Setting up your mic and web camera for Powow

Powow operates through a mic / headset plugged into your computer, which goes through the application and to other users in your meeting room. The video conferencing system requires the video host, or any other participant who may contribute to use a standard webcam.

Contents

• Basics
• I Can't Hear Any Sound
• I Can't Broadcast Any Sound

Basics

Please check the following;

• Do you have a headset with a mic hooked up to your computer? Are you sure it works?
• Have you launched the Device Settings pop-up and configured your mic?
• Do you have a good browser and the latest Flash Player installed? We recommend Google Chrome. We've already seen a couple instances where upgrading the browser fixed the problem.

I Can't Hear Any Sound

• Does your headset produce sound on the homepage video?
• NO: Make sure you speakers are on and plugged in to the right jack. Make sure your computer sound card is recognized. Fixing this issue is beyond the scope of this document, you'll need to contact someone who knows how to fix it.
• If your speakers work with the homepage intro video, they should also work with Powow in meeting.

I Can't Broadcast Sound

This usually means your microphone device is not properly selected.

1. Login to the Powow online application
2. Open the Device Settings panel…


3. You should be prompted by an Adobe Flash Player Settings dialog box. Do you see it ?
   
   • YES: Continue to the next step.
   • NO: Your sound card is not properly installed or drivers for the mic device is not setup. Fixing this is beyond the scope of this document. Try googling it or ask your local techie.


4. Click on the 'Allow' button, this will connect Adobe Flash Player with your installed devices.
5. There is a sound level indicator which should be jumping up and down when you speak into your mic. Is there more than one Mic device in the drop down menu.
   • YES: Try selecting a different mic device as you talk into your mic to see if the sound level moves. If you find the correct one and you see the sound level moving, you are done. You will now be able to actively participate in live meetings..
   • NO: Continue to the next step.
6. The correct mic devices is probably not selected by your sound card / driver. Take note of which Mic device is selected by the Flash Player Settings, then…
   • For Windows ...
     1. Go to Start Button > Control Panel > Sound and Audio Devices > Audio Tab
     2. In Sound Recording section, verify which device is selected. It should match what is selected in the Flash Player Settings.
   • For Mac ...
     1. Click on the Apple > System Preferences > Sound.
     2. Then select the appropriate listed device, and do the same for the Input tab
7. Try a different mic / headset device, maybe there is problem with your mic device.
8. After changing /checking all the above settings, try restarting your browser. Still doesn't work? Please contact Powow Support and convey this information:
   • What were the results of each of the above tests?
   • What is your operating system and browser/version?
   • What type of sound card do you have? What microphone device is selected?
   • Does your mic work for any other software online? Like Skype?