How do I use my Sony Handycam HDR cx405 as a webcam?

Configure the network settings on this product and register the video sharing site account and SNS settings using the dedicated application “ PlayMemories Home” installed on your computer, in advance.

You can download “PlayMemories Home” from the following support site.

www.sony.net/pm/

Network settings on the computer

Check the following settings before connecting this product to your computer.

• Select
  
  - [Setup] - [
  
  Connection] - [USB Connect Setting], and [Mass Storage] is selected.
• Select
  
  - [Setup] - [
  
  Connection] - [USB LUN Setting] and confirm that [Multi] is selected.

You can set the following with the live streaming settings of "PlayMemories Home."

Select "PlayMemories Home" - [Tools] - [Network Settings Tool].

For details, see http://www.sony.net/guide/nst/.

• Streaming settings: You can set the streaming method and information of videos.
  • Streaming site, channel, image quality, and saving settings of the streaming site
  • Title and description of streaming video
• SNS settings: By configuring this setting, you can post a comment through social networking services when starting streaming video.
  • Connection settings for Twitter or Facebook
  • Comments you post

Live streaming settings of this product

Connect this product to the access point. For details, see “Access point settings” or “WPS Push”.

2014 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, Exmor R, BIONZ and the Sony logo are marks of Sony Corporation. All other marks are marks of their respective owners. Features and specifications subject to change without notice.

On-board and basic webcams may be easy to use, but they don't always give the clearest picture. Using your Sony Handycam as a webcam could give you a sharper image and could be a good substitute if your standard webcam fails. You'll need a Handycam with a USB port to stream images as a webcam, because the device uses a standard USB connection to stream images over the Internet. Some older Handycam models, however, may not support USB connection and those models cannot be used in this capacity.

1. 1.

   Insert the CD-ROM that came with your camera into your computer. Choose the option for installing the "USB Streaming driver." Follow the steps as prompted by the installation manager. Restart your computer when installation completes.

2. 2.

   Plug the smaller end of the USB cable that came with your Handycam into the USB streaming port on your Handycam. Connect the larger USB cable end to the USB port on your computer.

3. 3.

   Hook your Handycam up to a power supply using the power cord. The Handycam won't work as a webcam when running low on battery power. Turn the Handycam on.

4. 4.

   Press the menu button on your Handycam. Search for the "USB Streaming" option and select "On."

5. 5.

   Run your web chat program or other webcam software as needed. Your computer should automatically use the Handycam as the main webcam.

   IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

   Certain camcorders will support webcam operation (live streaming) through the HDMI port. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

   Note: For select cameras, the USB streaming feature is available and offers enhanced live-stream video and audio capabilities. Check your operation manuals to verify compatibility. If USB streaming is not available on your camera, consider using the USB port with Imaging Edge Webcam software or an HDMI connection.

   The following example shows how to connect a camera equipped with an HDMI port to a computer for use as a webcam.

   Before you start

   Items needed to setup live streaming:

   • A camcorder that has an Auto Shut Off (A.Shut Off) Power Save option in the menu and an HDMI output port. Check your camcorder's help guide to see if your camcorder has them.
     • Set the Auto Shut Off feature to either Off or Never to prevent it from automatically turning off while live streaming
     • If your camcorder does not have this option, then it may not function for live streaming as the unit may automatically shut down after a short period of time
   • HDMI to USB video capture device (third-party product required)
   • HDMI cable. The camcorder model and your video capture device will determine the type of HDMI cable needed for connectivity
   • USB cable
   • A computer with streaming software installed

   Notes:

   • Sony does make some video capture devices and software
   • Make sure that you have an HDMI to USB video capture device and not a USB to HDMI adapter (for an external monitor)

   Steps to setup live streaming

   1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the camcorder HDMI Out port and the other end of the cable to the video capture device HDMI In port.
   2. Connect the video capture device to the computer using the USB cable.
   3. If the video capture device has a POWER switch, move it to the CAMERA position.
   4. Open the video/audio settings of the capture/streaming software on your computer.
   5. The software should recognize the video capture device and your camcorder as a webcam.
   6. You should then see the live stream from the camcorder on your computer display.

   Notes:

   • If you use an external microphone, be sure to select the proper device in the audio settings of your computer.
   • If the camcorder menu appears on the screen, then turn off the display: Navigate to HDMI Settings → HDMI Info. Display → Off.

   Related Articles

   • How to use a Sony camcorder as a Web cam with a composite video or S-video connection.

   • What types of HDMI ports are used on Sony products?

   • A block-like noise can be seen or the video cannot be played back smoothly when streaming live on Ustream.

   • How to import videos from a camcorder using a recorder

   • What is USB Streaming?

   • <g id="Master"stroke="none"stroke-width="1"fill="none"fill-rule="evenodd"><g id="Brasil_BigMenu"transform="translate(-15.000000, -1004.000000)"><g id="Banners_A"transform="translate(0.000000, 714.000000)"><g id="Register-your-product-Copy"transform="translate(13.778055, 290.000000)"><g id="footer_community"transform="translate(0.221945, 0.000000)"><g id="Group-2"transform="translate(1.000000, 0.000000)"><rect id="Rectangle-Copy"fill="#2D75C7"x="0"y="0"width="60"height="60"rx="8"></rect></g></g></g></g></g></g>

     Support Community

     A place where you can find solutions and ask questions

   • Warranty Information

     For information on Sony warranties

   • Contact support

     Contact our Support team

   • Support by Sony (Mobile App)

     Never miss an update again! Find information and receive instant notifications about your product. Currently available only for selected countries.

     How do I use my Sony Handycam as a webcam?

     Connect the supplied USB cable to the camcorder and computer. Turn on the camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position. In the camcorder menu, set the USB STREAMING option to ON. On the computer, start the webcam software.

     How do I use my Sony Handycam as a webcam with HDMI?

     Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the camcorder HDMI output and the other end of the cable to the HDMI input of the video capture device. Connect the video capture device to the computer using the USB cable. Turn on the camcorder by moving the POWER switch to the CAMERA position.

     Does Sony HDR CX405 have clean HDMI output?

     The Sony HDR-CX405 does not support clean HDMI output. When camera is connected to an external monitor via HDMI cable, you will get an icons such as "REC" and the volume level.