Amazon.com Product Description

The Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks is a compact and portable USB camera designed specifically for laptop PC users. Add video to instant messenger services such as Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger. Capture still photos and videos instantly. Conduct video conferences from anywhere using Microsoft NetMeeting. The USB connection allows for easy setup and the included software makes the camera easy to use while away from home.

Video resolution and size can be adjusted up to 640 x 480 pixels (software-interpolated). Still image format is JPEG and video data format is AVI. Video frame rates go up to 30 frames per second; the lens has a fixed focus. You will need to purchase a microphone separately to talk over the Internet.

The Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks is compatible with computers that run Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP and have a USB input. The Webcam comes with a two-year limited hardware warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 640 x 480 video resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes a full suite of camera utility software
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP

Reviews (9)

Excellent value for the price
My unit has been great for what I use it for; online chatting (does not have mic) A great gift for parents to give to kids to stay in touch while away at college. Sure there are better units out there; but for the price and features you can't go wrong.
The Logitech QuickCam For Notebooks is a compact portable USB camera designed specifically for notebook PC users.Add video to instant Messenger Services such as Yahoo & MSN Messenger and AOL (AIM).Capture still photos and videos instantly. Conduct video conferences from anywhere using Microsoft NetMeeting.The USB connection allows for easy plug and play set up.Comes with camers and softwear

Features
* Attach the camera to your notebook using integrated mount that
as a lens cap.
* Rotate camera 360 degrees for better angles
* Get started quickly with the simple softwear and plug-and-play
USB connector.
* Broadcast live video over the web or instant messenger programs
* Take up to 640x480 pixels, softwear interpolated
* Capture video up to 30 frames per second.

Systems Requirements

* Pentium II 400, Celeron, AMD Anthlon (which I have)processor
Higher.
* Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, ME (I use) or XP
* CD-ROM drive
* Available USB port

I use the following criteria in my ratings

1. Quality of product
2. Ease of use
3. Features
4. Value for money spent

Good product
First of all, this is my first Webcam, but so far it's better than I expected. Yes, the quality isn't great like that of a digital camera, but it's more than fine for video conferences. You just need to adjust the image a little so the colors look better.
I'm a student in high school, and have friends and family in different countries, and this webcam works great for me! So no complaints here.

Great Company [bad]Product
Camera does not focus at closer distances.Picture is of low quality and color is terrible.Looks like something cooked up in lab and not ready for production.Their QuickCam 4000 is superb, though more expensive, it is fantastic and worth every penney. This camera, must use some old technology, though I don't know anything about it to have such lousy results.Either buy the QuickCam 4000 or keep your money in your pocket.Also, found that the lense rotates for some reason.Just weird thing.

Loved the design. Only if they used abetter imaging chip.
I bought this camera to use on a Thinkpad. I have always been fascinated with the design since the original came out on the iREZ Critter cameras made for Macintosh laptops a few years ago. Those cameras died because of very poor image quality. After using this camera, I wonder if Logitech just acquired the origianl iREZ and did nothing to improve it. Shame on them for putting out such a camera with such low image quality, especially at the price.

Likes:
I loved the stylish design, but I'm also aware that this is completely subjective. The leg clips on the laptop or flat panel displays nicely. Though it is not as steady as some clamp-based notebook camera mounts, it is more compact and "integrated" as it can be turned over as a lens cover. The camera responds quickly to light changes to adjust exposure settings. It also has decent contrast handling (in spite of the poor images) and high shutter speed. It is very small and light, with a short USB cord true to its purpose as a notebook camera. Very decent construction quality, though the joint where the leg connects to the camera may be a weak link for a travel camera subjective to frequent handling or abuse.

Dislikes:
Very poor image quality. It is comparable to the worst of the logitech line, or the Quickcam Express (which uses very dated technology), despite its 640x480 rating. The image is full of noise produced with high gain, yet more significantly, the resolving power of the imager or the lens is abysmal (yes I adjusted the focus ad nauseam). The color is also terrible, with very poor saturation and hue no matter how I adjusted it. The image in short, is grainy, pixelated, blurry and with a grey-ish hue on everything. Even a cheaper Xirlink camera I tried did much better than this.

Conclusion:
Logitech tend to use "gain" function rather than prolonging the shutter speed for low light situations. This contributes to the noise of the images througout its camera line. The reason Logitech do this, I suspect, is so that the camera can "freeze frame" the moving subjects nicely even when under low light situations. The higher end Quickcam Pro 4000 has an adjustment for both gain and shutter, and this theory proved its own validity. Such control is not available for this travel camera, however, and grainy image is the norm. This factor was casted aside, since with better software controls the noise may be reduced and not be a "fault" of the camera's hardware itself. However, the image resolution as well as the color is quite terrible, even with all the controls played, looking more like a cheap 320x240 camera. These faults can be primarily attribued to an inferior CCD. Despite the favorable review on CNET among other sources, it is easily out-performed by a cheaper Xirlink made IBM Net Camera we also tried for comparison due to its comparable size and notebook clamping capability. The difference in image was phenomenal, so much that it truly put the little cute spider camera to shame. I sincerely do not want to reject the camera, but for this kind of price and image quality, even its innovatively designed and high quality plastic body cannot save it for becoming a very poor value indeed.

Just what I expected
This camera works just great for me.I use it daily for web conference with my work team (I'm constantly on the road).

The plastic base is a great design that lets it sit easily on a desktop, hang on the top of a laptop screen, and fold over the lens to protect it while traveling with my notebook.

The image quality is pretty standard for a logitech camera.This is not photo quality, but works well for video conferencing. ... Read more

Product Description

Micro Innovations IC100C Webcam - USBTrue Color PC / Internet Camera Send Snapshots and Video Mail USB Connectivity Custom Color Faceplates Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theMicro Innovation IC100C - MICRO WEBCAM PC CAMERA WHITE W/ CUSTOM FACEPLATES USB 352X288 and all other Micro Innovation Digital Cameras ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, and Me
• 640 x 480 video resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes SoftPresto! VideoWorks, Mr. Photo, Image Folio, and Ulead Photo Explorer software

Reviews (14)

Buy something else.XP problems.
This thing is a huge pain in the (...) to set up for XP.The drivers available online don't contain all the necessary files, and I've been trying for about an hour just to get XP to see that I have a camera connected.In this day and age, no hardware should be this difficult to set up, especially on a new computer running the latest OS.Luckily for me I got this camera free after rebate.And I think I overpaid. :S

Good value, decent webcam, can work with Windows XP
Windows XP compatibility issues aside, this is a decent webcam with decent video quality.You can adjust the sharpness by rotating the circular frame around the camera eye, and there are three colored covers that come with the webcam - green, red, and blue.Although this webcam was only designed for compatibility up to Windows 2000, I have gotten the webcam to work on Windows XP just fine with the latest Windows 2000 drivers from www.mic-innovations.com.Occasionally (once every few months), I'll have to reinstall the drivers when Windows XP suddenly recognizes the webcam as "new hardware", but that's not much of a hassle.

DOES NOT WORK FOR WINDOWS XP
This Camera DOES NOT WORK FOR WINDOW'S XP.If anyone knows how to get it to work please add a review.I have tried 3+ hours to get it to work with no luck. Micro Innovations needs to take down the "XP Driver" they claim to work from their website.Don't buy this cam if you have XP!!

with XP
I haven't had any issues with this running on XP.I've had it for a year now and use it once a week to catch up with friends internationally.It's been great for me.It runs off a hub in my setup.

No Buy
I'm having lot of problems with this camera. Picture quality is poor. Software with this camera is not good for XP. There are drivers issues too. ... Read more

Product Description

Micro Innovations TravelCam Plus Digital CameraDual Mode for MobilitySend Snapshots and Video MailUSB Connectivity Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theMicro Innovation IC500DM - MICRO TRAVELCAM PLUS DUAL MODE PC CAMERA W/BUILT IN FLASH and all other Micro Innovation Digital Cameras ... Read more

Features

• 640 x 480 video resolution and 1280 x 960 photo resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes SoftPresto! VideoWorks, Mr. Photo, Image Folio, and Ulead Photo Explorer software
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP

Reviews (4)

Not Much Of A Camera
I got mine in a "it's got to go" sale at a local big name computer/office supply store for about $29. The directions are less-than-stellar; you're going to have to experiment. The photo quality isn't all that bad for a cheapie. Getting an updated driver from the Micro Innovations web site seems to be a chore for many buyers as there are NO drivers available as of the time of this posting. Get something good for your money.

This Camera Sucks
Don't buy this camera.It's truly terrible and the support was non-existent.The manual does not even explain how to turn on the flash, let alone how to trouble shoot any other problems.I spent several HOURS trying to get this to work.Don't even bother.

seems incredibly overpriced for the pixel count
I just bought a kodak 3.2 megapixel camera at walmart for $88.
this is VERY overpriced, It looks like it should cost $25 or less

I'm not satisfy!
With this camera I was able to making high quality pictures only outside. Inside of any house or room pictures are ugly. They are in very bad red-light or orange-red color. I do not use this camera as I expected and I can't return because package was opened. Of course, I opened to see how this camera work. But requirements for returns by mail does not aloud to return this useless camera back to their place :-( ... Read more

Product Description

Micro Innovations TravelCam Magnum Digital CameraUnique DesignBuilt-in FlashUSB Connectivity ... Read more

Features

• 640 x 480 video and photo resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes SoftPresto! VideoWorks, Mr. Photo, Image Folio, and Ulead Photo Explorer software
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP

Product Description

ViaVideo brings conference room quality video communications into your office - in a package only 3 inches wide and designed specifically for personal use. The sophisticated integrated multimedia processor and high quality camera deliver full-screen full-motion, 30fps business-quality video without sapping processing power from your PC. Plus it provides the conference room quality audio you expect, with no add-in boards to install or bulky hardware to place on your desk. Just plug this appliance into the USB port on your PC, load the software and start communicating ViaVideo in minutes! ... Read more

Features

• USB-based integrated camera and multimedia processor with 30 fps video
• Full-motion video, full-duplex audio
• Integrates with group systems
• Easy to install and use; comes with graphical user interface
• Doesn't slow down your PC's processing

Reviews (2)

OVERPRICED - OVERRATED!!
This unit, while fully functional, offers nothing a lower priced unit won't give you.The Intel Pro operates as well at a fraction of the price.any cam nees a good thruput connection on both ends - yours and the person you are talking /videoing with!If you have dsl or cable thats half the battle.Don't get caught up in the glorified "onboard video processor".

An excellent video phone with fab audio and video.
I have tested many of the less expensive PC cameras and this one is absolutely worth the money. I bought this so my wife can talk with her mother, over the internet.We tried other models but the only way we could make the audio work without echoes was to use headphones.My wife's mother would not use it.We have cable modem and my mother-in-law has DSL connection to the internet. The video quality is unsrpassed by all the other models I have tested and the audio is better than a phone call. No echoes, no cut out words or phrases.With my PC speakers it sounds like a high quality speakerphone. This one has an on board processor in the unit that makes the video look great.
The benefit is now we don't pay for long distance calls and they can video as long as they like, as well as see each other.Definately worth the money in my book. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Bring videoconferencing to small rooms with the Polycom ViewStation SPvideoconferencing system. This ViewStation provides full-motion video at 15frames per second and full-duplex digital audio with noise suppression and echocancellation.

This product supports TCP/IP, DNS, WINS, SNMP, DHCP, ARM, WWW, FTP, and telnetprotocols. Other features include a voice-tracking camera and a track-to-presetfunction that automatically focus on the speaker. An embedded Web server handlesdiagnostics and simple software upgrades over the Net. A Web-based presentationsystem makes it easy to share graphics and slides.

The ViewStation SP comeswith a one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Web-based integrated presentation system
• Easy setup with graphical user interface
• High-quality video conferencing at 15 frames per second (fps) for small rooms
• Full-duplex digital audio with echo cancellation
• Voice-tracking camera, track-to-preset function focuses on speaker

Product Description

Known internationally as an innovative market leader in endpoint voice and video communications, customer premise equipment has become a trusted, familiar part of the landscape in virtually every conference room in every company. As an exciting new generation of communication options becomes available, Polycom is at the forefront, putting the power of broadband to work - easily, productively - in corporations, schools, home offices and small businesses everywhere.Polycom's smart broadband appliances make it easy for any business professionals to use voice, video and data together. From DSL Integrated Access Devices (IADS), routers and network management software to multi-purpose video, Web and conference phone equipment and more, Polycom is in the business of turning leading-edge communication technologies into well-designed, useful equipment. ... Read more

Product Description

The Disney Magic Artist Click-N-Go Photo is designed to bring families together through easy-to-use digital camera technology and through the fun interaction of Disney's Magic Artist Deluxe: Photo Edition software. The Disney Magic Artist Click-N-Go Photo offers an exciting industrial design, never before seen in a pc camera. The camera is modeled in the shape of Mickey Mouse riding in a sleek blue convertible car. The base of the camera sits on the user's PC monitor or desktop and serves as the road on which Mickey is driving. The lens cover, intended to protect the camera's imaging system while at play, is actually the grill of the car. In addition, the vehicle's turn signals illuminate when the camera is powered on, making the car more life-like. To top off the design creativity, the car's license plate holder actually contains a USB port that simplifies changing PC peripherals.The magic of the Click-N-Go Photo truly comes to life with Disney's Magic Artist Deluxe: Photo Edition software. This state-of-the-art software technology allows users to drop Disney animated characters onto their own photographs imported from the Click-N-Go Photo camera, creating custom pictures with amazing animations. Parents and children can spend hours together having fun with family pictures, photos from vacations, sporting events or any other images they import into the software. ... Read more

Features

• 640 x 480 video and photo resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes Disney Magic Artist Deluxe Photo Edition software
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP

Reviews (2)

Fantastic
Got this mickey mouse webcam for only several bucks when it came with a $40 rebate several months ago. Very satisfied. Clear, sharp images. A+!

Great webcam!
This is a great webcam. I bought it with Christmas money at Circuit City, and it came with a rebate. I've had it since the day after Christmas - and not only is it cute, but it's got great quality. The internet video "conferencing" is clear - though not perfect, it's about the best you can get for under a hundred - which is still great. Everyone I webcam chat with online commends on how great my cam is, and the still-pictures it takes are surprisingly good. It also takes several seconds of video (which I've mostly used on my sleeping cat), which is nice. It doesn't disattach from the computer, so you're limited to as far as the cord can reach. I have frontal USB ports on my computer, and the cord is long enough that it reaches across a little more than half of my bedroom. I have it on the monitor, and the stand is very cute as well. To adjust it, there's a long slot at the bottom of the cam and a peg on the stand - so you can slide it up and down or back and forth as you please. I've been waiting to get a cam for a long time, as my boyfriend lives long-distance - and I'm totally satisfied with this one. My friends have webcams that were the same price or more, but terribly less quality. Also, it comes with the cutest and most creative photo software I've seen. It's not for serious photo editing, but rather fun editing (you can add animated borders, scenes, characters, etc). My friend and I sat here for hours when I first got it playing with the program. Overall a great cam - I recommend it to anyone who wants one and isn't bothered by Mickey Mouse on their monitor. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

You get what you pay for
I received this camera as a gift and had nothing but trouble from it.It has serious issues within its firmware that overpower any positive vibes from its low price tag.While Xirlink is bad about technical support, they did replace my camera after the LCD screen quit working... even though I got it back two months later.All in all, stay AWAY from this camera and this bogus company at all costs.. you will regret doing business with Xirlink, Inc.

I wouldn't even give it 1 Star, 0 stars would be better said
yeah, I bought this camera thinking that it was great, for the first week that is.The backup battery only works if it has 90% power. If there's less it doesn't work.My camera doesn't read my CF card.Sometimes it does, but when I turn off the camera, it forgets the CF Card was even in there. Also, the internal memory will sometimes say it's full; but when you go to see if there's pics the camera says there's no pics. The camera was a joke from the start.I have wasted money trying to get this thing to work.

stay away
It is a piece of crap. I have not been able to take one photo on it yet. The only thing that has worked on it is the lcd screen. Stay away.

Nice bargain price but, you'll pay for it later...
For starters, Do not buy this or any cheap digital Camera.Spend at least 200 for a good camera. You'll get what you pay for.

Here's the story: I had a friend visit from another country, and I snapped many shots. Not only did the quality stink, but, The battery power drains very quickly(using NIMH batteries, which last longer than alkaline.) The camera functions are so slow, that if you accidently press the wrong sequence of buttons while waiting for camera to load properly, you lose the entire storage of pictures.I was fuming mad to see my storage disappear with the error "No Photos."

Also, the LCD display is so small, it's almost pointless to use.Word to the wise.... If you've already bought this camera, GET A COMPACTFLASH MEMORY MODULE(64mb or higher.) That's going to run you at least 45Bucks (See, price going up already)But, the benefit of an external memory module is that you can take it out and put it into a Digital Memory reader.Remember:Avoid this camera like the plague.Personally, I'm looking at a Sony or a Nikko camera.(With digital video included)

Avoid like the plague!
This is the absolute worst digital camera I've ever encountered!Here's why:

Batteries - requires 4 AA batteries that last about 4 pictures using flash.

Software - absolutely non-adaptable to any software other than those provided in the package.When I plugged the USB cable in, Windows XP didn't even recognize the camera.

TWAIN - the Twain driver is messed up.Half the time the computer can't find the camera even when you use PhotoImpression 3.0 (which came with the package and is an old version).

Please, don't buy this product.Or if you do insist, make sure you have at least a 12-pack of AA batteries.I would rate it a 0, but that's not an option. ... Read more

Features

• 352x288 video resolution; 640 x 480 photo resolution
• Microphone required for sending audio
• USB 1.1 interface
• Includes Ulead Photo Express MCE, PC-CAM Control Center, and Microsoft NetMeeting software
• Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, Me, and XP

Reviews (3)

WE LOVE OURS; HAVE PURCHASED SEVERAL AS GIFTS
I respectfully disagree with the reviewer who gave this product 1 star. I have had mine for several years; been droped a couple of times and it keeps on going. Try doing that with a 2 or 3 megapixel camera. It comes with a lot of softwear, Ulead Photo; Adobe; and it's own PC-CAM CENTER; where you can download your pic's transfere them to an ALBUM create several albums. I use mine to download pic's on items I sell on ebay. The photos are good but not as good as higher priced camera. Other features I that I really like is that it doubles as a webcam which I use to talk to ppl online. Has a delayed shutter, auto/manual flash Hi/low density pic, which sounds like the 1 star reviewer wasn't aware of. Has a 30 second video feature to make a short movie. Another feature is it can take 5 or 6 pic's in rapid sucession; and all this for around 50 bux new!!!

I have bought several as gifts for children of friends and family who are going off to college and for relatives so we can all chat to each other online (does not come with a mic) which is a heck of a lot cheaper than a $60.00 phone bill each month; and everone loves their 350.

I don't understand the other reviewer's complaints, but you don't buy a Subaru (no offence to Subaru owners) and expect a to run or ride or have the amenities of a Lincoln Continental.

I base my ratings on the following

* initial cost
* features
* ease of use
* value for the amount spent
* Quality

This camara sucks.
This camara is a garbage. I bought one and thought it was malfunctioning. I asked for other and found out that that's the way it is. The pictures are very bad, they are useless. Only the web cam works but its resolution is very very bad. I haven't bother to check its video recording capabilities because I suppose it won't be to my expectation. What bothers me the most is that the PC-cam center software that it brings has two sample pictures that have very good resolution. So it swindles to to think that you can take pictures like those using this camara when in fact you can't. I think Creative is taking us as fools including these pictures. I will never buy any product from this company.

Decent entry-level digital camera
This device functions as a digital camera, web cam, and video recorder.

As a digital camera, I'd give it a "C-."Picture quality is only average.You can improve the picture quality somewhat with the included software, or use your own image correcting program.But don't expect professional quality images.There is also no zoom feature.

As a web cam, I'd give it a "B." It works fine on a Windows 98/ME computer, but frequently malfunctions on a XP machine.There is no built-in microphone, so you will need your own to record sound.

As a video recorder, I'd give it an "A-."Video is recorded in the .avi format, which is quite large, with no sound, up to about 35-40 seconds.Video quality is very nice.

In conclusion, this device should work well on a Windows 98/ME computer, but I cannot recommend it for a machine running Windows XP, even though Creative insists it's XP compatible.If you have XP and want a Creative PC-CAM, get a newer model than this one.

April 2004 update: the camera is malfunctioning.The power does not turn off unless I remove the batteries.When the power is running, I cannot take any photos or switch to different camera modes.I replaced the batteries with new ones, but that didn't fix anything.My 90-day warranty expired a long time ago, so now I'm going to get a better, more advanced, XP-compatible, (and of course more expensive) digital camera.And it definitely won't be a Creative digital camera. ... Read more

Product Description

Bigpicture video phone is the #1 selling PCI camera and capture card. This premier videoconferencing package includes a high quality NTSC Color Camera with built-in microphone for "Best of Class" video communication through your PC.You also get a PCI bus video capture card that delivers high performance audio and video quality far above parallel or USB cameras, as well as a full suite of video editing and communications software. ... Read more

Features

• 24 bit, true color images and video capture
• PCI Bus video capture card
• Captures 30 frames per second
• Color video camera with built-in microphone
• Ships with White Pine CUSeeMe and Microsoft NetMeeting software

Reviews (8)

A bad deal with a good product
I'am sorry to said that 3 com drop the ball with a good product.If the company had any brains they would pick up this product and run with it.This camera has the highest quality and frame rate out of all cams out there.The problem is that 3 Com wont support the drivers for XP.So all I can say is that for a big company like 3Com wakeup and smell the coffee or in time you'll be out of business to.

3Com Doesn't Maintain Driver or Application Support
Once again 3Com has demonstrated they are more concerned with wrestling your money away from you than they are with your satisfaction with their product support.I bought 2 of these cameras in 1999 and have been using them to video conference with my kids while I'm away at my remote work location.They work great and the capture cards and software provided allow you to easily capture and edit video from a VCR.But I recently purchased new replacement PC's that run Windows XP and none of the application software or installation drivers will work.Nor is there any assistance for this product available at the 3Com product support web site.I applaud the high quality and service life of the 3com product, but really, what good is it if the drivers and applications aren't going to maintain compatibility with Operating System revisions?For product durability, ease of use, and application software I would rate this product 5 stars, but for customer support, or the total lack of, which has ultimately rendered my purchase unusable, 3com earns a big "Zero."

3Com no longer supports Big Picture
I purchased this cam several years ago and worked wonderfully in Windows 95 and 98.However, Windows 2000 will not recognize the driver.I contacted 3Com and was told that this product has reached the end of its life and they do not support it.If your OS is Windows 2000 (and probably XP too), do not buy this product.It will not work!

win 2000
doesn't support windows 2000 at all. Too bad, it could be a great camera/capture board but 3com refuses to support it.

I absolutely adore this camera
I received this wonderful camera in the mail and set it upwithin the hour. The PCI video card gave me a little bit of trouble but nothing I can't handle. My hat goes off to all the fine technicians in this companywho put together such a fine piece of equipment. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

In this case, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. The Aiptek 2000C Video Phone connects via a standard phone line and allows you to converse with loved ones while actually viewing their smiling faces. Ideal for grandparents, extended families, or the hearing impaired, the 4-inch screen includes zoom, tilt, and pan picture adjustments; you can even disable the video if the ringer catches you in the tub. Images are transmitted with an average speed of 28.8 kpbs, which amounts to a solid 15 frames per second. Included are two jacks that allow you to connect the screen to your television or VCR, and a keypad is built right in. Aiptek provides a one-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with ITU-T H.324, 8x8, and PC camera systems
• Transforms your telephone into a videophone
• Integrated color video camera and TFT color display
• Transmits and receives video at up to 15 frames per second
• Easy setup--no technical or computer skills required

Reviews (3)

Problem solver
I've used this easy to operate videophone (paired with an Aiptek 2000S) with highly satisfactory results in several applications. It allowed an elderly relative to stay in her home after she became forgetful about taking her medication. A slow speed, high quality setting allowed remote verification that she actually was taking her pills. After she moved into a nursing home, I used the system briefly in a business surveillance application. Now it's used by our elderly relative and a favorite niece to keep in touch via long distance. The system delivers surprisingly good image quality, given its POTS modem speed, which averages 28.8kbps (some wonder why it's not faster...33.6kbps is the fastest you can get in a dialup connection without an ISP). The unit's camera works in low light conditions, but in dim light the pictures tend to be noisy and lack color saturation. A little attention to room lighting produces surprisingly good, colorful pictures.Aiptek also includes a "PC" videophone mode, which allows the device to work modem-to-modem with some PC videophones (depends on the PC modem, which can't be a "winmodem", and the PC camera software). The system is indeed easy to operate: we purposely selected the 2000C unit with integrated screen, which requires no adjustment of operating controls at all, for our elderly relative. With new concerns about airline travel, now may be a good time to consider this product.

Great ProductValue
I purchased this product so that distant grandparents in NY can see their new granddaughter. After researching and testing all of the vendors (Starview, Motion Media, Metaeye, Infoview and Aiptek) I purchased this product. It is extremely easy to use and my computer illiterate parents had no trouble getting this hooked up. Here is the scoop on picture quality: All of the competing products are going to display the video at about the same speed. Since a standard telephone line is used for 2-way communication with video, a 33.6Kbps modem is all that is needed. Don't get fooled by the marketing gimmicks of 56K modems since they can only transmit at this speed in one direction and this is too much bandwidth for a standard telephone line. Picture quality of a TV broadcast is around 30 frames per second (fps). All of the products I tested broadcast at 15fps maximum and this quality looks good and is very clear (I was surprised!!). I could easily see my parents and the delay was only very slight. The key with this is, if you use the smallest picture size the video will transfer very fast and you wont notice any delay. I use the middle size and it works fine. Although the screen is 4" in diameter, you really can see a lot. Of all of the products I tried, the AIPTEK was the easiest to use and again picture quality was great for all of these products. Cost for AIPTEK was lower than some of the other units.
Bottom line: This product and concept is amazing and it makes my parents feel so much better when they can see their kids and grandkids 3000miles away on the videophone versus just a phone call. I was a skeptic at first but now I am sold and will be buying more

4'' LCD limitation
Great picture, but rather small LCD of approx 4 inches only. Pretty decent frame rate of 15pfs. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Don't just call your family and friends--see them in full color with the Hyper VideoPhone 2000T, a fully integrated video camera, high-resolution display, and speakerphone all in one.

Setting up the Hyper VideoPhone 2000T was easy. We just plugged in the AC adapter, connected the telephone-line cord, opened the protective camera shutter, and turned the unit on. The unit then activated the camera, displaying our surroundings on the screen. The entire setup process was straightforward, taking only a couple of minutes.

To place a videophone call, just lift the handset, dial the number, and talk normally. If your correspondent has an H.324-compliant videophone, then press # to display the onscreen menus and press 1 to start the video. In our test of the Hyper VideoPhone 2000T, we called a similar Hyper VideoPhone (model 2000C), and the two units connected about 20 seconds later; another 15 seconds was required to establish the video link.

Before transmitting your video image to your recipient, you can preview your image. The small digital camera mounted to the top of the VideoPhone adapts to changing lighting and provides a wide viewing area. Our tests revealed that close-ups remained in focus up to about four inches from the lens. At 12 feet, it became difficult to discern faces. We found that we got the best video image when we were positioned about two to three feet from the camera with a lamp nearby. The four-inch TFT display was bright and sharp when viewed straight on, but the images were grainy and jerky as people moved and contained many compression artifacts.

Through the onscreen menus, you can view your own video, that of your correspondent, or both at the same time. Other settings include auto answer for security applications; automatic monitoring with password protection; adjustable picture quality, size, and frame speed; electronic pan, tilt, and zoom camera controls; and high-resolution snapshot capability. A privacy feature lets you turn off the video camera electronically, or you can slide the shutter switch above the camera to manually close the camera's protective shutter.

Overall, we found the video quality acceptable, considering the relatively slow 33.6 Kbps data rate, and the setup waseasy. The Hyper VideoPhone provides a fun and functional way to keep in touch with your family, friends, or business associates. --Mike Brown

Pros:

• Easy setup
• No additional telephone required
• Good sound quality in the speakerphone

Cons:

• Some video distortion due to compression
• No memory dialing on telephone

Features

• ITU-T H.324, 8x8, and PC camera compatible
• Communicate by voice and color video up to 15 frames per second
• All-in-one telephone, camera, video screen
• Uses standard phone lines
• Easy setup, no technical or computer skills required

Reviews (7)

The Ace Aiptek!
Upon receiving an Aiptek 2000T video phone from my grandmother for her birthday, my mother decided that it was an impossible item to use, but I took it under my wing and rigged it up in my bedroom. It is a source of much enjoyment, even though I only know a couple of people with video phones it is a great experience watching people talk to you! I have to wholly recommend the 2000T video phone to anyone, not just people who want to be at the cutting edge of technology!

Why doesn't everyone have one of these?!?
Wow. I'm a computer geek for a living, and I'm really impressed with this product. I bought two, one for the house and one to use on the road while I'm out travelling for business. The image quality is about the same as any other low-res camera, but what is great is that there is no delay. The audio is right with the video. This is one of the great features of H.324. Compared to NetMeeting or the like, this product is great.

Because of the simplicity of use, this is a great product for your non-technical family. I could never get my family to use NetMeeting because it just wasn't as easy as using the telephone. This product IS a telephone. You dial, talk for a minute, then hit #1 to start the video. About 20 seconds later, you are in a two-way video conference call.

If you've used video conferencing over an ISDN or T1, you may be disappointed in the quality. Otherwise, you'll love how easy it is to use and how reliable the unit is. The only problem I've had is that my two year-old can't hold still. She is SCREAMING at the phone with excitement. It's nice to see the family each night!

I've also bought an Aiptek 2000C unit, which is the same as the 2000T but without the built-in phone. This should make the unit easier to pack in my suitcase. Check these units out. Aiptek has a winner with this product line.

Aiptek 2000T - Outstanding Product Value
I purchased this product so that distant grandparents in NY can see their new granddaughter. After researching and testing all of the vendors (Starview, Motion Media, Metaeye, Infoview and Aiptek) I purchased this product. It is extremely easy to use and my computer illiterate parents had no trouble getting this hooked up. Here is the scoop on picture quality: All of the competing products are going to display the video at about the same speed. Since a standard telephone line is used for 2-way communication with video, a 33.6Kbps modem is all that is needed. Don't get fooled by the marketing gimmicks of 56K modems since they can only transmit at this speed in one direction and this is too much bandwidth for a standard telephone line. Picture quality of a TV broadcast is around 30 frames per second (fps). All of the products I tested broadcast at 15fps maximum and this quality looks good and is very clear (I was surprised!!). I could easily see my parents and the delay was only very slight. The key with this is, if you use the smallest picture size the video will transfer very fast and you wont notice any delay. I use the middle size and it works fine. Although the screen is 4" in diameter, you really can see a lot. Of all of the products I tried, the AIPTEK was the easiest to use and again picture quality was great for all of these products. Cost for AIPTEK was lower than some of the other units.
Bottom line: This product and concept is amazing and it makes my parents feel so much better when they can see their kids and grandkids 3000 miles away on the videophone versus just a phone call. I was a skeptic at first but now I am sold and will be buying more.!!!
PS. After having used this product for several months the item that I did not note was that the AIPTEKs do not have external video jacks which would be used for hooking up external videocameras / vcrs ... I would never use this feature but if you are looking for remote video surveilence this probably is not the best choice. The meta-eye ..., televyou ... and the tele-eye are probably your best choice for this type of operation. I am still amazed that more people have not purchased these products - we are having a lot of fun talking with relatives.

This phone is tops with me!
I was deployed for a year to Bosnia as a civilian contractor and I wanted a way to stay close with my wife and children.I bought two of these phones without knowing how they'd work over the terrible telephone lines in Bosnia.I'm happy to say it was the best thousand bucks I ever spent.It took me a time or two to connect sometimes but once we connected the video and sound quality rocked!The picture was very small (4 inches square), but after being deployed for a year, it was the best 4 inch picture I ever saw!It's a great phone!

Incredible--Perfect for Family and Older users --- Superb
Was skeptical at spending this much on a phone where I was not sure of the quality of the transmission.Other than a poor instruction booklet (basically plug in phone and go) this phone smashed myexpectations.

Called friends all over world, and connection was great.

While computer cams are cheaper, we all know that there is no chance ofhaving our relatives or Parents use them due to complexity.This phoneoffers the perfect solution, just plug it in.

Just ordered several more. ... Read more

Product Description

Aiptek's HyperVPhone 2000M (via monitor) is an attractively designed, streamlined camera unit that transforms your PC monitor into a powerful videophone system. Just connect it to your monitor and touch-tone phone unit. You don't even have to turn on your computer! The HyperVphone is very easy to setup and use. Simply plug in your touch-tone phone into the HyperVPhone, then plug in the HyperVPhone to your computer's monitor, and dial out as if it were a regular telephone! The HyperVPhone 2000M operates on standard phone lines, so your video calls cost the same as a regular phone call! Designed to conform to the H.324 international standard for videophone communications, the HyperVPhone 2000M via monitor lets you communicate with anyone using an H.324-compliant videophone, regardless of brand. ... Read more

Features

• Privacy mode suppresses outgoing video
• Face-to-face communication with family, friends, and associates across the globe
• Works over standard phone lines
• Works with standard computer monitor, no additional hardware required
• Also works as a surveillance camera or baby monitor

Reviews (2)

Great Videophone product
I have had agreat time with this videophone and friends across the US and in Japan.The picture quality is pretty good and I have had no problems with setting this up or getting it to connect.The other review slams this product pretty good and I do not understnad why.Videophones CAN NOT have a 56K modem because the H.324 standard calls for 36K only.56 K modems transmit in one direction only at a time therefore it is far to much bandwidth for a standard telephone line and you would only be able to communicate in one direction which does not make sense.This product works well and there is no delay with the audio and only a slight delay with the video (this is all adjustable based on your preference).I think this is a greaty product at a good price.You wont get any better video unless you get a T1 or ISDN line which is expensive, has a high comlexity for setting up and just costs way too much. This overall is great idea and delivers on that idea.

Don't Bother...
I got a chance to test this device rather than buy it and was sadly dissappointed. As slow as video over phone lines can be, this device only comes with a 33.6 modem instead of a standard 56k modem built in. Theconfiguration interface is primitive, using the phone keypad to maneuverthrough the menu, reminiscent of old DOS programs. The screen can betoggled between pc or camera view. There is no way to open a window on thedesktop to show the camera view. And as far as this being advertised as asurveillance camera or baby monitor, the only thing you're going to monitorwill have to be in the same room as you because of the length of themonitor cable. I can't imagine paying so much for so little. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

When you call your family and friends why not see them too, in full color? The Hyper VideoPhone 2000S transforms your existing TV and telephone into a complete videophone system.

Setting up the Hyper VideoPhone 2000S was fairly easy. We just plugged in the AC adapter, connected the telephone and telephone line cord, connected the audio and video cables between our TV and the Hyper VideoPhone, and opened the protective camera shutter. When we turned on the unit and lifted the telephone receiver, the Hyper VideoPhone displayed our surroundings on the TV screen. The entire setup process was straightforward, taking only a few minutes.

To place a videophone call, just lift the handset, dial the number, and talk normally. If your correspondent has any H.324-compliant videophone, then press # to display the on-screen menus and press 1 to start the video. In our test of the Hyper VideoPhone 2000S, we called a similar Hyper VideoPhone (model 2000C), and 20 seconds later the two units connected; another 15 seconds was required to establish the video link.

Placing a lamp nearby and staying within 2 to 3 feet of the camera resulted in the best facial images, but placing the unit on top of our TV and sitting about 8 feet away produced an acceptable picture on the receiving unit. The images were somewhat grainy and "jerky" as people moved.

Through the on-screen menus, you can view your own image, that of your correspondent, or both at the same time. Other settings include auto answer for security applications; automatic monitoring with password protection; adjustable picture quality, size, and frame speed; electronic pan, tilt, and zoom camera controls; and high-resolution snapshot capability. A privacy feature lets you turn off the video camera electronically, or you can slide the shutter switch above the camera to manually close the camera's protective shutter.

Overall we found the video quality acceptable, considering the relatively slow 33.6kbps data rate, and the setup was easy. The Hyper VideoPhone provides a fun and functional way to keep in touch with your family, friends, or business associates.

Pros

• Easy setup
• Works with PAL and NTSC TVs
• Includes extra-long telephone cord

• Requires accompanying telephone
• Power, video, and audio cables are too short

Features

• ITU-T H.324 and 8x8 compatible
• Transforms your TV and phone into a color videophone system
• Works with all PAL and NTSC televisions
• Uses ordinary phone lines
• Easy setup, no technical or computer skills required

Reviews (6)

Very Nice Product
I bought this 6 months back and one of my friends(Varaprasad Thupili) forced me to buy this. Infact I bought 2 of them and I took it to India and gave it to my inlaws. My wife speaks to her parents every week using this and she never had any problem. Connections are simple and picture quality is also good. My friend varaprasad and I talk to each other very often using this Video phone and picture quality is even nicer within US.

Aiptek 2000s
Nice little videophone. Th quality is not the greatest but I never expected to be. I'm happy with it so far I might buy more who knows. I recommend it if your not looking for perfection if you are look elsewhere.

Simple and Yet Wonderful Product
My Parents saw this product at their friends place and told me about this product. It is a simple and wonderful product. Now I can communicate with my parents easily. Also My parents can now watch their Grand Son. It reduces the distance between you and your missing ones and gives peace of mind. This Product is Simple and easy to Operate. Also with the Amazon's Wonderful reduced prices, it is definitely a Great Buy and a Great Gift.

Problem solver...
I've used this easy to operate videophone (paired with an Aiptek 2000C) with highly satisfactory results in several applications.It allowed an elderly relative to stay in her home after she became forgetful about taking her medication.A slow speed, high quality setting allowed remote verification that she actually was taking her pills.After she moved into a nursing home, I used the system briefly in a business surveillance application.Now it's used by our elderly relative and a favorite niece to keep in touch via long distance.The system delivers surprisingly good image quality, given its POTS modem speed, which averages 28.8kbps (some wonder why it's not faster...33.6kbps is the fastest you can get in a dialup connection without an ISP). The unit's camera works in low light conditions, but in dim light the pictures tend to be noisy and lack color saturation.A little attention to room lighting produces surprisingly good, colorful pictures.The 2000S has an extra set of audio/video jacks, which let you connect a VCR if you wish.Aiptek also includes a "PC" videophone mode, which allows the device to work modem-to-modem with some PC videophones (depends on the PC modem, which can't be a "winmodem", and the PC camera software).The system is indeed easy to operate: we purposely selected the 2000C unit with integrated screen, which requires no adjustment of operating controls at all, for our elderly relative.With new concerns about airline travel, now may be a good time to consider this product.

s2000 videophone
When loved ones are thousands of miles away, this gadget allows instant and audio-visual connection that is nothing but precious.There is a trade-off in the quality of the picture when the unit is set at low resolution.Setting up is a breeze.I would recommend setting up with a cordless phone so one can control the unit remotely.

Pros: Easy setup; hassle-free A-V connection; compatible with both NTSC and PAL video standards

Cons: High price; lack of optical zooming (and only manual focus), marginal to satisfatory images (depending on the resolution setting and room lighting)

Overall:

It has brought fun and laughs to our family.Setup isstraight forward and perfect for those who are not computer-savvy.It operates over plain phone lines. No internet connection is needed. ... Read more

Product Description

Axis Video Servers include a built-in Web server that enhances traditional surveillance systems and provides added networking connectivity for distributing monitored images over a secure intranet network, or even the Internet. Video camera management, configuration, and monitoring - all at your fingertips through a standard Web browser; such as, Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Connecting directly to Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks, the AXIS 2400 Video Server supports up to four PAL/NTSC video cameras and is programmable for both NTSC and PAL video systems.The AXIS 2400 Video Server includes a Web-based interface featuring several user-friendly Wizards that not only simplify the installation process, but also allow for a seamless and automated integration into your networking environment and custom applications. Furthermore, its open-network structure minimizes the need for costly coax cabling and optimizes imaging broadcasting for a minimal connection overhead. The AXIS 2400 is the smart and cost-effective solution for the sophisticated demands of a modern interactive surveillance and remote monitoring system. Simple to install - and easy to use! ... Read more

Product Description

Axis Video Servers include a built-in Web server that enhances traditional surveillance systems and provides added networking connectivity for distributing monitored images over a secure intranet network, or even the Internet. Video camera management, configuration, and monitoring - all at your fingertips through a standard Web browser; such as, Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer. Connecting directly to Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks, the AXIS 2400 Video Server supports up to four PAL/NTSC video cameras and is programmable for both NTSC and PAL video systems.The AXIS 2400 Video Server includes a Web-based interface featuring several user-friendly Wizards that not only simplify the installation process, but also allow for a seamless and automated integration into your networking environment and custom applications. Furthermore, its open-network structure minimizes the need for costly coax cabling and optimizes imaging broadcasting for a minimal connection overhead. The AXIS 2400 is the smart and cost-effective solution for the sophisticated demands of a modern interactive surveillance and remote monitoring system. Simple to install - and easy to use! ... Read more

Product Description

The Cisco IP/VC 3520 Videoconferencing Gateways give enterprises the ability to connect ISDN-based H.320 systems to IP-based H.323 videoconference endpoints. These gateways provide translation services between H.320 and H.323 networks to convert multimedia information between circuit-switched ISDN and IP networks. These systems enable users to videoconference with others via the LAN or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), regardless of location. The IP/VC Gateways enable an H.323 user to "dial out" through the gateway to establish a videoconference session at data rates ranging from 64 kbps to 768 kbps. These gateways place calls through the PSTN to establish a circuit connection with a remote H.320 system or voice-only telephone.The gateways also accept inbound ISDN calls from H.320 systems and forward those calls to any H.323 endpoint. The gateways support a variety of call routing methods including interactive voice response (IVR), direct inward dialing (DID), multiple subscriber number (MSN), default destination, and TCS4. ... Read more

Product Description

The Cisco IP/VC 3520 Video Gateway is a network hardware solution that allows audio, video and data conferencing to occur between H.323-compliant LAN endpoints and H.320-compliant terminals. The Cisco IP/VC 3520 Video Gateway translates H.323 and H.320 protocols so that LAN users can communicate with ISDN and PSTN users. The IP/VC Gateways offer built-in gatekeeper functions for small videoconferencing networks, a compact design, and reliable RISC architecture. ... Read more