Configuring your webcam for barcode scanning

The webcam barcode scanner is a new feature in MediaMan 2.0. It dramatically save your time on batch item importing using the media item wizard. However, you'll have to configure your webcam first before using this feature.

First, barcode scanning requires a relatively clear output image from your webcam. Therefore, you'll need a mid-class or better webcam. An example in this class is Logitech® Quickcam Pro 4000. Some of the following configuration guide is based on the software and the hardware of this webcam model.



The only setting you want to touch here is the "Low Light Filter". Typical webcams use software based contrast adjustment to enhance the images produced in the night. However, it'll slow down your computer. You'll probably find your webcam works a lot faster in messenger program with this option turned off. And therefore, to get a reasonable performance during barcode scanning. It's recommended that you turn "Low Light Filter" feature (or similar ones) off.

You'll also need to adjust the focus of your webcam to use the barcode scanner. You may skip this step if you own an auto-focus webcam. Usually, the focus of the webcam is configured at the distance of 3 feet (or 1 meter), so that it'll be focused on your face when you are having a video chat. But barcode scanning requires a closer distance. You'll need to put the barcode part of the product within 3 inches (7 centimeters) in front of the webcam. To adjust the focus, you'll be using the focus ring.


The focus ring is typically a rubber ring in the front of the lens of your webcam. You'll need to rotate it counter-clockwise to adjust the focus to a closer distance. It don't have to be exactly 3 inches, just keep rotating until you see a blurry image of yourself.



Now, you can try putting the barcode part of some products of your choice in front of the webcam to see if it's working. Try holding them for one or two seconds until MediaMan beeps and copy the scanned barcode to the edit box.