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CNET Editors' review
Webcam utilities come in several flavors. Some emphasize the security angle by monitoring several cameras at once, much like a CCTV system. Others have a different objective: fun. ArcSoft's WebCam Companion 4 definitely falls into the second group. This shareware Webcam manager not only handles your Webcams but also edits and adds cool stuff to your video feeds, such as masks and text. It can capture 3D and HD video and still images, and it makes it easy to share everything on Facebook, Twitter, and other Web sites. But that doesn't mean WebCam Companion doesn't also make an excellent security and surveillance tool since it also includes motion detection, face recognition, and other advanced monitoring features. WebCam Companion 4 is free to try for 30 days.
WebCam Companion showed a nag screen when we started the program, and also a countdown displaying the number of days left in our free trial period in the title bar. It has a sleek, attractive interface with an up-to-date brushed-metal look. The main window opened to the program's Home page, an uncluttered row of icons accessing all of the important features: Capture, for configuring and managing our Webcam, video card, and other settings; Masque, which lets you morph your face into other faces; Fun Frame, which can autocapture images and video by detecting poses; Edit, which accesses a wizard-based video editor; Monitor, which can detect faces and motion; and More Applications, for adding and managing new Modules and Applications. Each feature is also available on the toolbar, along with the program's Settings and quick 2D and 3D capture buttons.
WebCam Companion's wizard-based features made quick work of setting up our Webcam, with plenty of configuration options, but there's also a wizard-within-a-wizard to make things easier still, plus a comprehensive browser-based Help file that answered all our questions. While this program is widely compatible, users with more processing power and better graphics cards will achieve better results when handling HD and 3D video. Needless to say, we were getting pretty silly pretty quick with our Webcam feed with WebCam Companion 4. Bet you will, too!
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Arcsoft WebCam Companion 4.0.
ArcSoft Webcam Companion - Capture, edit, print, and share photos and videos from your Webcam - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From ArcSoft:
ArcSoft WebCam Companion offers a broad range of applications designed and optimized for webcam use, whether utilized to record video or to take a special photo, ArcSoft WebCam Companion 3 lets you get the most out of any webcam. It brings together ArcSoft's latest Webcam applications into one great user experience. Starting from the Launch Pad, you can access any of ArcSoft's great new Webcam applications including: Capture, Edit, Masque, Fun Frame.
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All versions:
3.0 starsout of 27 votes
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Current version:
2.9 starsout of 12 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Decent, originally came with laptop, upgrade better."
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
better than old version in every way, though i rarely use either
Cons
My cam is a built-in VAIO laptop camera, no good either way you look at it, no matter what software I use it with.
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"A Lot of Fun in a Simple, Straightforward Package"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
I have had more that a few laughs in the few days that I have had this program. Works great with Windows 7 64-bit.
Cons
No cons. Oh, the basic version is what I have, but I am strongly tempted to pay the additional $20.00 for the add-on features. The total package is a bit pricey but what the heck.
Summary
I got Arcsoft Showbiz 3.5 (an obsolete program) bundled with a video capture device. The purchase led to a good deal on this program. The Showbiz 3.5 is a solid little program that does the job, so I decided to jump on the WebCam Companion 4.0 offer. I'm glad I did.
I enjoy the basic Webcam Companion but the extra-cost add-on, Magic-I, will not run on my Windows 7 system. Multiple reinstallations, and multiple conversations with Arcsoft, have been fruitless. Magic-I has been, for me, a waste of time and money.
Updated on Apr 29, 2012
Jim -
"update to my software"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
it was an upgrade
Cons
it was only a tryout
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"Fun to work with and good interface."
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
Neat Software
Tidy
Doesn't keep alerting you on startup
Good Interface, Easy to understandCons
It would've been better if it had more update and with special packages.
Summary
This companion is very useful for editing your webcam's settings while talking face-to-face with someone. Other companions (or some other) require you to not be using the webcam or else you would not be able to set up your webcam (gamma, saturation,etc.) while talking to someone or using it.
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"works well with windows 7 64 bit"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
Keep up the good work !
Cons
None None None
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"i would stay away from this download"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
im not sure that ive encountered any yet
Cons
this program has the worst picture quality, and has very limited effects,.. and i dont like it
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"arcsoft web companion 3"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
at least ten characters as there is nothing good or bad it is sh&^%
Cons
none it is absolutely a waste of time
Summary
Imho stay clear of this piece of sh^%$ as you will be better off getting yamcam or something other than this , as i had it on windows 7 and all i was getting was a video of me but a high pitched screeching behind the video , so it was no use , emailed customer service and they asked me to make sure i had installed it correctly lol if i didnt it wouldnt have worked in the first place but as the guy or lass above said about customer service i agree 100% imho we should vote with our feet or money as when they dont make money then they will sit up and take notice and fix the problem they have with this software.
stay clear you have been warned
this is what i received from the customer services department
ear Ian,
thank you for contacting us.
Can you please tel us more about your problem?
Make sure that is propely isntalled.
Try on an other PC.
Kind regards,
Tania Jimenez
Customer Care Operator
I: www.trust.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ianmccully@gmail.com [mailto:ianmccully@gmail.com]
> Sent: zondag 16 januari 2011 22:11
> To: support-en
> Subject: Trust 1101-1621-1112 - EN - 16530 - Widescreen HD Webcam [pfCase:130076, pfTicket:5177009]
>
> -- USER -------------------
>
> Reason : Other
> Email : ianmccully@gmail.com
> Date : 1/16/2011
> Time : 10:11 PM
> OS: Windows 7
> Artnr : 16530
> Descr : Widescreen HD Webcam
> Ref.no : 1101-1621-1112
>
> -- INFORMATION ------------
>
> Hi
>
> I am trying to make a video on web companion 3 which isn't letting me do this, i only get a buzzing when i play my video back , please can you tell me what is wrong thanks for all your help
>
> appreciated
>
> thanks
>
> ian -
"Not easy to use"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
Could not find any
Cons
Picture quality not good, not easy to use
Summary
I had this for an hour and found it was not what I wanted
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"shame that it isn't totally free."
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
very acessible interface.
Cons
Cannot get this product to operate with my Webcam.
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"Very user friendly and records and saves videos-"
Version: ArcSoft WebCam Companion 4.0
Pros
This is very easy to use and will you can record videos of yourself with your webcam from your computer without going online and save them as well.And because I have an HP Netbook it is included so I did not have to pay for it.
Cons
Unless it is included on your laptop when you bought it. You will have to pay to continue to use this program when your 15 day trial ends.
Summary
I was lucky because I have an HP Mini 210 Netbook,Webcam Companion 3 was already installed on it so I did not have to pay to use it. for anyone who does not have it pre installed on their new laptop. Then you WILL have to pay to use it after 15 days trial.Until a few days ago I thought that Webcam Companion 3 was my built in webcam. Until some one told me it was not just a video program. I found out my built in webcam is HP webcam 50. A built in web cam driver is hidden and you cannot uninstall it but you can use a plug in external webcam. Like Logitech,I do as this gives a better quality than a built in webcam.Webcam companion 3 or 4 gives you the means to use your webcam on your computer,to record videos or take photos,without going onto a video site(You Tube for eg) to do this. It also saves videos in WMV or MPG format so you can upload them to your site.If you uninstall Webcam Companion 3/4 you will still have your built in webcam and can still use an external plug in webcam. But you will have to go directly onto the video or website,such as You Tube or My Space to record from your webcam.A tool like this by passes all of that so you can record your video in private,off the web and save them on your computer. So only you can watch it or share it on a video site on the web if you want to. But the disadvantage is that you have to pay to use this. It is not free. Andrea Borman.
