Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 2

Can an EyeToy Be Used as a Webcam?

The EyeToy was originally designed to track a player̵7;s motion in certain PlayStation 2 games, but you can also use the USB camera device, which includes a built-in microphone, as a webcam on a PC. When you connect the EyeToy to your computer, Windows automatically recognizes it as an external input device. To use the device as a webcam, however, you also need a compatible EyeToy driver. After installing the driver, use a variety of desktop applications to record video, take photos or video chat with friends.

Drivers
- EyeToy drivers vary depending on the model. The EyeToy was manufactured by Logitech, as well as Namtai. Determine which model you own by looking for the Logitech or Namtai logo on the casing of the device. Once you determine the EyeToy type, download and install the correct driver. A handful of Web developers offer free drivers that are compatible with Windows 7, as well as Vista and XP platforms. The developer EyeToyOnComputer Project offers a universal driver that is compatible with all EyeToy models; however, this driver only works with Windows XP.
Webcam Software
- You can use the EyeToy to take snapshots or record a video by using third-party webcam software. To save money, use a freeware application such as ManyCam, Debut Video Capture Software and Camersoft Webcam Capture. After installing your preferred webcam software, your live image appears on the screen. Use the ̶0;Snapshot̶1; option to take a quick photo or the ̶0;Video̶1; option to record a personal webcam video. Depending on the webcam software, you can save your media files in a variety of popular formats, including JPEG, BMP and AVI.
Video Chat Software
- The EyeToy is compatible with a variety of popular applications that offer video chat services, including Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger and ooVoo. Download and install your preferred application, then launch the software and sign in to your account; the program then automatically configures your webcam settings. If the application doesn̵7;t recognize your webcam, use the ̶0;Options̶1; menu to configure the video chat software with your EyeToy. Create a new contacts list by adding friends and family members, then select one of your contacts and choose the ̶0;Video Call̶1; option to begin a video chat.
Potential Problems
- As of the time of publication, no official drivers have been released by Sony, Logitech or Namtai. Each driver was created by a third-party developer, so compatibility with Windows is not guaranteed. If Windows doesn̵7;t recognize the device, verify that you've installed the correct EyeToy driver. You can also check whether or not the device is working properly by accessing the ̶0;Device Manager̶1; on your PC. If the device is shown as working properly and you've installed the correct driver, reboot your computer. Depending on the driver, a reboot may be required to complete the installation.

PlayStation 2