Web TV Wire » USB Webcams http://www.webtvwire.com The Business of Internet Television and Video Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:48:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 R2-D2 Webcam Review | Star Wars Lightsaber-styled Skype VOIP Phone & Web Camera http://www.webtvwire.com/star-wars-r2-d2-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/star-wars-r2-d2-webcam/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:01:37 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=12903 The R2-D2 Webcam - the Force is with this Webcam

The R2-D2 Web Cam offers you your own Star Wars webcam droid with a lightsaber-style Skype-compatable phone.

The Force is with this Webcam

R2-D2 Webcam is controlled by a voice-enabled phone that looks like a Star Wars lightsaber. Made to work with Skype, this is an impressive, albeit costly (around $350) and fun webcam for the die-hard Star Wars fan.

The R2-D2 webcam be used to record and playback digital movies, take snapshots or even monitor your room remotely. The camera can tilt 72 degrees up and down, move forwards and in reverse, as well as turn a full 360 degrees.

Other Features of R2-D2

A clever feature of this webcam is that there are sensors on R2’s front leg that detect the edge of a table and automatically stops it from crashing to the floor, while also giving an audible warning. Nice feature for those who bought this thing and don’t want to accidentally send it spiralling to the floor!

The camera is a 628 x 528 pixel, with Wi-Fi capabilities on this that allow you to control R2-D2’s movements and access the web camera from a laptop or a PC from virtually anywhere. But I wonder, can it launch a lightsaber to you when you’re in a bind at Jabba’s palace while trying to rescue Han?

Size Matters Not!

Not quite “actual size” to the Star Wars films, this webcam measures 8 1/2-inches tall x 5 1/4-inches wide x 5 1/2-inches long, so it can fit reasonably on a desktop.

An additional note is that batteries are included with this webcam, and the Lightsaber VOIP/USB phone has a 14-day battery life in standby mode.

Video review of the R2-D2 Webcam

Online reviews of the R2-D2 Webcam

The wireless aspect of this camera was a hit with the folks at CNet. You can basically cruise it around as your own personal mobile spy camera. They also noted the built-in sensors to prevent crashes and falls (an ideal feature for an investment like this one.)

T3 liked that the software that comes with this R2 unit allows you to overlay different cockpits like the X-wing and the Millennium Falcon, to give the appearance of flying around in one of these spacecraft from the Star Wars universe. This webcam really covered all the bases for the Star Wars fan.

R2-D2 Webcam – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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Ipevo P2V USB Webcam Review | Hand-Held Camera with Adjustable Stand http://www.webtvwire.com/ipevo-p2v-usb-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/ipevo-p2v-usb-webcam/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:08:08 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=11500 Ipevo P2V USB Webcam

The Ipevo P2V (point to view) USB webcam from Ipevo is a USB camera that gives you a wide number of mounting options, including monitor clamp, adjustable stand and a hand-held option.

What is the Ipevo P2V?

The Ipevo P2V is a desktop/laptop 2 Megapixel USB web camera giving you a quality picture with a number of convenient mounting options. The P2V can be clipped to the top of a laptop, attached to an articulated stand, and also held in your hand like a small flashlight.

The camera gives you a continuous or single-click autofocus video option. The one-touch snapshot option with the webcam can also be revised and fixed up with the software that comes with the camera.

Additional Features of the Ipevo P2V

The Ipevo is a plug and play available for both Mac and PC and can be integrated with a number of IM applications such as Skype, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and AOL.

The P2V aslo features a full auto focus lens with up to 5 cm macro focus and 3x digital zoom. It can also record 640×480 video at 30fps.

Camera Stand Variability

The handheld option is an interesting one, granting you the ability to hold the camera in your hand like a small pen. Unfortunately, the camera is limited to the reach of the USB cabling, so the novelty of this is restricted to only be able to film items within the reach of the USB cable.

Of course the user can opt to use the sturdy stand to mount the camera. The stand offers three connection pins for even more variability in how the camera is mounted. And if you prefer, you can always just clamp the camera to the top of your monitor.

Video review of the Ipevo P2V Unboxed

Reviews and Feedback for the iPEVO P2V Webcam

EverythingUSB did a very comprehensive (and helpful) write-up about this camera, including numerous images of both the camera and images taken with it.

Geek.com included a good overview of the camera with some helpful videos of the camera in action.  Most of these reviews were favorible to the camera, but they did knock it for its cost, as well as its lack of a built-in microphone.

Prices, Deals and Discounts for the Ipevo P2V

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‘Mr. Burns’ Simpsons-Themed WebCam Review | USB Camera & Microphone http://www.webtvwire.com/mr-burns-simpsons-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/mr-burns-simpsons-webcam/#comments Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:55:08 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=10402 Mr. Burns USB Webcam

The Mr. Burns Webcam is a webcam deisgned to resemble the villianous character Montgomery Burns from the long-running cartoon series the Simpsons.

“Smithers, release the hounds!”

Mr. Burns if the quintessential villain from the Simpsons series – old, bald, greedy, and generally scheming things involving Homer Simpson. And now Montgomery Burns has been immortalized into a glaring, evil webcam that can be either propped on a desktop or clipped to a monitor.

The camera features Mr. Burns sitting at his desk, glaring at you, with Bobo, his stuffed bear, at his side. For fans of the Simpsons series this makes for a fun and clever webcam.

Mr. Burns Webcam Specifics

The Mr. Burns webcam features a built-in microphone, and supports USB enabled machines running Windows 98, 2000, XP and Vista. It supports 640×480 resolution and can record video at the typical 30 fps.

As far as messaging software, this camera runs with Skype, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and AOL messenger. The camera also comes with an optional, removable clip that can connect to your LCD monitor or laptop. Additionally, it has a 140cm long USB Cable, for easy setup and start with your PC.

Mr. Burns in Action

Video Blogging – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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USB Missile Launcher Webcam Review | Fun Office Gadget with Three Foam Rockets & Software http://www.webtvwire.com/usb-missile-launcher-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/usb-missile-launcher-webcam/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:40:08 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=9940 Webcam broadcasts and missile launching - who could ask for anything more?

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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Star Wars Tie Fighter USB Webcam Review | Adjustable Camera & Microphone http://www.webtvwire.com/star-wars-tie-fighter-usb-webcam-review-adjustable-camera-microphone/ http://www.webtvwire.com/star-wars-tie-fighter-usb-webcam-review-adjustable-camera-microphone/#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:37:57 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=9137 "The Force is Strong with This Webcam..."

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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Star Wars Darth Vader Tie Fighter Web Cam NEW

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Creative Labs Live! USB Webcam Review | 30 FPS VGA Camera, Headset & Windows Software http://www.webtvwire.com/creative-labs-live-usb-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/creative-labs-live-usb-webcam/#comments Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:27:16 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=8455 Creative Labs Live! Cam Video IM VGA Webcam

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.

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Star Trek Webcam | USS Enterprise USB Adjustable Camera for PC & Mac http://www.webtvwire.com/star-trek-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/star-trek-webcam/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:05:45 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=8874 USS-Enterprise-Webcam

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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HP Elite Autofocus Webcam Review | USB 12-Megapixel Camera with Stand & Mic for Video Chat http://www.webtvwire.com/hp-elite-autofocus-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/hp-elite-autofocus-webcam/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:39:15 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=8655 HP Elite Autofocus Webcam affordable and quality webcam

The HP Elite offers the user an affordable and quality webcam with a 3 megapixel sensor giving the user a webcam with a sharp picture.

Features of the HP Elite

The HP Elite webcam offers HD video as well as the ability to capture still photos, with up to 12-Megapixel still image capture with software interpolation. This webcam comes with a microphone. The camera stand allows it to set on the monitor, and with a tilt and pan option can easily be pivoted to the user’s preference.

Straight-forward Webcam Setup

To get started with the HP Elite, the webcam needs only to be unpack-aged, Attached to the monitor (using the HP Easy Clip system) and then plugged into the USB port (1.1 or 2.0).

Other HP Elite Features

In addition to an auto-focus feature, this camera also comes with a variety of software applications. The camera allows the user to create videos to post on the web or chat face-to-face online. Quick launch buttons can also be programmed to save time.

HP Elite Software Compatibility

With the push of the HP Instant Chat button, the preferred Instant Messaging program will automatically be launched. This camera works with AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, and Yahoo Messenger software.

Video Review of the HP Elite Webcam

Reviews from the Blogosphere for the HP Elite Webcam

Techware Labs noted it’s ease of setup, and also offered an image-comprehensive overview of the packaging of this particular webcam.

Geek.com, noting that HP is not normally known for it’s webcams, pointed out that the HP Elite did a good job and offered a solid project, but was not the best in the field.

Reviews on the HP site were otherwise favorable, but did identify that there are issues with the design of the stand and the hinges, making it difficult to hold the camera in one position.

HP Elite Webcam – Prices, Deals and Discounts

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Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass Webcam | Cheap USB Camera & Mic with VGA Sensor http://www.webtvwire.com/hercules-deluxe-optical-glass-webcam/ http://www.webtvwire.com/hercules-deluxe-optical-glass-webcam/#comments Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:46:14 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=8165 hercules1

The Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass Webcam, with built-in microphone, offers quality video resolution and an affordable price.

Built-in LED Lighting for Enhanced Video Quality

The Hercules comes with a VGA sensor with glass lens, that offers enhanced optical performance. In addition to features such as digital zoom, the four built-in lighting LEDs for rooms that are darker or don’t have the most ideal lighting.

This helps produce clearer webcam images for the user. In addition to standard video capture, this webcam also offers up to 30 images per second at 800 x 600.

Software Included with the Hercules Deluxe

The Hercules Webcam comes with it’s own software, that includes three different capture modes (single, burst, and self-timer) as well as software for automatic conversion of captures so that this can be sent by email.

Video Chat Software Compatibility

The Hercules is also compatible with most of the standard videoconferencing programs today (Windows Live Messenger, MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, etc.) No additional software is required, and the webcam connects to the PC via a standard hi-speed USB port.

Video Review of the Hercules Deluxe Webcam

Reviews & Feedback

Buy.com customers offered a number of reviews praising the easy of use with this webcam, especially in terms of using it with existing software like Skype.

PCMag offered another equally-favorable review, praising how much this camera offered at the price, but it did ding the Hercules on being “lightweight in the resolution department”.

Reviews on NewEgg spoke well of the affordability and convenience of this webcam, but like PCMag reviewers also made mention of the lower-quality resolution.

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Macally IceCam2 WebCam Review | USB Camera & Microphone for Video Conferencing (Mac or PC) http://www.webtvwire.com/macally-icecam2-webcam-review/ http://www.webtvwire.com/macally-icecam2-webcam-review/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:48:12 +0000 RobM http://www.webtvwire.com/?p=7984 icecam

The Macally IceCam2 USB 2.0 Video Web Camera with Built-in Microphone offers a convenient and affordable video conferencing option with an easy plug and play option.

Webcam Features & Options

The Macally IceMan2 offers an affordable option for capturing video and audio for video conferencing. The webcam offers up to 30 frames per second with a VGA 640 x 480 Resolution.

What is noteworthy about this particular webcam is that it offers an adjustable and flexible goose-neck for the camera mount, giving the user fully-adjustable pointing angles (360 degrees of horizontal rotation and 135 degree tilt back and forth).

The camera can be mounted on top of a LCD screen, a laptop, or just be set on the desktop.

Mac & Windows Compatibility

The Macally IceCam2, being windows compatible, is immediately recognized by your computer and doesn’t require any additional software. The Macally IceCam2 will work with Yahoo! Messenger, aMSN (for the Mac) and Live Messenger (for Windows).

Video Review of the Macally IceCam2

Opinions From the Blogosphere

Pocket-Lint gave a good review of the video quality, but wasn’t as positive about the sound.

MacUser more or less agreed, citing that the video was reasonable while the audio was less than impressive (while also observing that the IceCam 2 bears a slight resemblance Pixar’s “Wall-E” character, a fair comparison).

Macally IceCam2 Webcam – Prices, Deals & Discounts:

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