Weird webcam mod that enables eye-contact conversation

DIY Perks · 1.6M views · 2020-05-27 · 13:28

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Overview

DIY Perks builds a webcam mod using a two-way mirror in a box so the camera sits behind the screen image. This allows real eye contact on video calls.

On Hacker News

Whenever eye contact in video calls comes up, commenters point to this as the cheap homemade teleprompter-style solution.

Recommended by 5 HN people across 3 months · HN mentions 2020–2026

Topics

3D printing, CNC & maker projects Consumer devices & gadgets

What people said

itronitron · 2021-08 · Recommendation
This video shows a project to create a one-way mirror that allows a person to view their monitor while 'looking at' the camera. [VIDEO] If I was planning to do any interviews I would definitely build and use this. It also makes me wonder, when people are staring into the camera if they are looking at a photo instead of the camera lens.
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rahimnathwani · 2021-01 · Recommendation
The 'DIY Perks' channel on YouTube has a nice solution to maintain eye contact: [VIDEO] You can't mount a webcam in the middle of your laptop display, as even a small camera and thin cable would get in the way of looking at the screen. But using a two-way mirror, you can be looking at both the screen and the webcam at the same time, without the webcam being visible to you.
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ccurrens · 2020-06 · Recommendation
I agree! I particularly liked the one using a two-way plastic mirror and webcam, so that you can maintain eye contact when you're video calling someone. Similar principal to a teleprompter. [VIDEO]
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Sources

Video by DIY Perks, played through YouTube.

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