Panasonic Blu Ray Player & Freetalk Conference webcam

[Panasonicwoes]

I would first make sure that you are not logged into your Skype account on any other platform (PC, mobile phone, etc.). Once you confirm that you are not logged onto your Skype account anywhere else then try again. If you still are unable to see video I would recommend returning the blu ray and camera. Tech support for Panasonic and ebuynow do not have a solution for this issue as I have worked with both at exhausting lenght for this same issue (with Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player). I have since returned the Panasonic and purchased the Sony Blu Ray and Sony webcam and both worked on the first try.

[ffkight1]

Ok folks...here is the facts about the Freetalk talk-7181 camera and Pansonic's DMP-BDT210 blu ray player. During the first firmware installs when the blu ray player first came out...the freetalk camera worked.  Now, with a few new upgrades with the blu ray players firmware renders this camera null and void, meaning it WILL not work with the blu ray player at all (according to tech sources I have contacted in China from Freetalk).  Freetalk now offers a new camera (identical to talk-7181) with a part number talk-7182 that they claim will work with the blu ray player.  Freetalk updated their diode simulator to process the images needed to work with the player. 

Here is the problem.  You will not get an honest answer from Panasonic or Freetalk regarding the incompatibility of the talk-7181.  Panasonic will not admit the problem and Freetalk (being from China) just states they never "considered the talk-7181 to be compatible", and this is why they offer the new, but similar camera to be compatible. YOU WILL NEVER GET AN ANSWER FROM FREETALK REGARDING THE ISSUE. 

Here is my background.  I am presently married to (>>>>>>) of the manufacturer of that particular camera in China. I am a computer guru (scientifically inclined)  and have extensive background in these issues which are quite simple. 

Now, for recourse, you should continue to contact Panasonic...not Freetalk because it is the responsibility of Panasonic to provide the support of peripherals, espicially when they specify a part number from another manufacturer (i.e. Freetalk talk-7181).  Problem is, even when they escalate the problem, you will not receive a phone call from Panasonic (experience).

If you try to buy the Freetalk talk-7182 from skype or freetalk, they will just send you the old talk-7181 (from experience). So just wait or count on never being able to connect to skype with video through the blu ray  player (due to corporate black holes).

[panda317]

ok, well this really sucks...

i bought the panasonic bluray player because it has checkerboard output, which I need for my tv.

I also bought the player because it advertised Skype calling.

I bought the camera because it was the one recommended by panasonic and because the panasonic camera is no longer available.

i called panasonic and they referred me to freetalk. freetalk has responded withg a canned "If you are still having issues please contact us again, however either way we would really appreciate if you could tell us that it is functioning for you now."

I'm calling panasonic back and if they won't fix it the whole mess is going back to the stores.

[panda317]

This is ebuynow's full response;

Thank you for contacting eBuyNow Support!

Before following the steps below to properly set up your Panasonic Blu-ray player with the FREETALK® Conference HD Camera for Skype Video calls, please do a quick test of the camera by plugging it into your PC to confirm that the audio and video are properly working. If it does, then please follow the steps below.

Connect the Blu-ray player to your TV by following the instructions in your Owner’s Manual. Connect the Freetalk Camera to the USB port (labeled ‘Communication Camera’) on the "back panel" of the Blu-ray player.

An Internet connection is required for Skype video calls and to download the latest Firmware that must be on the Blu-ray player.

Firmware updates:

Blu-ray Disc technology continues to add new features. As technology evolves, firmware updates may be required to support the latest features. It is very important to install the latest updates to maintain the proper operation of your Panasonic Blu-ray player.

Your Blu-ray player has the ability to connect to the Internet (see Owner’s Manual for process), “Connect the unit to the Internet”. The unit should be set to automatically check for the latest firmware version. To check and change firmware update settings - on Remote press ‘Home’ button then > ‘Setup’ > ‘Player Settings’ > Others. The firmware version can be checked in ‘System Information’ and press ‘Firmware Update’ to manually ‘Update Now’ and change the ‘Automatic Update Check’ settings.

When connected to the Internet, pressing the Skype button on the Panasonic Blu-ray player remote will prompt the firmware update. Be patient as the amount of time the update process take depends on the connection speed. Do not turn off or unplug the unit during the update process.

It is "strongly" recommended that a new Skype account be created for use with the TV/camera set up. For ease of input, we recommend using a computer to create your new Skype account and invite the Friends, Family and contacts you would like to have video calls with using your new Panasonic Blu-ray player and FREETALK® Conference HD Camera.

Note: The Green Power light on the left hand side of the lens will be lit only when the camera is in use and can be seen from a horizontal angle and up close to the camera. The light may not be seen when viewing it from certain angles.

If you are still having issues please contact us again, however either way we would really appreciate if you could tell us that it is functioning for you now.

Kind regards,

Audrey eBuyNow Support 329

[nuestrosol]

Have the same problem with my Panasonic TTY C10W webcam.  I have an oldish Panasonic TV TH-50PPX50U (720, not 1080), but the claim is that the Blue Ray 3D  player coverts any HDTV into a Skype capable TV.   Webcam indicator goes on, mic works fine, but no video. Even get a warning message if I disconnect the camera!  I thought with a Panasonic TV, Panasonic Blue Ray player and Panasonic webcam I would be in good shape, but apparently not.

Any suggestions anybody?

[mopwr]

I ended up getting an RMA from eBuyNow tech support and bought a telyHD instead. It works MUCH better.

[fvcdc]

Hi,

We ordered the Skype combo and have the same problem listed here.

I was just informed by ebuynow that the camera needs a firmware update to work with the BD player and it should be ready in about a week. Just FYI.

[pcawareus]

Same issue! Anyone had success with the 7182 model?

[eBuyNow_PRO]

Hi Everyone,

eBuyNow would like to thank everyone for their posts and for being so patient while working hard to find a solution for the compatability issue some people were experiencing with their FREETALK Conference HD camera working with their Panasonic Blu-ray player or Panasonic TV.  The firmware version of some cameras was the reason for the issue.  Please follow the simple steps below to update the firmware version to 2703.

Step 1
Use a Windows XP or Windows 7 PC.
Go into link: http://freetalk.ebuynow.com/us/ebuynow/web-cameras/tv-webcams/freetalk-conference-hd-camera-for-panasonic-tvs.html

Step 2
Scroll down to about half the page and click on the tab “Downloads”.

Step 3
Click on "Update your firmware"

Step 4
Save the Binary File onto your desktop

Step 5
Plug the Camera into the Windows PC’s using any available USB port

Step 6
Click to open the Binary File you had saved
A pop-up/ dialog box will open on your screen “Freetalk Conference Firmware Update” – ensure that your pop-up blocker is off

Step 7
Click “Update Firmware” button
(When the Firmware update is successful, the text “Reload Complete” will appear in the white box at the bottom of the dialog box. The firmware update process is now complete)

Step 8
Unplug the camera from the Windows PC

You may now follow the steps of connecting the camera to your Panasonic TV or Panasonic Blu-ray player and enjoy Skype video calls from your TV!

Best regards,

eBuyNow Support Pro

[panda317]

i sent mine back for credit

support = too little, too late