The USB Webcam gives your not just the ability to share audio and video online, but a cheeky way to launch foam missles at targets and friends via webcam.

Instant Messaging and Missle Launching…

Webcams serve as an excellent tool for messaging online, but maybe chat just isn’t enough these days. Perhaps the time has come to incorporate not just audio and video messaging, but the ability to blast missiles at one another!

The USB Missile Launcher Webcam has to be one of the most intriguing and silliest of the webcams I’ve ever seen. The webcam is a simple USB setup, and once you and your friend have this camera setup, you can control one another’s missile launcher. And since there is a camera conveniently incorporated into this system, you can easily aim directly at your friend! Of course, your friend can also turn around and shoot you with your own missile launcher as well.

Controlling the Missile Launcher

Once setup, the USB Missile Launcher can be directed to aim up, down, left or right, and will launch foam missiles up to a distance of 15 feet. You can control a remote missile launcher, or also toy around with your own, aiming at local targets around your office.

Sound effects will also be played on your friend’s computer as well as your own computer when you launch missiles from your friend’s missile launcher, adding to the fun (yet very silly) effect of this device. Both of the users need to be utilizing Windows Live Messenger, however, in order to get this goofy missile launching system to work.

Technical Details of the Webcam

This Missile Launcher webcam comes with a USB cord 3 ft. in length, and is compatible with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista. In addition to three Nerf-quality foam darts, the webcam also includes software and instructions for how to use this system.

And despite the toy-like nature of this webcam, no batteries or power cord is required, and the launcher simply hooks up to your USB port.

Video Demonstrations of the USB Missile Launcher Webcam

Online Reviews and Comments about the USB Missle Launching Webcam

EverythingUSB did a thorough write-up about this webcam, with plenty of images of the camera. the verdict with them seems to be that this isn’t the greatest quality webcam but it’s functional, and that rather the fun of this is in the shared missile-launching feature of this camera.

Amazon’s reviewers were generally positive, noting that the camera was a lot of fun, but a couple reviews noted that the launcher wasn’t very powerful.

USB Missile Launcher Webcam – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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BBC iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer has shone like a beacon since its full launch almost two years ago in December 2007. The catch-up TV service lead the way not only in the U.K. but around the world, with Hulu being its big-name opposite in the U.S.

Rather than rest on its laurels, the BBC carried on improving the service despite already providing millions of streams to viewers. The current iteration of the iPlayer service is more user-friendly and easy-to-use than any Web application or online video site.

RTS Judges’ Award

Last week saw the iPlayer praised to the highest degree when the BBC won the Judges’ Award at the 2009 Royal Television Society Innovation Awards. Jeff Henry, chair of the awards, said:

“There have been great British innovations – the steam engine, the gas turbine, radio waves, jet engines and arguably video games. Even the inventors of Viagra. But seriously, the role of honour of great British innovation now has a proud new addition,”

“For all the hard work, commitment and belief shown by the BBC and its staff, with particular recognition of Anthony Rose’s contribution, the RTS Innovation Awards proudly presents the Judges Award to the BBC iPlayer, proving that it is not just a gift for Christmas, but for life.”

Being placed alongside such great inventions as the steam engine and radio waves is pretty unbelievable. But the iPlayer may well prove to be as innovative and important as those inventions in years to come for what it represents – a world where online television is the norm rather than niche.

IPlayer Wii Channel

The BBC topped off an already great week by unveiling its plans to launch a dedicated channel on the Nintendo Wii games console. The service has been available on the console for a while through the Web browser, but a dedicated channel should be much more accessible and user-friendly.

All Wii owners in the U.K. with a Broadband connection will be able to use the Wii iPlayer. From Nov. 18, the BBC iPlayer can be downloaded for free from the console’s online shop.

Conclusions

The iPlayer is a fantastic service that continues to improve and be added to more devices in order to gain viewers. And the RTS award for innovation is wholly deserved.

The only thing that the BBC now needs to do is launch the iPlayer internationally. Whether that’ll ever happen, and whether if it did it would be free, are questions that I personally cannot answer. But I can hope.

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The Sabrent USB2.0 Tuner Box is a TV receiving and video capturing device for notebooks and PCs.  The Sabrent is basically a device that allows you to watch normal television on your PC, but with additional DVD-style features such as fast-forward/rewind, etc.

Functions and Features of the Sabrent TV-USB20

In a nutshell, the Sabrent TV-USB20 is an external TV/video receiving box that will allow you to capture from any analog device, such as a VCR, camcorder, or basically anything with composite output jacks.  The device connection is made via a USB 2.0 port and receive TV broadcasts and capture video on the computer.

The compact design looks sharp and is small enough that it can conveniently be taken with you when traveling.  It features a variety of DVR-esque features allowing you to pause, rewind and record live TV.

This will use your PC’s own hard drive so how many hours of TV you can record depends on how big your PC’s hard drive is. Typically 80GB of free space will hold about 80 hours of TV, depending on your compression settings.

Technical Details of the Sabrent TV-USB2

The television captured by the Sabrent is at 704 x 480 (NTSC) and can be stored on the computer in a MPEG-1, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 format. Audio is captured in stereo at 16 bits, in either a 24 KHz or 48 KHz sampling rate.

The Sabrent box’s TV/Video Scheduled Recording Function works using a simple MPEG video editing program with an encoding/decoding engine that has a smart merge process, and this helps the system work faster.

You can even use the device to capture video from your camcorder for home videos, as well as recording TV shows to your computer. You can even record video and sound from gaming consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3.

How to Record From Gaming Consoles

Things Said About the Sabrent TV-USB20 in Reviews

Amazon’s reviews for this device were mixed, ranging for relatively positive reviews citing that the Sabrent from a basic standpoint did what it was supposed to – with some negative comments about difficulty with getting it to work.

Cnet’s reviews were limited but scathing, identifying problems with integration and software compatibility.

CompUSA reviews were mixed, ranging in extremes from one side of satisfaction to the other side of “worst product ever”.  The opinions were really divided on this, but from the sounds of a majority of reviews the Sabrent TV-USB20 is a decent, cheap product but one that might cause some difficulties with the software and integrating it with the OS.

Sabrent TV-USB20 – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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From Mail To The Web

In the 12 years since Netflix launched as a purely by-mail DVD rental company, the world has changed considerably, particularly with the Internet becoming the distribution method of choice for all kinds of media, including of course television and movies.

So it’s no wonder that the company decided to introduce a streaming video service as part of its subscription package a few years ago. And the way things are going, it’s that part of the business which provides the future direction for Netflix.

Three Ways To Heaven

Last month saw Netflix announce its Q3 earnings. Ignoring the financial results, the interesting news was threefold: the company is planning to go international; there was talk of a new device being added to the streaming line-up; ‘Watch Instantly’ viewing figures showed the service to be very popular.

As of yet we haven’t heard any more about the international plans, but the other two points raised have been expanded upon.

PS3 Netflix Streaming

The day after the Q3 earnings report came news that Netflix’s ‘Watch Instantly’ was heading to the PS3 in the United States. It’s been available on the Xbox 360 since last year’s dashboard update but is now coming to the Sony games console as well.

With an installed user base of nine million avid gamers and media consumers, it’s an inspired move. And it ends the exclusivity deal Netflix had with Microsoft for the best part of a year.

According to a corporate blog post today, the PS3 discs which are required for Netflix’s ‘Watch Instantly’ to be used have started to be shipped today. 100,000 Netflix subscribers and PS3 owners who requested the discs are the first batch to receive them, with more to follow in time.

Watch Instantly Watched Incessantly

This news comes as a survey conducted by One Touch Intelligence, and reported by Contentinople, shows how mainstream the use of ‘Watch Instantly’ has become. 62 percent of subscribers say they’ve used the service at least once, while 54 percent said they stream at least one movie or TV show every month.

While most still stream directly to their computers, 24 percent stream content to a connected device. And that figure is sure to increase as the range of products streaming ‘Watch Instantly’ grows.

A Streaming Future

Surely now is the time for Netflix to start considering a streaming-only subscription option as Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has previously implied could happen. While physical media such as DVD and Blu-ray are still important, the future is clearly both digital and streaming. And Netflix is in the best position to take advantage of this evolving market.

ZillionTV or ZeroTV?

ZillionTV was announced back in March to some very positive comments and feedback. I myself stated that “good backers, a man in charge who knows the business, and a couple of innovations which could drive the sector forward” meant it had a chance of succeeding, despite entering a crowded market.

However, in September a delay in launching the service was announced. It was originally thought to be due for a launch in late 2009 but that slipped to the second half of 2010, which is nigh on a year later than first expected.

Critical Web Coverage

This led many journalists and bloggers to wonder what the hell is actually happening at the company. One of these bloggers is Brandon Wirtz, who just happens to be a former employee of the company.

Wirtz recently received a Cease & Desist letter from ShawValenza, a law firm acting on behalf of ZillionTV. Unfortunately for the company, rather than heed the warning in the letter, Wirtz used his own personal blog and XYHD.tv to respond to the threats.

Wirtz’ Words

On XYHD, Wirtz discusses how he considers the C&D not to have any basis in law. Rather than sharing confidential information as the letter implies, he believes he’s been very careful in only reporting things which have been reported elsewhere on the Web.

He also discusses his lack of respect for the management of ZillionTV, ponders how the company has kept studios such as Disney and Lionsgate interested, and asks what the actual delay with launching the service is all about.

On BlackWaterOps, Wirtz basically pokes fun at the content of the C&D and how much of a bad idea it is to send one to someone who was only ever going to post the letter on his blog and discuss it in less than complimentary terms.

As Wirtz put it:

Know your enemy. Don’t send a C&D letter to someone who has a bigger hammer than you. The general rule is don’t send a C&D to anyone with a better Alexa rank than you, or someone with more press mentions in the past year than you.

Update: Drugs, Sex & Zillion TV

Brandon has hit ZillionTV again reporting Meth abuse, masturbation and apparent lies from some prominent members of the Zillion team. Certainly doesn’t sound like a healthy internet TV start-up.

Roku and Netflix

Roku started out relying on Netflix’ ‘Watch Instantly’ streaming service as the be all and end all of its content offering to buyers of the $99 box. But since launching in May 2008, other content channels have been added, including Amazon Video-on-Demand and MLB TV.

Netflix soon moved on to a host of other set-top boxes and devices, including the Xbox 360, Internet-enabled televisions, and hybrid Blu-ray players. And it’s now adding a new one to its line-up in the shape of the Playstation 3.

Netflix On PS3

Netflix announced it would soon be available on the PS3 console the day after I speculated as much. The news comes right on the back of the company’s latest earnings report where more platforms were promised and a move into international territories was also teased for the future.

Netflix has until now had an exclusive deal with Microsoft but the move to the PS3 brings that to an abrupt end. From November, PS3 owners with a Netflix subscription will be able to stream Netflix’ ‘Watch Instantly’ through their Sony console.

Roku Line-Up Increased

Roku, meanwhile, is busy trying to persuade more people to buy a Roku box.

It’s introducing two new boxes in an effort to increase its potential demographic. According to CNET, the current box will be renamed the Roku HD Player, with the Roku HD XR Player priced at $130 boasting a faster Wi-Fi connection and a USB port. For those on a budget, the Roku SD Player, with no HDMI option, will retail for just $80.

Roku is also launching the ‘Roku Channel Store’ next month which will see more of both free and paid-for options available. According to Ars Technica, these will include Revision3, TWiT TV, Mediafly, Motionbox, and blip.tv.

Conclusions

Netflix surely cannot fail with its roll-out to other devices, and the PS3 is a great one with its huge installed user-base. While Roku seems to finally be getting its act together after a slow start, with a wider range of boxes to suit all tastes and budgets, and a new channel line-up.

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Netflix Of The Past

When Netflix formed in 1997 as a DVD by mail company in the United States, the Internet wasn’t the behemoth it is now, and online video was a concept rather than an actual living, breathing part of the Web.

Streaming video therefore wasn’t part of the plan for the company at that point. However, it introduced ‘Watch Instantly’ as part of its subscription service a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since.

Streaming Over DVD

Although DVD by mail is still Netflix’s main business, the ‘Watch Instantly’ feature is an increasingly important and popular part of it.

In the Q3 earnings report, CEO Reed Hastings revealed that 42 of subscribers have streamed at least 15 minutes of content from Netflix in the last three months. Which is a phenomenal result.

This followed a pronouncement earlier this month that DVD will only be the “primary delivery format” at the company for the next two years. While it wasn’t stated whether the move would be to Blu-ray or streaming, these results would suggest the latter is more likely.

International Plans

Netflix is currently a U.S.-only operation, but that looks like it could be changing in the very near future. As part of the earnings call, Hastings said:

“We’re looking to the second half of 2010 to make our streaming offering international. The plan is to start small in one market, prove out our model, and expand into other countries.”

This would be a streaming-only option, with hastings suggesting that postal systems abroad make that part of its business impossible. No country was mentioned as being first on the list but one with a high broadband take-up would be the most logical.

Hastings implied that a streaming-only subscription option wouldn’t be coming to the States anytime soon, which somewhat goes against what he said in February of this year.

Netflix Of The Future

Netflix’s ‘Watch Instantly’ is already available on a number of devices, including hybrid Blu-ray players, the Roku box, and the Xbox 360. But more are likely to follow, with the PS3 and Wii surely top of the list.

So the Netflix of the future is likely to be as much about streaming content as it is about physical media, available in countries other than the States, and a well-known component on a range of Internet-enabled devices.

This is a company going places in more ways than one.

The Star Wars Tie Fighter Webcam in an easy-to-use USB webcam with a clever Star Wars design giving you a novel way to capture your video footage.

A webcam, and Darth Vader’s personal spacecraft, all in one!

As a Star Wars fan, I just can’t refuse a webcam design like this one. The Star Wars Darth Vader Tie Fighter features a 300,000 dot resolution WebCam, includes a built-in microphone, and when you plug it in to your computer’s USB port, two red LEDs located in the front will light up (the lights are where the lasers would shoot from Vader’s ship.)

The Dark Side is Recording You!

The VGA camera for this webcam is located within the cockpit of this ship, as if you’re being filmed by Darth Vader himself! The meticulous design of this camera makes is fascinating enough in that you can be filming yourself at the same time you’re admiring the intricate design of this Star Wars spaceship.  They really did a nice job with this model.

Getting Started with the Tie Fighter Webcam

The Tie Fighter Webcam requires no additional software and is plug and play for your PC or laptop via a usb port, so that you can be up and chatting with friends in minutes. No power supply is required, and once you see the red lights of Darth Vader’s ship light up, you know that the camera is ready to use.

Tie Fighter Webcam Compatability

This webcam is compatible with Skype, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and AOL; however, it’s PC compatable only and doesn’t work with a Mac. The webcam works with both USB 1.0 and 2.0.

Also Included with the Webcam…

With the Tie Fighter Webcam also comes a complimentary CD with drivers, application programs and video software. The USB cabling is Approx 140 cm long.  The webcam has an optional removable stand, and can also be clipped to the monitor, so your monitor can look cool (or geeky, depending on your point of view. I lean towards cool!)

Reviews and Comments About the Star Wars Webcam

Most of what I read from tech blogs spoke favorably about this webcam, identifying that it’s a fairly simple design and easy setup, but the real novelty of this webcam is it’s nicely-detailed design and being able to take in the details of the camera while recording yourself.

I would have liked to read more technical info and reviews from Wesco’s website (the manufacturer of this particular webcam) but all the same, there were enough techie fan sites out there singing the praises of this camera that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this camera more, and it really is a clever design for a Star Wars fan’s webcam needs.

Prices, Deals and Discounts on the Star Wars Tie Fighter Webcam

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Creative Labs Live! camera offers you a webcam with sharp video quality, high-speed connectivity and a reasonable price.

Features and Options of the Creative Labs Live Webcam

The Creative Labs Live! webcam gives you a high quality 640 x 480 VGA sensor, delivered at 30 frames per second. With Live! View Auto Tuning technology, the camera will give you sharp images with accurate white balance, as well as better light exposure than other webcams.

Software Features Included with Camera

Creative Advanced Video FX software also allows you to add additional effects to your video broadcasts, including backgrounds and special effects.  I like the fact that included with the camera is the Live! Cam Suite that allows you to edit, change, and organize the footage that you take.

Webcam System Requirements

The system requirements for this camera are:

• An Intel Pentium III 850MHz or above (with Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz or higher recommended)
• Windows 2000 or XP
• 128MB RAM (256MB recommended)
• 300MB free disk space, a CD-ROM drive
• USB 2.0 and 1.1
• Display adaptor capable of 16-bit color

Video Review of the Creative Labs Live Webcam

Other Online Reviews of the Creative Labs Live Webcam

Tomsguide offered a decent review, commenting of the good design and some of the audio and video effects, and also noted that this webcam requires no driver installation, allowing for easier user setup.  The review on CNET offered a positive review of the design and cost of the Creative Labs Live, but spoke negatively about the audio and video quality.

Creative Labs Live Webcam – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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On eBay:

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The Star Trek Webcam is a fully-functional webcam designed to look like the USS Enterprise from the television show “Star Trek”.  This is ideal for Trekkies looking for a USB webcam with a fun design.

A Webcam for Trekkies

Modeled very cleverly to look just like the Starship Enterprise from the original ‘Star Trek’ television show, this model is also a fully-functional webcam with 720p and features an adjustable focus. As a fan of the series, I love the creative novelty of this design combined with the functionality of a webcam.

Installation and Compatable Software

The Star Trek webcam requires no driver installation, and is compatible with most online chat services like Skype, Yahoo Messenger, etc.  Being a USB webcam, all you need to do is plug-n-play, using your existing messaging software.

Adjustable Settings for Mounting the Camera

The webcam comes with an adjustable flex arm, so that it can be easy positioned around your computer setup. Additionally, it can also be directly mounted to the monitor using the “Star Fleet” uniform insignia. I love the attention to detail with this webcam, such as the nacelles (the engine lights of the ship) that light up.  This would be a fun gift idea for a Trekkie looking for a webcam.

System Requirements for the Star Trek Webcam

The Star Trek Webcam works on a PC with Microsoft Windows XP SP3 or Vista SP1, as well as a Mac with Mac OS X 10.5 1. The webcam plugs into a standard a USB port, and is also USB 2.0 compatible. The camera comes with 4 ft. of USB cabling.

Online Reviews of the Star Trek Webcam

IGN made note that, beyond some of the “geekier” features of owning this camera, it’s a straight-forward plug-n-play design that works easily with existing messaging software.

Blogs abound commenting on the fan-oriented design of this webcam, and I hope that the niche webcam design trend continues. If you’re going to own a webcam, why not have one with a sense of identity and fun to it?

Prices and Discounts for the Star Trek Webcam

At the time of writing this webcam is hard to get hold of as it has not been released by any major retailers. It has been made by DreamCheeky but they do not sell it direct, currently it is available through bulk retailers ThumbsUpUK.

Major retailers will likely jump on board soon so try searching for this product online to find a seller.

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