. But the mini-laptop has a few quirks too, including a glossy display that reflects glare, and a webcam that takes awfully dark images.

It turns out there’s a good reason for the dark camera: HP has placed a thin piece of film over the webcam, possibly to protect it during the manufacturing process. If you want to improve the image quality, all you need to do is crack open your display and remove the film. I say “all you have to do,” but you should be aware that this kind of minor surgery could void your warranty.

The folks at GottaBeMobile posted a link to a YouTube video today showing how to remove the film, but that video has since been pulled down. But a member of the MyHPMini forums posted an overview of the procedure a few months ago. 

via Portable Monkey


Posted on Thursday, February 26th, 2009, 2:48 pm by Brad
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  • A
    This is a software solution deep in the thread - I'd try it before messing around with the film.

    whiba wrote:
    All, I found this solution on another webpage, and it worked GREAT for me. I was wary of prying open my netbook. I did not have to that (did not remove the film):

    The webcam seems to be equivalent to the Microsoft VGA basic cam that requires no drivers... the intended drivers are in Windows.

    The darkness is a problem when the camera settings drop to default values which has a low brightness setting.

    Microsoft seem to intend the cam to be used with Windows Live Messenger... install it then use Tools > Audio and video setup... after the audio comes the webcam settings page. Default Brightness is 0 (middle of the slider) Shove it to right hand end and brightness should make anyone happy at night.

    We can't blame HP. It's a Microsoft foopah.



    The problem really seemstto be that there is no included software to manage the brightness setting.
  • A
    This is the February 26, 2009 update from HP - clearly, they've been reading the forum. I'd await their response before pulling out the dark plastic covering.

    http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/26/hp-promises-...
  • Stefani
    i learned that if yu go to the Windows Movie Maker yu can change the settings of the camera there and record a video with the webcam, also if yu go to the normal webcam right after yu shut down movie maker, than you can keep those settings and tak pictures with the settings on there. Because when i just pulled up the webcam folder, there were no available settings to choose from like on other webcams. also, is there any other programs on the computer for the webcam that i just havent found yet ?

    i own the HP Mini 1000 Netbook
  • angela
    on some sites the mini laptop screen cuts off the bottom especially in pogo and you cannot play the games any way to fix this problem?
  • angela
    the webcam on the mini laptop is not compatible with yahoo messenger?
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