Agent V5 Manual
Agent V5 Manual
Agent V5 Manual
User Manual
Contents
What’s in the box? ........................................................................................................ 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4
Specifications ................................................................................................................ 5
Getting Started .............................................................................................................. 7
System requirements .............................................................................................. 7
Physical set‐up ........................................................................................................ 7
Installing the drivers ................................................................................................ 8
PC: instructions for installation of AMCAP driver: ............................................ 8
MAC: instructions for installation of webcam monitor driver ......................... 10
Functionality................................................................................................................ 14
AmCap (PC) ........................................................................................................... 14
Special effects ................................................................................................. 14
Capturing images and videos .......................................................................... 15
Webcam Monitor (Mac) ........................................................................................ 17
Changing the settings ...................................................................................... 17
Capturing still images and videos .................................................................... 17
The video will now begin recording and can be stopped at the users prompt. 18
Special effects ................................................................................................. 18
Chat programs ............................................................................................................. 19
PC: ......................................................................................................................... 19
MSN/Windows live messenger ....................................................................... 19
Skype .............................................................................................................. 21
Yahoo Messenger ............................................................................................ 23
MAC: ..................................................................................................................... 25
Skype .............................................................................................................. 25
iChat ................................................................................................................ 26
Troubleshooting/FAQS ................................................................................................ 27
Cleaning and handling ................................................................................................. 29
Warranty Information ................................................................................................. 29
Contact details/more information ............................................................................... 30
Contents 2
What’s in the box?
• AGent V5 with USB cord (1)
• Notebook/Mac book clip (2)
• Desktop stand (3)
• LCD/IMac clip (4)
• Cord wrap (5)
• Lens protective pouch/lens cleaner, Webcam carry pouch (6)
• Driver/software CD (7)
• User Manual (8)
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the aGent V5 edition webcam. The aGent V5 is a true
piece of revolutionary technology. It is compatible with both PC and Mac operating
systems and its 5 layer glass; true Full HD 2.0 megapixel lens provides some of the
sharpest picture around. The aGent V5 also includes a whole host of other features
including bright light autoexposure, internal microphone, 3 different stands, a
protective lens cover and carry case and a software suite with an amazing range of
features. Manufactured to the highest standards, the aGent is backed by a 2 year
warranty, so you can be confident that you have made the right choice.
The V5 has a number of upgrade features from its earlier editions. Its new sensor is
able to achieve some of the greatest picture clarity on the market, and an upgraded
inbuilt microphone that runs solely through the USB cord will ensure you will sound
crystal clear everytime. A range of new features and additions to the accessory list
have also been included to help you get the most out of your new aGent webcam.
The aGent V5 can be used for a number of different purposes, which will be run
through in this manual including, but not limited to:
‐ Video email/capture, editing and special effects using the Webcam
monitor/AmCap applications;
‐ Video conferencing with MSN, Skype, Yahoo messenger, iChat and many
others; and
‐ Snapshot images up to an incredible full HD 2MP resolution, or 8MP
interpolated resolution.
The following manual will provide you with a step by step procedure for setting up
and using your webcam. We hope this helps you on your way to having a most
enjoyable experience with your aGent v5.
Introduction 4
Specifications
Compatibility PC and Mac
Min Operating Windows® XP, Vista
system Mac OSC 10.4.3 or higher, G4, G and Intel Macs
Video Capture Full HD 2MP. Up to 5MP by interpolation
Still Capture image Full HD 2MP. Up to 8MP by interpolation
Lens 5 Layer glass 2.0 MP resolution
UVC Plug and play for Windows XP SP2 and Vista, Mac OSX 10.4.3
or greater, and iChat 10.4.9 or later
Casing German quality steel casing
Webcam Software Works with iChat, MSN, Yahoo, Skype, AOL, and all other
Compatibility major chat programs
Driver Software Plug and play webcam with additional Mac and PC drivers and
utilities and webcam software
Connections 1 x USB 2.0 connection
Focus adjustment Manual focus and auto exposure with bright light technology
Digital zoom 4 with compatible driver
Continuous speed 30 frames per second
shooting
Cables 1 x USB cable: 5”8 in/175 cm
Specifications 5
Video Input Motion sensor software, automatic face tracking technology
software compatible with driver.
Peripheral Devices CD‐ROM, Graphics card
Image focus length 5cm – infinity
Brightness/Contrast Automatic colour compensation and brightness adjustment
Dynamic Range Greater than 72 db
Warranty 12 Month warranty
Specifications 6
Getting Started
System requirements
PC
• Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
• Pentium III 300 (Pentium III 500 recommended), Celeron, AMD Athlon
processor
• 512 MB RAM (or minimum OS requirement, whichever is higher)
• 200 MB free hard drive space
• 1 available USB port
• CD‐ROM drive
• 16‐bit colour display adaptor.
MAC
• OSX 10.4.3 or higher, G4, G5 and Intel Macs
• 500 MHz processor
• 512 MB RAM
• 200 MB Free hard drive space
• 1 Available USB port.
Physical set‐up
Your package includes a number of different stands to suit your preferences. Simply
screw the stand into the bottom of the webcam, and position accordingly.
Macbook/Notebook Desktop Stand
LCD/iMac Clip
Clip
Getting Started 7
Installing the drivers
PC: instructions for installation of AMCAP driver:
The AMCAP driver allows the user utilise a great number of features, such as
facetracking, zoom, video recording, image capture, image manipulation and more.
i. Plug the aGent webcam into a USB port (not through a USB hub) and set
position desirably. See page 7 for some ideas. The Webcam should install
automatically with notification appearing in the bottom right hand corner of
your screen notifying you that the device is ready to use.
ii. Insert CD. The installer should load automatically. If not, select the CD‐drive
from the ‘my computer menu. Then open the PC Driver folder on the CD and
select the file named aGent V5 PC Driver.EXE
Alternatively, you can download the latest driver from
http://aGent.liquiddigital.com.au/download.htm
iii. Follow instructions on the installation wizard to install the AMCAP driver.
Getting Started: PC 8
iv. After installation is complete, click finish, and then restart your computer.
v. Open AMCAP either through the desktop shortcut or through the windows start
bar – look for AMCap, under the ‘VIMICRO USB 2.0 UVC Camera’ folder.
vi. If the aGent V5 is not automatically selected, do so in the devices menu. Select
‘Venus USB 2.0 Camera’. Be sure to also select ‘Microphone (Venus USB 2.0
Camera)’.
If the picture does not appear, select preview in the options menu
vii. To manually adjust the focus, turn the focus ring at the front of the webcam.
Getting Started: PC 9
MAC: instructions for installation of webcam monitor
driver
The aGent V5 is plug‐and‐play for all Mac users. No driver is required, however, for
added functionality you may wish to install the included Webcam Monitor driver.
i. Plug the aGent webcam into a USB port (not through a USB hub) and set
position desirably.
ii. Please place the aGent V5 CD into your CD drive or download the V5 webcam
driver from http://agent.liquiddigital.com.au/download.htm
i) Plugging in the USB i) Inserting the CD
ii) Inserting the CD
iii. Open the CD folder and click on Agent V5 Driver Installer.mpkg………….
iv. The installation screen will appear. Please follow the onscreen instructions
v. Open the application folder on your hard drive and find Webcam Monitor
(normally under ‘applications’). This will open the webcam image.
vi. To alter the video and audio settings go to the ‘Monitor’ tab. Here you will find
the video and sound settings as well as the image size controls and recording
options.
vii. To select the aGent webcam go to ‘Video Settings’, ‘Source’ and select ‘Venus
USB2.0 Camera’
viii. To adjust image quality/speed of frames select the compression tab and adjust
accordingly. A higher image quality will reduce the video speed and vice versa.
ix. To setup the microphone, select Monitor>Sound Settings. Under the Source tab,
select ‘Venus USB 2.0 Camera’. When you tap, or talk into the microphone, the
level bars should rise and fall?
From this menu, you can also adjust gain and volume, by shifting the bars across
to your desired level.
To switch between mono and stereo modes, select ‘sample’ and adjust accordingly.
To adjust compression settings, select the ‘compression’ tab and adjust accordingly.
x. To manually adjust the focus, turn the focus ring at the front of the webcam.
This part is shown in part 2 of the manual.
Functionality
AmCap (PC)
AMCap can perform an amazing range of functions. You may first want to get the
basics settings sorted.
Changing the settings
To adjust the video settings, such as contrast, brightness etc, click on ‘Video Capture
Filter’ under the options menu. Select the ‘Video Proc Amp’ Tab.
Click ‘Apply’ once the desired changes have been made.
Special effects
Whilst in the preferences menu, you can also select a whole range of other functions,
such as face tracking, face effects, zoom, flip and others.
• Use the feature tab to choose from a range of screen effects
• Use the face effects tab to choose from a whole range of amusing novelty
face effects
• Use the Camera control tab to modify exposure levels
• Use the Face tracking tab to utilise the zoom and face tracking features.
Functionality:PC 14
Capturing images and videos
To capture a still image, use the ‘Get Image’ application that appears in the program
bar in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. Right click it, and then select your
desired image size.
Get Image icon used to capture
still images
After the image appears on your screen, you can save as required by simply clicking on
file> save. Please note, that in order for this to function correctly, you will have to
select ‘RGB format’ in the colour space box in the preferences menu. To do this, click
on ‘Video capture pin’ under the options menu and then change accordingly if it has
not defaulted to this option.
To record videos, first select a file path for which you want the file to be saved under.
To do this, click on file>set capture file and save accordingly.
You can then select the desired output size by clicking on options>Video capture Pin.
Click on the output size dropdown menu to select the appropriate size. Please note
that the majority of special effects will not work on resolutions greater than 640 X
480. Please note that increasing the output size and frame rate will increase the file
size
Functionality:PC 15
To start recording, click on ‘Start Capture’ under the capture menu.
To stop recording (if a time limit has not been set or if you want to finish recording
early) click on ‘stop capture’, under the capture menu.
To find the video file you just recorded, simply go the folder that you chose the video
file to be saved and the video file will be there in avi format.
Functionality:PC 16
Webcam Monitor (Mac)
Changing the settings
To adjust settings, such as Saturation, Brightness and Contrast, select the
‘Adjustments’ tab under Monitor > Video settings
Capturing still images and videos
Included in the software bundle is the application Camgrabber. This can be used to
capture still images.
To record videos in Webcam Monitor, click on monitor>’Record Without Hogging
Machine’ (or Record Until MouseClick).
You will now be prompted to select the file path and file name of the video you wish
to record
Functionality:Mac 17
The video will now begin recording and can be stopped at the users prompt.
The video will now be saved at the selected location with an image such as the one
below.
Special effects
To utilise a whole range of special effects, we recommend you utilise the Camtwist
application that is included in the software bundle. Please note that this will not install
automatically, and you will need to select the application in the installation process.
Once installed:
1. Open Camtwist
2. Select ‘webcam’
3. Under tools menu select ‘preview’
4. Open ‘webcam monitor’ Mac driver
5. Select ‘monitor’
6. Select ‘video settings’
7. Select ‘source’
8. Select ‘camtwist’
Functionality:Mac 18
Chat programs
The AGent V5 is compatible with all major chat programs. You can find instructions on
how to get started with some of these programs below.
PC:
MSN/Windows live messenger
1. Log in as normal, ensuring that any other programs using the webcam are
closed.
2. Select audio and video setup
from the tools menu.
3. From the microphone menu,
select ‘Microphone (Venus USB
2.0 Camera)’. You can test the
volume here. The (green)
volume bar should rise and fall
when you talk. Click next to
proceed to the next step
Chat programs: PC 19
4. Select the aGent V5 from the
webcam dropdown menu (Venus
USB 2.0 Webcam).
The picture should preview in the
square below it. Click on webcam
settings to adjust the picture settings,
such as brightness, exposure etc.
Otherwise, click finish.
5. To use the webcam, select
Actions > Video > Show my
webcam.
Your aGent webcam is now ready to be used with MSN/Windows Live messenger!
Chat programs: PC 20
Skype
1. Log in as normal
2. Select options from the
tools menu
3. Select video settings
and then select Venus
USB 2.0 Camera from
the webcam dropdown
list. Select preview.
Ensure ‘Enable Skype
Video’ is selected.
4. Just below the webcam selection dropdown box, there is a webcam settings
button. Click this to adjust brightness, contrast etc.
5. Still in the options box, select audio settings. Choose ‘Microphone (Venus USB
2.0 Camera)’ from the dropdown menu under microphones.
Chat programs: PC 21
To test the microphone click save, close the options box and re‐open it to the same
menu. The audio bar under the microphone selection box should rise and fall as you
speak.
6. Save any modifications
Your aGent webcam is now ready to be used with Skype!
Chat programs: PC 22
Yahoo Messenger
1. Sign in as normal
2. Select ‘my webcam’ from
the messenger menu
3. In the ‘my webcam’ window, select ‘preferences’ under the file menu. Then
select camera source
4. Click the arrow on the dropdown menu and select ‘Venus USB 2.0 Camera’. Click
Ok. Back in the preferences box, there is a camera settings box next to the
camera source button shown in step 3. Use this to adjust the camera settings
such as brightness, sharpness etc, and then click apply.
Chat programs: PC 23
5. In the preferences box, select ‘calling & devices’ in the category menu on the
left hand side. Under the microphone menu, select ‘Microphone (Venus USB 2.0
Camera). Click apply.
6. To test audio, select ‘open the call setup assistant’ underneath the drop down
menus. Click next. Talk into the microphone. The volume bar should rise and fall
and a confirmation message will appear at the bottom as shown below. Click
next to test the speakers, and then click finish.
Your aGent webcam is now ready to be used with Yahoo Messenger!
Chat programs: PC 24
MAC:
Skype
1. Open Skype and log in as normal.
2. Select Skype>Preferences
3. In the preferences menu,
select ‘Video’. From the
Camera drop down
menu, select ‘Venus USB
2.0 Camera’
4. To set up the microphone, select the ‘Audio’ tab, and select ‘Venus USB 2.0
Camera’ from the Audio input drop down menu.
iChat
The V4 is plug and play with iChat AV.
1. Open iChat and log in as normal.
2. To setup the aGent V5, select ‘Preferences’ under the iChat menu
3. Under the Audio/Video
tab, select ‘Venus USB
2.0 Camera’ from both
the Camera and
Microphone dropdown
menus.
Troubleshooting/FAQS
What is the difference between the V4 and V5 edition webcams?
The V5 has an upgraded sensor and controller for outstanding picture quality. The
clarity is by far the best yet in the aGent series and is amongst the best in the market.
The V5 also has an upgraded inbuilt microphone, for improved sound quality. There
are also new additions to the accessories list to help you get the best experience out
of your new aGent webcam.
My operating system is lower than OSX 10.4.3. Can I still use the aGent webcam?
If you at least have OSX version 10.4 (Tiger), but less than OSX 10.4.3, you can get a
free update by following the instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338
I only get a blank screen in Webcam Monitor/Amcap?
If you have a Mac, please refer to page 12 of this manual. If you have a PC, please
refer to section 10 of this manual.
My PC/Mac is not picking up the Webcam?
Please ensure that the driver is installed and that your system specifications match
those required in page 5 of this manual. If you have further problems, please contact
us.
My picture is blurry/out of focus. How do I fix this?
You may find that the aGent is not automatically focused perfectly considering your
circumstances. To get your desired clarity, turn the manual focus ring at the front of
the webcam. This part is shown in page 4 of this manual.
How do I adjust basic settings such as brightness and sharpness? ‐
Generally, each piece of software that the aGent V5 can be used with will have a
webcam settings option. If you are using Webcam Monitor/Amcap, please refer to 14
of this manual. If you are using a chat program such as MSN messenger, refer to the
chat programs section of this manual, beginning on page 18.
I can’t get my aGent webcam setup on Skype.
To use Skype you will need to ensure that the webcam is not in use by another
program. Please close other programs using the webcam first, and then refer to part
20 of this manual (PC users) or page 24 (Mac users) for setup instructions.
I can’t get the microphone to work when chatting.
Refer to the setup options beginning on page 19 of this manual. We recommend that
you first check whether the volume bars rise and fall when you talk. This means the
microphone is working. If it does not register, ensure that you have selected ‘Venus
USB 2.0 webcam’ from the audio/microphone selection box.
Troubleshooting/FAQs 27
Is the aGent V5 compatible with iMovie?
Unfortunately, as the aGent V5 is a UVC webcam, it is not compatible with iMovie.
Is the aGent V5 compatible with Photobooth?
Please refer to a discussion of this on our website at:
http://agent.liquiddigital.com.au/apple‐mac‐webcam‐faqs.htm
Is the aGent V5 compatible with iChat?
The V4 is plug‐and‐play with iChat AV.
How do I use special effects whilst using a chat program?
Easy! For Mac users, Camtwist is included in the software bundle on the CD. You can
utilise a whole range of special effects whilst chatting as normal. Please refer to page
17 of this manual for further instructions.
Is the webcam compatible with Mac minis?
Absolutely! You will just need to make sure that you have the minimum system
requirements.
What size is the webcam?
Approximately 78mm x 30mm
Can I use the webcam with my telescope?
While customers have noted that the aGent’s size is particularly perfect for a 1 1/4"
focuser, admittedly, we are no experts on the issue. However, the webcam uses
objects’ sharpness as a criterion, so customers have used it successfully through a
telescopic eyepiece in the past. Contact us for more details and url’s of other buyers
experiences
Important note: Disassembling the webcam will void the warranty. Please consider
this purchasing the webcam for this purpose.
What sort of warranty does the aGent V5 come with?
The aGent V5 comes with a 2 year manufactures warranty. Please refer to page 29 of
this manual for more information.
Can I attach different lenses to the webcam?
Absolutely! Simply buy the aGent/iSight webcam lens adaptor from our website and
you can attach many different professional photography lenses such as UV filters,
fisheye lenses and the list goes on!
Troubleshooting/FAQs 28
Cleaning and handling
To clean the outside of the aGent V5 and its components, use a soft, lint‐free cloth
that has been slightly dampened. Ensure the aGent and the components are
unplugged and that you avoid getting any moisture in any of the openings. Please
refrain from using and aerosol sprays, abrasives, alcohol or anything of that nature.
When transporting the webcam, we recommend using the carry pouch and box
provided as a means of protecting the webcam.
We strongly recommend that you do not attempt repairs or disassembling, as it
presents a hazard to your safety, and my void the warranty. If there is an issue with
the webcam, please contact us.
Warranty Information
Limited Warranty: Liquid Digital Solutions declares that any hardware product
accompanying this document is free from any significant defects in material and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. This warranty is
limited to the original purchaser, and is not transferrable. This Warranty gives you
specific rights under the relevant law.
Warranty Claims: Liquid Digital Solution’s liability and your remedy for any breach in
the aforementioned warranty shall be, at our discretion, to repair and replace the
hardware, or to refund the price paid, minus any shipping costs involved in returning
the product back to Liquid Digital Solutions. This is subject to the product being
returned to a place, as Liquid Digital Solutions directs, with a copy of the sales receipt
or invoice. Any replaced hardware will be warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty period, or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer. Such remedies will be void if
failure of the hardware is a result of misuse, abuse, accident, or unauthorised
modification or disassembly. Upon request by Liquid Digital Solutions, you must
provide proof of the original purchase of the hardware by a dated invoice or receipt.
Customer Support: Before submitting a warranty claim, please ensure that you have
followed the installation and set‐up instructions carefully. We recommend that any
issues you may have with the webcam first be bought to our support team, who may
be able to rectify the problem, or provide advice on how to do so. For support, please
contact sales@liquiddigital.com.au with a description of the problem you are having
and the operating platform in use with the webcam.
Other information 29
Contact details/more information
For more information and downloads, please visit:
www.liquidigital.com.au
To contact us:
sales@liquiddigital.com.au
Contact details 30