# Using Video Capture Device Source (Windows) The **Video Capture Device** source is used to add video feeds from webcams or capture cards to your scene before starting a live stream or recording. You can add multiple different cameras or capture cards within a single scene to create various layouts. *** ### 1. Adding and Selecting a Device {% stepper %} {% step %} In the **Sources** tab, click the **\[+] (Add source)** button and select **Video Capture Device.** {% endstep %} {% step %} In the **Device** dropdown menu, select the webcam or capture card you wish to use. {% endstep %} {% step %} **If your device does not appear in the list**: * Check if the data cable is securely plugged in. * Verify if the device is recognized and the driver is installed in the Windows Device Manager. * Close other software currently using the camera (e.g., Zoom, Teams) and reopen the properties window. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} *** ### 2. Video and Quality Settings * **Resolution and FPS** * **Device Default:** Uses the resolution and frame rate recommended by the device. These are often lower, so choose 'Custom' if you need higher quality. * **Custom:** Manually select your desired resolution (e.g., 1920x1080), frame rate (e.g., 30, 60), and video format. If the combination is unsupported, the feed may not appear; try a different set of values. * **Screen Orientation** * **Flip Vertically / Flip Horizontally:** Use these to correct the image if it appears upside down or mirrored. * **Apply rotation data from camera:** If the camera supports auto-rotation, the image will follow the device's physical orientation. * **Color (Color Space/Range)** * Generally, keep **Color Space** and **Color Range** set to **Default.** Only select options like Rec. 2100 if you are certain your device supports HDR; otherwise, it may trigger a "Device does not support HDR" error. * **Buffering** * **Auto-Detect** is recommended for a balance between smoothness and low latency. Set to **Enable** for capture cards to improve stability, or **Disable** for webcams to minimize delay. *** ### 3. Audio Input Configuration * **Capture audio only:** The most common option; it uses only the built-in microphone audio from the camera or capture card. * **DirectSound / WaveOut:** Select this if you need to output the device's audio through the desktop audio (e.g., for games or music). * **Use custom audio device:** Check this to select a specific separate microphone or sound card as the audio source for this specific video capture device. *** ### 4. Useful Options and Advanced Settings * **Activate / Deactivate** * **Activate:** Starts capturing video and audio from the device. * **Deactivate:** Temporarily stops using the device and releases it so other software can access it (most cameras only support one app at a time). * **Tip:** If there is no image after changing settings, manually click 'Deactivate' then 'Activate' to refresh the connection. * **Deactivate when not showing** * When checked, the device automatically turns off if the source is hidden or if you switch to a different scene. This reduces CPU/GPU load, heat, and power consumption. It is highly recommended for multi-camera setups. * **Manufacturer Setup Windows** * **Configure Video:** Opens the native settings window (brightness, exposure, etc.) provided by the device manufacturer. * **Configure Crossbar:** Available for some capture cards to select specific input ports (e.g., HDMI 1 or 2); ignore if not available. *** ### 5. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions * Q: My camera or capture card does not appear in the device list. * A: Try unplugging and re-plugging the USB cable. Also, verify in the Windows **Device Manager** that the driver is correctly installed, and ensure that any other programs currently using the camera (such as Zoom or Skype) are completely closed. * Q: I see a "Device is busy" or "Device in use" message. * A: You must close any other software currently accessing the camera. If you intend to use the same device across multiple scenes within the PRISM app, do not add a new source; instead, use the **'Add existing source'** feature. After closing other applications, you must click **\[Deactivate]** and then **\[Activate]** in the source properties to re-establish the connection. * Q: It was working fine before, but now the screen is blank or says "Device removed." * A: This is likely due to a loose USB connection. Re-plug the device, re-select the device name from the **Device** dropdown menu in the source settings, and click the **\[Activate]** button. * Q: I get an error saying "The device does not support HDR." * A: This error occurs because an HDR-related option was manually selected in the **Color Space** settings. Changing this setting back to **Default** will resolve the issue and restore the video feed. * Q: Selecting a custom resolution or FPS triggers an "Unsupported attribute" error. * A: This happens when you choose a combination that the device cannot process (e.g., setting 1080p at 60fps on a webcam that only supports 30fps). First, revert to **Device Default** to see if the image returns. If you still want to use custom settings, try changing the **Video Format** to **Any** or lowering the resolution and FPS values. * Q: The video is stuttering, lagging, or showing significant delay. * A: Whenever possible, connect your device to a **USB 3.0 port** (identified by its blue interior) rather than a USB 2.0 port. Avoid using low-quality or excessively long USB extension cables. Additionally, try adjusting the **Buffering** option in the settings—typically **Enable** for capture cards and **Disable** for facecams—to find the best performance for your setup. [Desktop](/desktop/overview.md), [Guides](/desktop/guides.md), [Sources](/desktop/guides/sources.md), [Video Capture Device Source](/desktop/guides/sources/video-capture-device-source.md) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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