Zoom: troubleshooting speakers, microphones, and Cameras.
Categories: End Users Howtos Information Instruction Zoom
Hosting zoom meetings can be a challenge when working with a group or even by yourself on a computer that has more than one microphone, camera, or set of speakers. However, programmers at Zoom have created an easy way to easily change each of these sources. In the following list, I will show how you can change each one of these settings and finally show how to test your configuration to ensure it is working correctly.
1. Camera Settings
When you are in a Zoom meeting, you can easily change which camera is being used. To do this simply click on the small up arrow in the corner of the Start/Stop Video button. This will open a menu that allows you to change the current camera. If the camera you would like to use is not shown on the list, it most likely is not fully connected or installed on your computer. Check the camera’s connection to the computer and ensure the power cable is plugged in if the camera requires one. Feel free to change the camera to see which one offers better video. Not all cameras have the same resolution and some situations could require purchasing a camera with higher resolution or more advanced options.
2. Microphone and Speaker Settings
The microphone and speaker settings can be accessed in a similar way to the video settings, simply click the up arrow on the Mute/Unmute button. In these settings, there are sections for selecting a speaker and a microphone. Each of these sections will show the available devices you can use for your speakers or microphone. If a device does not show in the list, check it’s connection cable or Bluetooth settings to be sure it is connected correctly.
3. Test Speakers and Microphone
If you are having issues with your speakers and microphone or if you would like to test them before a meeting, there is a built-in test in the speaker and microphone settings. This test will play sound through your speakers and test your microphone by having you speak then playing the recording back to you. If you are not sure which devices to use or having issues with a device, this is an easy way to ensure your settings are correct.
4. Other considerations and fixes
A. If you continue experiencing issues even after troubleshooting your devices, you might be having internet connection issues in Zoom. Zoom may alert you buy either changing the resolution of your video stream or displaying the following message “Your Internet Connection is Unstable.” If this is the case, you will need to use a better internet connection. If you are using wireless, simply make sure your connection is as strong as possible. Certain rooms and locations may have interference or may block your wireless internet connection. To alleviate this, try different rooms to ensure you have the strongest connection possible.
B. If you are using a Bluetooth microphone and experiencing distorted audio, remove any devices in between the microphone and the computer it is connected to. Phones, laptops, and other devices that have Bluetooth enabled may cause interference and produce distortions in the audio. If that does not fix the issue, move the microphone closer to the computer to strengthen the Bluetooth signal.
C. You may need to use a mixture of devices for group meetings. We highly recommend using Bluetooth microphones for meetings as they can better pick up a group conversation. However, the included speakers in those devices may not be loud enough for a group. In this case, we would recommend using a louder set of speakers for instance a televisions speakers if you are using one to display the video.
D. If you are experiencing issues with your webcam using a virtual background, you may need to try a different webcam or simply not use the virtual background feature. Not all webcams are suitable for use with virtual backgrounds. Many low-quality cameras experience problems due to low resolutions. If this is the case, try a different webcam or simply turn off the virtual background.