This article explains the webcam compatibility specifications for Yahoo! Messenger.

Your webcam needs to support the following specifications to work with Yahoo! Messenger:

• One of these image sizes:
  1. Small image size: 160 x 120
  2. Large image size: 320 x 240
• RGB, I420, or IYUV formats. (Each is fine; we recommend RGB 24.)
• Microsoft DirectX version 9.0

Note: To find out how to access your webcam image size information, go to How do I access my webcam/broadcast stats?

To determine what version of Direct X you have:

1. Click the Start menu at the bottom left of your screen, then click Run.
2. In the open box type:
   dxdiag
3. Click OK. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool window opens.
4. Click the System tab.
5. At the bottom of the System Information section, verify that your version of Direct X is 9.0, or newer.
6. After you have verified your version of Direct X, you can exit the DirectX Diagnostic Tool window.
   • If your version of DirectX is 9.0 or newer:
     • Click Exit.
   • If your version of DirectX is older than 9.0 (any lower number):
     1. Click Exit.
     2. Download and install the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft site.

Attention Logitech webcam users: Logitech webcam drivers may cause the following problems:

• Windows freezes when accessing the webcam.
• A black screen appears when using the webcam in Messenger.
• A Webcam not found error message appears.
• After 3 seconds, the sound drops out of calls made via Yahoo! Messenger.

You may benefit from upgrading your webcam software driver, please go to the Logitech download page for an update.

Attention other webcam users: Most webcam manufacturers maintain the latest webcam software drivers on the download or support areas of their website. See their site to download the latest webcam software drivers.