Can I Record MSN With My Webcam?
Internet users can chat with friends and family on a worldwide basis with MSN Messenger. This Microsoft instant-messaging product also has live video for users with a webcam. Some users would like to record Messenger webcam sessions. You can capture these cherished moments with friends and family by using your webcam and special video software.
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Windows Live
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Microsoft has consolidated many of its services into a single account. Windows Live Essentials now contains Microsoft's software for instant messaging. Users with older versions may still have the original MSN Messenger on their computers. Click on "Messenger" on the MSN home page to download the current version. You will see a link to download Windows Live Essentials. MSN's Windows Live Messenger is part of that suite of programs. When you first open the program, you see a link at the bottom of the window to register a Windows Live ID. You must register and then log in with your ID to use the Live Messenger version of MSN.
Video Chat
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To activate a live video chat, double-click on a friend's name in your list of friends. This opens up a chat window. You will see a "Video Call" option in the chat window. Alternatively, hover over a friend's name and click the "Start a video call" option. When you video chat on MSN, the video and voice are much like a television. The broadcast is live. However, the messaging software does not have a built-in recorder for one-on-one conversations. Instead, you first activate your webcam with the video call. You then use third-party recording software to capture the live video chat.
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Video Messages
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Unlike one-on-one conversations, MSN does allow you to record and send a video message to a friend. This is not a live chat. However, it records your own webcam while you create a live video message. Hover over a friend's name in your list to find the "Send a video message" option. Click the red button to record a message of up to 30 seconds. Click the blue button to play the message to yourself. You can then either record a new message or click "Send" to deliver the message to your friend.
Recording Software
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For MSN live chats on webcam, you need to select a third-party video recording software. These recorders work by capturing whatever is on the screen. They usually record your audio, as well. Video recording software typically has a display window to view and record either your full screen or a portion of the screen. The usage instructions for each software program are different. However, programs generally take a user-friendly approach with standard buttons for recording, stopping and playing your videos. Examples of free recording software include CamStudio, Debut Video Capture Software and HyperCam.
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