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View Full Version : Logitech And Skype Team Up On TV Cam

Brad Wasson
08-07-2012, 06:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://gizmodo.com/5931526/this-200-camera-turns-your-tv-into-a-skype-center' target='_blank'>http://gizmodo.com/5931526/this-200...-a-skype-center</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The TV Cam HD is compatible with any HDMI-equipped TV, and can use either Wi-Fi or ethernet to hook up to the internet. The device is pre-loaded with Skype-running on what we're not quite sure-so you can just use it to log in to your existing account and make video calls, or proper phone calls using credit."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/wpt/auto/1344362129.usr110171.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>If you've ever wanted to use your TV as a Skype-compatible device then this product may interest you. You'll need an HDMI-equipped TV to connect this device to, but as long as you have a Wi-Fi or ethernet&nbsp; connection to your TV you will be all set. Simply log in to your existing account and make video calls, or proper phone calls using credit. If you get a call while your TV is off it will still ring, alerting you that someone wants to Skype. Some expect that this sort of capability will be built into future TVs, but if you just bought a new one and plan to keep it for years to come, this option may be very attractive.</p>
Michael Knutson
08-11-2012, 06:14 PM
Is the time really right yet for this technology? We're getting closer! Think about Cisco's Telepresence offering that was made available for the home, but at a ridiculous cost per device, and it only worked with other Cisco devices. It also had bandwidth requirements beyond that available to the "average" consumer.

This, on the other hand, is reasonably affordable, can integrate with computers and mobile devices, but still has some bandwidth requirements, although minimal-to-moderate. If I don't have the bandwidth, do I really want to fuzzy, pixelated picture with lousy sound on my 52-inch TV?

I can see my wife's dad getting one of these, at almost 91, he just will not use a computer, although we've set one up with Skype where all he has to do is click. Too much work. If the UI (or rather, operation) is simple enough, this would be great.