HELP! Just received new 6920G. Problem with webcam, Blue-ray and a speakers query too!

I've had this laptop for a day now and am having some issues which I wonder if anyone could help me with.

1. Integrated 'Crystal Eye' webcam

I can't get it to work with Live Messenger. I can only hear the audio from the other person (no video). They also can only hear me and not see me. When I try the Audio/Video tuning wizard my webcam shows fine???

2.Acer Arcade Deluxe

I tried out the Blu-ray drive when I first tried out the laptop and it worked fine. There was a prompt when the Arcade software was first started to inform me that there was a software update available and that if I didn't update then some Blu-ray discs may not play. I ignored the prompt originaly and as I said Blu-ray dics played fine.

I decided to update the software as was recommended but as soon as it was updated, Blu-rays no longer played, nor did normal DVD's. All I got was a multi-coloured blank screen in Arcade and that was it. The disc didn't even spin up.

I uninstalled Arcade and re-installed the original version and it works again. Anyone else had this problem? Any work around?

3. Built-in speakers


The speakers on this laptop sound amazing especially compared to my old Aspire. However, when watching say, a DVD, then whilst the sound is impressive for laptop speakers, speech sounds very off centre (weighted to the right channel). However, all other background sound etc. is separated normally. I notice that the speakers are set a little to the right - could this be the reason?

4. CineDash Media Console

I'm finding the responsiveness of the touch panel hit and miss. Is this the same for everyone else? EG. adjusting the volume - I slide my finger up the curve to turn up the volume and sometimes it works fine and others I have to do it a few times before it responds. Some for the other buttons, like 'ENTER' - sometimes a light touch is all that's needed, other times I have to press it hard.


Other stuff

Is there any way to fine tune the sound? All I can find is the 'Acer E-Audio MAnagement' but that's all. I read in the manual that thislaptop is compatible with 'Dolby Headphone' for example. How do I select that feature? Is there some seperate Dolby software?

If anyone has any help or advice regarding these issues that would be great. If you have any of the same issues I'd like to know as at least I know it's not just me.

Thanks very much for any help in advance, it's appreciated!

 

Hey BritishBeef, welcome to the few - the proud - the 6920G Owners!

1. Never had any problems with it - surprisingly, it's been working even without the Acer driver (did a clean install of Vista Ultimate).
2. I've heard that the latest update of AAD broke Blu-ray playback - I'm on version 2.0.5323 myself.
3. It could have something to do with it, although I turned on the Dolby Sound Space Expander setting which really helped center the sound.
4. That's what you get with relatively-new technology like the CineDash.
5. The Dolby Headphone setting becomes available when you plug in headphones, and right-click the Volume icon. Click Playback Devices, then highlight Speakers and click the Properties button. The Dolby Headphone setting will be on the Dolby tab - you can also change the setting for Natural Bass Boost there too. When you don't have headphones plugged in, the Sound Space Expander setting is shown in the same window, instead of Dolby Headphone.

 

Thanks very much for the reply TehSuigi.
There doesn't see to be much info on the web about the 6920G so it does seem like there are only a few of us!

I got the webcam working with Messenger by installing the latest driver from the Acer website.

I have had a reply back from Acer regarding Arcade update disabling Blu-ray playback and they just suggested sing the recovery console to reinstall everything. It's obvious that won't work and they must have had a lot of people contact them about this yet they still have the update on the website?

I have realised that the left speaker is actually almost in the middle of the laptop which seems a really bizzare design choice. No wonder the sound is coming from the right hand side!

Thanks for the info re. Dolby settings. Why don't they put these things in the manual?!

I am starting to really like the laptop now and am glad I bought it. Just hope it lasts!

 

Well, we do have a 6920 Owner's Lounge with over 600 posts in it. If you've got any future concerns, don't hesitate to bump that thing up to get other 6920 users' opinions.

Good to hear you got the webcam fix'd.

As for Arcade Deluxe, I'm surprised they told you to use the recovery console. Wiping out everything you've done on the C: drive (D: is untouched) is overkill!
I would personally do the following:
1. Create a system restore point.
2. Uninstall Acer Arcade Deluxe.
3. Visit over here and get the most recent full installation package.
4. Install, and test Blu-ray playback.
5. Create another System Restore point.
6. Download the latest update package from the same site.
7. Install, and test Blu-ray playback.
If 4 or 7 don't work, use System Restore to get back to a better spot, then try again with a different update/installation.

Hey, I'm not one to criticize Acer's designers. This is one awesome lappy.

They don't? Huh. Well then, aren't you glad you visted NBR!

It's lasted me just fine - 1 year and counting, including CPU and RAM upgrades.