Hardware hui, software Pooh, that simply does not love Microsoft

I am pro for several years now the proud owner of a Logitech Quickcam 9000. Since I wanted to indulge me, will a webcam with even higher resolution, only LifeCam Studio came into question, since it has real 1080p resolution as the only (affordable) and my Logitech webcam that still works beautifully, already 720 p has. First, the positive: picture and sound quality are very good, only to complain about is the somewhat sluggish autofocus as the Quickcam is still a lot faster, but strong buy recommendation, the image quality is for a Webcam truly outstanding even in low light conditions. In addition, the studio no Plastikbomber but has a very solid metal housing and - commendable, not there namely Logitech - it has a lens cap, a not to be underestimated trifle.

Now for the negatives, but this in my head shaking triggers because Microsoft is known to be a software company. I run the cam bit on a computer with Windows 8.1 per 64. The CAM software for Lifecam is unkompatibel to Windows 8.1 it runs quite simply not necessary to let melt in your mouth times (sic!): Microsoft offers a CAM software for a webcam of their own home, for quite simply incompatible own operating system is Windows 8.1.

How vigorously I shook my head, the interested reader can imagine himself. In the web chats, Skype and so on, although the control functions (zoom, settings, etc.) but under Windows 8.1 64 bit, the dashboard can not be opened, which means I do not have a program available with which I can take pictures and videos. After much trial and error, I have found that the program when installing under Windows 8.1 is simply not installed although the installation file (have the self installations.exe times unpacked manually) is available. Carrying out the installation in compatibility mode Windows 8 (not 8.1!) Or Windows 7 from the dashboard (boot file is livecam.exe) is indeed installed in the program directory, it works but not simple, the dashboard does not start.

Long story short: After numerous experiments, which cost me a whole day and fruitless searches on the Internet, so there is a (half) solution. This solution could be described using the following image. Sebastian Vettel mounted on its current car a wheel set of his racing car from, say 2010, including axes, because his current Racer is not working.

Believe it namely scarcely, so that one of the Life Webcam under Windows 8.1 has a dashboard available, one must namely download from the support page, the corresponding software with Windows 7 as operating system, then right-click on the installation file, click Properties, Compatibility and there Windows 7 select and make a check mark when: Run as administrator. But even that's a catch: While the Dashboard works then, but in Camchats on websites, the control program does not open, so you can not back yet make other settings, as also helps no matter how wild clicking its program file in the installation directory. In Skype, the control program works without objection in Windows 7 mode.

So you have a choice between fire and brimstone either download Under Windows 8.1, the CAM software for 8.1, then the control is working completely, but you do not have Dashboard, or download the file for Windows 7, but then you have a working Dashboard only limited functioning control.

Dear Bill Gates, please come back!

PS: ifs not so serious, one could laugh about it.