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Gadgets Microsoft to Release HD Web Cams
Tuan Nguyen (Blog) - May 13, 2006 4:02 PM

15 comment(s) - last by themelon.. on May 14 at 10:52 PM

$99 for 1.3 megapixel video recording webcam that can do 5 megapixel stills

Microsoft is getting ready to enter the webcam fray by releasing two new webcams that will bring high-definition imaging to the masses. The new webcams will be affordable but still offer very competitive features to the likes of such companies as Logitech. While no official information is available yet on Microsoft's website, some online retailers are already beginning to release information.

Slated for release soon are two Windows Live LifeCam webcams, the VX-3000 and the VX-6000. Both are HD ready but only the VX-6000 will have true HD video recording capabilities. Some quick specifications for the VX-3000 include:

640x480 resolution video
Windows Live Messenger integration
HD Stills: 1.3 megapixels
On the fly video effects
Pan/Zoom/Tilt capabilities
Automatic face tracking
Built-in microphone

Microsoft's VX-6000 will have all the above features except that for video, it will be able to capture at 1.3 megapixels at 30 frames per second and 5.0 megapixels for still images. The webcams will be sold for $49 and $99 respectively, which puts them at a very competitive advantage compared to other existing webcams.

The cameras are reported to also include a "calling" feature. The feature will be integrated with Windows Live Messenger and supposedly will allow a user to make VOIP calls effortlessly.

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HD? Rofl.

By xdrol on 5/14/2006 7:09:03 AM , Rating: 1

640x480 is anything but HD. 1920x1080p, that is.

And who cares about 5MP stills? I bet it does not have the optics like a normal digital camera.

RE: HD? Rofl.

By Octoparrot on 5/14/2006 11:00:53 AM , Rating: 3

Concur completely! Since when has "HD stills" been considered a useful description for anyone? HD refers to video. 640x480 video is VGA resolution, better than NTSC, yes, but not HD. (They could call it "EDTV" since it does have 480 progressive scanlines I suppose.)

Also concur on the optics. Many cameras are sold with sensors and optics that cannot resolve the stated resolution. I can put lousy optics on a 7 MP sensor and you'll get a point of light smeared across 25 adjacent pixels--does that have 7 MP effective resolution then?

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RE: HD? Rofl.

By themelon on 5/14/2006 10:52:42 PM , Rating: 3

Did you guys read the whole thing? There are two models, the $99 will do 1.3M Pixel video, or about 1280x1024, and 5MP stills.

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hmmm...

By JASANITY on 5/13/2006 5:06:30 PM , Rating: 2

I'm not sure this is a good idea, considering what people post on the internet these days... or maybe that is what you all look forward to. =P Also, what about bandwidth limitations? Right now my 6mbps connection can barely stream gamespot and cnet videos.

RE: hmmm...

By slyczar on 5/13/2006 6:26:25 PM , Rating: 2

You better have a chat with your ISP if you can't stream those sites' videos...I've got a 5mbit line and they play effortlessly...

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RE: hmmm...

By Soviet Robot on 5/13/2006 11:43:35 PM , Rating: 2

That's not because your line sucks, it's because CNET/GS sucks and their tech department is really a room full of monkeys.

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Bandwidth?

By Hypernova on 5/13/2006 6:05:09 PM , Rating: 2

How many people have the multy megabit upload bandwidth need to transmit the kind of video. Most ISP's porvide 512 UL and below.

Slid shows in HD are still slid shows.

RE: Bandwidth?

By theprodigalrebel on 5/14/2006 6:51:22 AM , Rating: 2

well, as long as it costs as much as the other hi-end webcams on the market, i guess there's no complaining. the logitech orbit costs more than $99.

if it can display quality video at 1280x960, its a given that the 640x480 video should be something great to look at. Also might prove handy to record cheesy clips of yourself at the desktop that you can post to your (ahem...er...) myspace profile....

Pretty soon you will need a $2000 pc to view a myspace profile and not crash your browser.

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