hackertube.io

Weird webcam mod that enables eye-contact conversation

DIY Perks · tutorial · Watch on YouTube

3D printing, CNC & maker projectsConsumer devices & gadgets

What it is

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.

Why Hacker News recommends it

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

  • 5 people recommended it
  • 3 different months
  • 0 strong recommendations
  • first 2020, last 2026

What HN commenters said

  1. “I particularly liked the one using a two-way plastic mirror and webcam”

    Two-way mirror webcam mod for eye contact in video calls

    ccurrens, 2020-06 · Recommendation · in “DIY True 4K Projector”

  2. “it's a really interesting DIY solution to ensuring eye contact when video conferencing.”

    DIY solution for eye contact in video conferencing

    enobrev, 2020-06 · Recommendation · in “Video chats short-circuit a brain function essential for trust?”

  3. “use some cardboard a two way mirror and an external webcam to make a box you place over your laptop”

    Cardboard box with two-way mirror lines camera up with your eyes

    michaelbuckbee, 2020-06 · Recommendation · in “Video chats short-circuit a brain function essential for trust?”

  4. “The 'DIY Perks' channel on YouTube has a nice solution to maintain eye contact”

    Two-way mirror lets you see the screen and camera together

    rahimnathwani, 2021-01 · Recommendation · in “Cheap and simple way to mount a smartphone directly above a laptop display”

  5. “This video shows a project to create a one-way mirror that allows a person to view their monitor while 'looking at' the camera.”

    Mirror project letting you look at the monitor while facing the camera

    itronitron, 2021-08 · Recommendation · in “The Fatiguing Effects of Camera Use in Virtual Meetings [pdf]”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: webcam, two-way mirror, teleprompter, video calls, diy

Also recommended by the same people