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    Galleries: | Video Editing Software | DVD Authoring Software | Cameras | Camcorders |
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    Home Media: | Home Media Articles | Home Networked Media Gallery |

Consumer Home Networked Media Gallery - OLD

Networked digital media around the home: Displays and cameras - HIstorical

    by Douglas Dixon


  The 2000s Mobile Digital Revolution:
        Cell Phones to Smartphones, Walkman to Media Players, CD to Flash to Web Services

  Historical perspective on some interesting technology and trends in digital home media.
  They include some sample products illustrating these trends.
  Information and pricing are summarized from public sources as of when they were added,
  and may be incorrect or out of date.

       

Home Networked Media
    Home Networked Media Technology - UPnP, DLNA

Digital TV Technology
   
Display Issues - Viewing distance, resolution, scaling, cables - HDMI
    Display Technologies
    3D TV - Technology and Product Deployment
    Display Interfaces - HDMI

Home Networked Media Products
    Home Media Sharing Products - Logitech Revue with Google TV, Apple TV, VUDU, Sling
    Internet Radio and Music Services

Home Video Monitoring and Webcams
    Consumer Web Cams: USB - Logitech
    Consumer Internet Cameras: IP - Logitech Alert, WiLife

Video Projectors - Handheld

Home Media Servers - Backup / Archiving
    Share, Archive -- NAS - Network Storage, Media Servers

See also:
   High-Def DVD Gallery


Home Networked Media


  • Share stored content around the house over home network 
  • Connections among PCs and consumer electronics devices
  • Don't need to go to a specific room and use a specific player device to access home media library
  • Play music stored on PC (or streamed directly over the Internet) on stereo system
  • Watch movies downloaded to your PC on living room TV
  • Watch TV shows from set-top digital video recorder on bedroom TV

Home Networked Media Technology

    See Home Networked Media Resources: Digital Media Networking Formats


Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

  • Simple and robust connectivity between stand-alone devices and PCs from different vendors
        Consumer electronics, intelligent appliances, mobile devices
  • Members: Computing, printing and networking; Consumer electronics; 
        Home appliances, automation, control and security; Mobile products.
  • www.upnp.org

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), 

  • Open standards and widely available industry specifications
  • Enable wired and wireless interoperable network of Personal Computers (PC), 
        Consumer Electronics (CE) and mobile devices in the home 
        enabling a seamless environment for sharing and growing new digital media and content services
  • Consumers are acquiring, viewing and managing an increasing variety of digital content 
        on their PCs, consumer electronics products and mobile devices. 
        They want to be able to easily and conveniently enjoy this content using any electronic device, 
        and from any location in their home, and beyond.
  • www.dlna.org

Home Networking Technology 

    WiFi - see Wireless Media Resources: Wireless Broadband Networking Technology
    Home Networking - see Home Digital Media Resources: Digital Media Transmission Formats


Home Networking Technology 

 

Theoretical

Actual Rate

Latency

Ethernet

100 Mbps

96 Mbps

<1 ms

802.11g

54 Mbps

20-25 Mbps

20-30 ms

MoCA

270 Mbps

135 Mbps

5 ms

HomePlug AV

200 Mbps

100 Mbps over coax  
50-55 Mbps over powerline

20-30 ms

HPNA

240 Mbps

80-100 Mbps

20-30 ms

802.11n/e

200+ Mbps

100 Mbps

??

Wi-Fi 

  • 802.11b - 2.4 GHz spectrum with a bandwidth of 11 Mbps
  • 802.11a - 5 GHz frequency range with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps
  • 802.11g - 2.4 GHz frequency but with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps.
  • 802.11n - at least 100 Mbps, up to 540 Mbps

WiMAX

  • Range 50 km, data rates of 70 Mbps

MoCA (Multimedia over Cable Alliance)

  • Fastest: theoretical 270 Mbps, actual 135 Mbps
  • Low latency rate: 5 milliseconds actual usage, 20 to 30 for HomePlug AV and HPNA
  • Minimal interference from other TV signals and no interference from household appliances or devices
  • www.mocalliance.org

HomePlug Powerline Alliance - Electrical Wiring

  • Electrical is most pervasive wiring in the home 
  • HomePlug AV - 2005 - maximum theoretical data rate of up to 200 Mbps
  • HomePlug Turbo - 2004 - 85 Mbps  
  • Noise, interference possibly incompatible
  • www.homeplug.org

ZyXEL DMA1100Pdigital media adapter 

  • HomePlug AV Powerline technology, DLNA server
  • 1080i high definition (HD) streaming, HDMI connection to HDTV and USB 2.0 support
  • Streams digital music and HD video to the home entertainment system with ease over power lines
  • 2/08 - $269
  • us.zyxel.com

HD-PLC - High Definition Power Line Communication

  • 190 Mbps, nearly four times current wireless home networks
  • CEPCA, CE (Consumer Electronics) Power Line Communication Alliance, established May 2005
        www.cepca.org
  • HD-PLC Alliance, established September 2007
        www.hd-plc.org
  • Panasonic

Home Phoneline Networking Alliance - HomePNA - HPNA

  • Existing copper phone lines for in-home networking 
  • Recently added ability to network over coax as well
  • International Telecommunications Union, HomePNA 3.0 (G.9954) 
  • Data rates of up to 240 Mbps, average data rate of 107 Mbps
  • www.homepna.org

Home A/V Networking Technology - Wireless Displays

    See Home Digital Media Resources - Home A/V Networking Technology


HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) - wired

           

  • Replaces tangle of cables with single cable
  • Carries uncompressed digital audio and video
  • www.hdmi.org

High Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA)

  • Members from IT, content provider, service provider , consumer electronics industry segments.
  • Mission to utilize existing standards and technologies to create a design guideline for secure High Definition AV networks that will advance commercial deployment of products and services and will enhance the consumer HD entertainment experience
  • Focus initially on IEEE 1394/FireWire
  • www.hanaalliance.org

WirelessHD (WiHD)

  • Formed in 2006, 40 companies
        Intel, LG, Panasonic, NEC, SAMSUNG, SiBEAM, Sony, Toshiba
  • Next generation wireless digital network interface specification for consumer electronics products.
  • Wireless streaming high-definition content between source devices and high-definition displays
  • Combine uncompressed high-definition video, multi-channel audio, intelligent format and control data, and Hollywood approved content protection
  • Uncompressed HD video, audio and data transmission, scalable to future high-definition A/V formats
  • First generation high-speed rates up to 4 Gbps at ten meters for CE, PC, and portable devices 
  • Core technology theoretical data rates as high as 25 Gbps
  • www.wirelesshd.org

Pulse~LINK - Ultra Wideband (UWB)

  • CWave Whole-Home Interactive HD solution 
  • Whole-home distribution of interactive HD multimedia content over a hybrid wired/wireless network
  • Room-to-room distribution of multiple HDTV streams and multimedia content 
        over both coax and wireless connections simultaneously from the same chipset
  • Data rates more than 400 Mbps
  • MAC/Baseband/RF chipset exceeds 1Gbps in UWB communications
  • www.pulselink.net

DisplayLink - Networked Displays

  • Extended display to multiple monitors -- Real-time video playback across a USB link
  • High-performance Hardware Rendering Engine (HRE) network display chips and Virtual Graphics Card (VGC) software that power high-quality, fully interactive 32-bit true-color graphics 
  • Adaptive compression algorithm and graphics protocol can also transmit graphics over other standard network interfaces, including wireless USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi
  • www.displaylink.com

See also - Local Device Networking Technology
    Wireless USB, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication 

Top


Digital TV Technology


Display Issues


Room Size - Viewing distance

  • Need larger space for viewing distance to appreciate large displays
  • Not so close as to see the dots on the screen
  • Not so far back to lose immersion experience from picture filling the field of view
  • Viewing distance should be three times the height of the screen
        - 40" screen around 5 to 10 feet
        - 60" screen around 7 to 15 feet
  • For normal TV viewing distances (8-10 feet)
        - Need ~ 42" screen to see improved quality of 720p (beyond 480)
        - Need ~ 60" screen to see improved quality of 1080p

Resolution

  • Not all digital televisions are high-definition
  • Not all flat-panel displays are high-definition
  • HDTV is broadcast in two main resolutions: 
        - 720p  (1280 x 720, progressive) 
        - 1080i (1920 x 1080, interlaced)
  • HDTV is 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio
  • Smaller LCD displays may be SD (standard definition), at much lower 640 x 480 resolution (old PC VGA)
        or EDTV (extended definition), at 1024 x 768 (small even for today's laptops)

Scaling

  • Multiple digital TV formats, need scaling to match source to physical display 
        Resolution, frame rate, and interlaced / progressive
  • Scale the input picture format to native resolution of display, actual pixels
  • Convert between interlaced and progressive formats -- fields and frames
  • Convert 24 fps film material (inverse telecine), 
        30 fps progressive, 60 fps interlaced (deinterlace)
  • May squish or stretch the signal, frame in black to keep the correct aspect ratio
  • High-end theater systems use separate scaling units

Cabling

  • Actual display (flat panel) is being decoupled from TV tuner and speakers
  • Signals arrive through alternative paths -- off-air, cable, satellite, fiber, DVD, Internet.
  • Each path may require a separate box (with its own digital video recorder), provide different kinds of signal
  • High-quality video and surround-sound audio can require dedicated cabling for each component

Display Technologies


LCD -- Liquid Crystal Displays

  • Lower prices from mass production for both computer and TV displays,
  • Choice for smaller display sizes -- up to around 40 - 50 inches
  • Thinner and lighter
  • Improved black level and viewing angle
  • Improving fast motion: 
  • Good for bright room
  • Sharp: 65" LCD, CES 05 -- Sharp: 108" LCD, CES 07
  • LG: 100" LCD, CES 07

Plasma Screens 

  • Dominant for larger screen sizes -- beyond 40 inches to 50 to 60 inches
  • Accurate color reproduction
  • Wide contrast range, 3000:1 contrast ratio
  • Deep black level, movies (Pioneer CES 07)
  • Minimal blurring of motion, sports, rivals CRT
  • Wide viewing angle, family, approaching 160 degrees
  • Old burn-in problems resolved
  • Panasonic: 103" plasma, CES 06
  • Plasma Display Coalition: Hitachi, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung
        www.plasmadisplaycoalition.org

Rear-Projection Displays

  • Getting flatter, less bulky
  • DLP, LCD, and LCOS technology instead of CRTs

Front Projection Displays

  • Developing option for large screen home theater
  • Smaller, brighter projectors
  • Better, more reflective screens

3D TV - Technology and Product Deployment


  • See article: 3D - The Next Dimension
        Part 1 - Seeing 3D: Market, Technology, Formats
        Part 2 - Using 3D: Products, Shooting, Editing

3D Technology and Glasses


   Courtesy Sony

3D Mechanisms
  • Spatial: Both images displayed at same time (e.g. alternate lines)
    • Lower res - Lose half the image resolution
    • Passive - simpler glasses (red/green, polarized)
  • Temporal: Alternate frames
    • Require double the frame rate
    • Darker - Lose half the light
    • Active - more expensive glasses (with battery)
  • Spectral - Different spectrum bands (Dolby 3D Digital Cinema)
3D Technology
  • Anaglyphic - Passive red-cyan glasses
    • Works with printed materal
  • Polarized 3D - Passive, Polarized glasses
    • Display with polarized screen
    • Polarized 45 degrees or circular opposite (can tilt head)
    • Used for 3D cinema (RealD)
  • Shutter glasses - Active, temporal - alternate-frame sequencing
    • LCD shutter glasses, transparent / dark, open / block each eye
    • Wireless - Sync display and glasses - 240 Hz (120 per eye)
  • Autostereoscopic - Without glasses
RealD 3D Technology
  • Digital 3D technology for cinema, visualization, displays
  • www.reald.com

RealD - Theatre - Movie glasses

3D TV Displays for the Home

3D HDTVs announced at CES 2010:
  • 3D TV - Display with associated glasses
  • "3D ready" - Separate accessories: Glasses + wireless emitter for display
  • JVC, Panasonic, Sony, Samsung, Toshiba
"Dimensionalize" - Real-time conversion of 2D content to 3D
  • Like colorizing back and white movies
  • or DVD players upsampling standard-def content to HD
  • Samsung, Toshiba
SMPTE - 3-D Home Display


  Panasonic Full HD 3D System

3D Content Delivery for the Home

3D to TV
  • Unlike HDTV, no broadcast 3D standard for first products
  • 3D Blu-ray in best position
    • Possible to support with firmware update (Sony PS3)
  • Also support though cable services: DirecTV
Blu-ray 3D
  • Blu-ray 3D - 3D in Full HD - 1080p high definition resolution
  • Full 1080p resolution backward compatibility with current 2D Blu-ray players
  • Display agnostic, deliver 3D image to any compatible 3D display
    • Supports playback of 2D discs in forthcoming 3D players
    • Enables 2D playback of Blu-ray 3D discs on existing Blu-ray Disc players
  • Encoded with Multiview Video Coding (MVC) codec
    • Extension to H.264 AVC codec supported by all Blu-ray Disc players
    • Compresses both left and right eye views with a typical 50% overhead
  • Includes enhanced graphic features for 3D
  •             Navigation using 3D graphic menus, 3D subtitles
  • Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), 12/09
3D to PCs
  • Blu-ray player software supports 3D Blu-ray: CyberLink, Corel
  • Requires 3D-capable displays, graphics cards: Intel, NVIDIA
NVIDIA 3D Vision
  • Wireless active LCD shutter glasses for 120 Hz LCDs and DLP HDTVs
  • 3D Vision Bundle $598 - 3D Vision Kit and 3D Vision Ready Samsung LCD monitor.
    • 3D Vision Kit $199 - 1 pair of glasses, emitter and connection cables.
    • Extra Glasses for 3D Vision -$149 - 1 pair of glasses and charging cable
  • www.nvidia.com/object/3D_Vision_Main.html


   NVIDIA GrForce 3D Vision with glasses and wireless emitter

HDMI 1.4 Interface for 3D

Top


Home Networked Media Products


Home Media Sharing Products

  • Media sharing over home network
  • Media content downloading
  • DVR sharing across home network
  • See Game Consoles: PS3, Xbox 360

Google TV


 

Google TV

  • Easy search - Across cable or satellite programming, Web, apps, recordings from compatible DVRs, shared home media
  • Entertainment-based results - TV and web, Netflix, Amazon
  • Browse websites - Google Chrome + Adobe Flash Player 10.1 (YouTube)
  • Run Google TV Android apps
  • Social networks (Facebook, Twitter)
  • Entertainment hubs (Netflix, Amazon, Pandora, Napster, NBA.TV)
  • Media Player - Access content on home network / PCs (DLNA)
  • Dual View - Simultaneous web and picture-in-picture TV window
  • Free automatic updates
  • Google TV - www.google.com/tv

Sony Internet TV with Google TV


Logitech Revue with Google TV

  • "Watch whatever you want, wherever it comes from on HDTV"
  • "TV gets a homepage" -- "The web is now a channel"
  • TV + Search + full Web browser + Android apps
  • Pass-through cable box to TV, search and view across sources
  • Logitech - www.logitech.com/en-us/smartTV

 

 

 

 

Logitech Revue

  • Google TV in a box
  • Revue companion box - Connect cable or satellite set-top box
  • Pass-through to TV (HDMI)
  • Plus Internet connection (wired or wireless)
  • Connections: HDMI in/out (cable/TV), 2 IR blaster ports (control devices, 1 external blaster included), 2 USB (camera), Ethernet (or wireless), SPDIF audio out
  • DISH Network Enhanced DVR integration:
       Recordings included in Quick Search
  • 10/10 - $299
Logitech Keyboard Controller
  • Compact keyboard, navigation panel, touchpad,
  • Dedicated keys / shortcuts for remote control functions, video playback
  • $99 (included with Revue)
Logitech Mini Controller
  • Compact palm-sized keyboard, touch pad, remote control, $129
  • Combination touch pad / D-pad with backlit directional controls
  • Illuminated backlit - green for navigation, orange for typing & pointing
  • Rechargeable Li-ion battery, up to 2 weeks; 6 x 3 1/2 in.
Logitech TV Cam
  • Works with Logitech Vid, using TV cam or computer web cam, $149
  • Carl Zeiss lens / optics
  • Wide-angle lens to see everybody, 5x digital zoom to move in closer
  • HD 720p resolution
  • Two digital, directional microphones, Hear stereo audio
    • Reduce living room noise - Noise reduction, Echo cancellation
  • 5 foot USB cable plus 6 foot extension cable
  • On-screen notification of caller ID, envelope icon for missed call
    • When TV off, camera LED blinks for missed call
Smartphone Remote -
     Logitech Harmony App for Android and iPhone
  • Keyboard to find shows, touchpad to browse web
  • Remote control for home entertainment system
  • Gesture controls
  • Free app - iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Android

Find the Logitech Revue on Amazon.com


Apple TV


  • 9/10 - 80% smaller, Rental for all content, $99 (was $299)
  • 10/09 - Apple TV 3.0 software: Redesigned main menu
    • Easier access to on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases,
    • HD TV shows, music and podcasts from iTunes Store
    • Fullscreen iTunes Extras and iTunes LP, Genius Mixes and Internet radio
  • 9/09 - 160 GB lowered to $299
  • 1/08 - 40 GB $229, 160 GB $329
  • 3/07 - 40 GB $299
  • 9/06 - Introduced
  • www.apple.com/appletv

Apple TV (2010)

  • Watch HD movies and TV shows on HD TV
  • Rental for all content, no purchasing, no managing storage on box
  • Built-in HDMI, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
  • Enclosure under 4 inches square - 80% smaller than previous generation
  • 1/4 the size, hold in palm of hand, no power brick
  • 1 HDMI connector, Ethernet or WiFi
  • 9/10 - $99 (was $299)
  • Users want Hollywood movies and TV shows on demand, in HD
  • Largest online selection of HD movies to rent, first run movies $4.99
  • Largest online selection of HD TV show episodes rent for $0.99 (was $2.99 purchase)
    • ABC, ABC Family, Fox, Disney Channel, BBC America
  • Stream from Netflix, YouTube, Flickr and MobileMe
  • Millions of YouTube videos, 200,000 podcasts, 4,000 Internet radio stations
  • Music, photos and videos from PCs and Macs

Find the Apple TV (2010) on Amazon.com


Apple TV (2008 - 2009)

  • Watch iTunes library, iTunes Store rentals: 
        Movies, TV shows, music videos
  • Free internet content: YouTube videos, podcasts, HD video podcasts
        Photos from Flickr or .Mac Web Galleries
  • Standard Definition rentals: 720 x 480 anamorphic, stereo, 
        New releases $3.99, Library titles $2.99
  • High Definition: 1280 x 720, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, 
        New releases $4.99, Library titles $3.99
  • 30 days to start watching, once started have 24 hours to finish watching
  • 9/09 - 160 GB lowered to $299
  • 1/08 - 40 GB $229, 160 GB $329
Find the Apple TV on Amazon.com

Specs

  • Intel processor, 40 or 160 GB hard drive
  • Up to 50 / 200 hours of video, 9,000 / 36,000 songs, 25,000 pictures
  • A/V: HDMI, Component video, Optical audio, Analog RCA stereo audio
  • Network: 10/100BASE-T Ethernet, 802.11n wireless
  • Ports: USB 2.0, IR receiver (works with included Apple Remote)
  • Footprint: 7.7 by 7.7 inches (197 by 197 mm), Height: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds (1.09 kg)

Formats

  • Video: H.264 / protected H.264 (iTunes Store): Up to 5 Mbps, Progressive Main Profile (CAVLC) with AAC-LC audio
        up to 160 Kbps (max 1280 x 720 at 24 fps, 960 x 540 at 30 fps) in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
  • iTunes Store purchased video: 320 x 240, 640 x 480, 720 x 480 (anamorphic), or high-def 720p
  • MPEG-4: Up to 3 Mbps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps (max 720 x 432 at 30 fps) 
        in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats
  • Audio: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps); protected AAC (iTunes Store); MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; 
        Apple Lossless; AIFF; WAV; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound pass-through
  • Photo: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG

Logitech Squeezebox

  • Browse, organize and play digital music collection away from a computer, anywhere in your home
  • Play local music libraries from your computer with SqueezeBox Server software (was SqueezeCenter)
        Access personal music collection, create playlists
        Connect to music services and Internet radio
        Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux
  • Access music on NAS drive or MP3tunes music locker
  • Tune to Internet radio stations
        Access thousands of Internet radio stations, millions of songs
  • Access subscription music services
        Custom music - Last.fm, Pandora, Slacker
        Music on Demand - Classical.com, MP3Tunes Music Locker, Mediafly, Napster, Rhapsody
        Music Stores - Amazon
  • Download apps: Music services, podcasts + exclusive content from Queen
        Facebook friends, View Flickr photos (Not available on Squeezebox Boom, Classic or Transporter)
  • Access and set up through MySqueezeBox.com (was SqueezeNetwork)
  • http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com

Logitech Squeezebox Radio - Network Music Player (9/09)

  • All-in-one network music player, with integrated amplifier, high-performance speakers, simplified setup
  • All-in-one design: Plug in to power outlet, connect to network
  • Wired Ethernet 10/100 or Wi-Fi wireless 802.11g networking
  • All-digital 30-watt amplifier; Bi-amplified class D design with digital electronic crossover
  • Stereo XL technology widens sound stage
  • 7-day alarm clock, 6 preset buttons
 

 

 

  • 2.4 in. color LCD, ambient light sensor
  • One 3/4-inch, high-def, soft-dome tweeter, 
        one 3-inch, high-power, long-throw woofers
  • Supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless;
    Internet Radio - MP3, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, WMA
  • Line-in via 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Headphone out via 3.5 mm connector
  • 8.66 x 5.12 x 5.04 in. (220 x 130 x 128 mm)
  • PR 9/09 - Introduced - http://ir.logitech.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=406806
  • 9/09 - $199, black or red
Find the Logitech Squeezebox Radio on Amazon.com

Top


Internet Radio and Music Services 


Live365 - Listings to explore thousands of available stations, search by genre and location.



Last.fm - Customize your own listening experience. 
Develop profile of interests - specific stations, genres, or artists, preview individual tracks
Explore with personal recommendations, similar, shared music from other users and groups


Slacker Personal Radio - Choose genre and style, listen for free (with ads)
Explore new music, customize personal stations with favorite styles and artists 
Over 100 expert-programmed stations, 10,000 artist stations


  • Licensing agreements with major record labels, thousands of independent labels
  • Radio-like experience - customize music, skip ahead in playlist over individual songs
        Can't skip backwards to replay a specific song, can pause playback
  • Slacker G2 portable player - Refreshes your favorite stations over USB or Wi-Fi 
        $199 for 4 GB / 25 stations / 2500 songs, $249 for 8 GB / 40 stations / 4000 songs (with space for personal storage)
  • Slacker Premium Radio service - $7.50 to $9.99 a month
        Avoid ads, request specific songs (like calling in a request to the DJ), save favorite songs on computer or Slacker player

Pandora Radio -  Personalized radio stations
Music with similar music styles related to favorite artist, song, or composer
Based on the Music Genome Project


  • Register for free to save stations, share stations with other listeners
       Subscribe for ad-free ($36 a year)
  • Available on cell phones from Sprint and AT&T, including the iPhone.
  • Available on home players including Sonos and Logitech Squeezebox

Top


Home Video Monitoring and Webcams


  • Watch sleeping baby in the nursery 
  • Monitor out the front window for delivery trucks
  • Watch from other PCs on the home network
  • Access over the Internet
      Open connection through firewall, register with Web service to make the connection

Consumer Web Cams: USB

  • Direct connect to PC: Deliver the video over USB connection to computer
  • Grab clips, run video conferencing software to communicate over the Internet
  • Run monitoring software on attached PC to act as a video server
  • Server can run video surveillance software to alert on motion, changes in scene
  • Connect to the server PC over your home network to watch video from other computers
  • Connectix introduced original QuickCam with eyeball design in 1994 (now Logitech)
  • Creative WebCams -- www.creative.com/products/webcams
  • Logitech QuickCams -- www.logitech.com
  • Logitech Video Effects software - www.logitech.com/videoeffects
  • Start at around $30

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema  Webcam - 720p HD (9/09)

 

 

 

 

 

  • Consumer webcam shoots HD widescreen video with native 720p sensor
  • 73 degree diagonal field of view
  • Video: 1280 x 720, 16:9 widescreen, up to 30 fps
  • Photos: Up to 5 megapixel (2880 x 1620, interpolated)
  • Auto focus, Automatic image adjustment with manual overwrite, Digital pan, tilt
  • Integrated uni-directional digital microphone, 200Hz to 8000Hz, +/- 4dB
  • High-precision glass element lens - more accurate colors and sharper video.
  • ClearFrame - image-processing technology for detailed video even in low light
  • Digital microphone - noise cancelling technology improves speech quality
  • Aluminum body - reduces weight and improves durability
  • Flexible universal attachment base - Sit on flat surface or clip to display --
    • Flex, bend to mount on laptop screen, LCD flat panel, traditional CRT monitors
  • Windows Live Call Button on back - See who's online, start video call
  • Microsoft LifeCam software: View, capture, post to Windows Live Spaces, e-mail, video calls
    • Use Windows Live Movie Maker to edit in HD,
           upload to social networking sites (Win 7 and Vista only)
    • Use Windows Live Photo Gallery to upload photos, edit, tag, share
  • Works with Windows software as standard-def camera: Windows Live Messenger,
         Microsoft Office Communicator, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, Skype
  • Optimized for Windows Live Messenger
    • Use LifeCam Dashboard to add video special effects and control webcam
  • 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.6 in. (56 x 46 x 40 mm), 3.36 oz. (95.3 g)
  • 10/10 - 9/09 - Available - $79, street $59
  • PR 8/09 - Announce - www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/aug09/08-20CinemaPR.mspx
  • www.microsoft.com/hardware/digitalcommunication/productdetails.aspx?pid=008

Find the  Microsoft LifeCam Cinema on Amazon.com


Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 — Full HD (8/10)   

Find the  Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 on Amazon.com

Logitech HD Webcam C510 - Portable HD Video Calling and Recording  (6/10)  

  • Fold-and-go design protects lens, with carrying case
  • Full-rotation 360 degree swivel; Universal clip fits laptops, monitors
  • Video calls in HD 720p (1280 x 720)
  • Video capture to 1280 x 720
  • Photos to 8 MP (software enhanced)
  • Built-in microphone - Logitech RightSound technology
  • ~ 2 5/8 x 1 1/2 in., 7 /8 in. deep folded up, 5 foot cable
  • Full Logitech webcam software
  • www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams/devices/6817
  • PR 6/10 - www.logitech.com/en-us/172/7219
  • 6/10 - $59.99
Find the  Logitech HD Webcam C510 on Amazon.com

Logitech Webcam C905 - Clip-on HD Video (8/09)

Find the  Logitech Webcam C905 on Amazon.com

Logitech Webcam Software (6/10)

  • Logitech Vid HD
  • Logitech RightLight 2 technology - Enhance dim or poorly backlit scenes
  • Video and photo capture
  • MAGIX Photo Manager 9 - Photo editing - Import, organize, basic editing
  • MAGIX Video Easy - Video editing - drag-and-drop
  • Facebook or YouTube upload HD videos / photos
  • Sensible Vision FastAccess facial recognition software - Face-recognition login (trial)
  • Logitech Video Effects - with face tracking
    • Avatars (virtual characters), Face Accessories (hat, nose, mask)
    • Video Masks, Fun Filters (photographic filters or manipulations)

Logitech Vid HD - Simple Video Conferencing Software (6/10)


Logitech Vid HD (6/10)
  • HD 720p video calling with Logitech HD webcams
  • Easy contacts - use email address
  • Easy calling - clicking on friend’s picture
  • Free download - WIndows and Mac, any Logitech or other webcam
  • At least 256 kbps Internet upload / download for standard definition
    • at least 1 Mbps upload / download for HD 720p video calls
  • PR 6/10 - http://www.logitech.com/en-us/172/7219
  • www.logitech.com/vid
Simple Video Calling
  • Simple webcam video conferencing software for PC or Mac
    • Use webcam with built-in mic, headset, or external microphone
  • Straightforward interface dedicated to video calling
    • Minimal controls, picture-in-picture option
  • Streamlined setup, register using your e-mail address
        Practice Call option to verify set-up
  • Add friends by sending e-mail invitation
  • Displays thumbnail picture for your contacts, click to start video call
  • Doesn't currently connect with Windows Live Messenger, AIM, 
        Yahoo! Messenger, Skype (but can use on same computer)
Logitech Vid (6/09)
  • Good quality: VGA 640 x 480, 30 fps
  • Recommend 768 Kbps connection (bi-directional), minimum 256 Kbps
  • Free for Logitech webcam users, or if invited to join (with any camera)
        Otherwise download free 30-day trial version
  • PR 6/09 - www.logitech.com/index.cfm/press/press_releases/6057&cl=us,en
  • Built on Logitech SightSpeed Network, www.sightspeed.com
        (with video e-mail, 4- and 9-way video conferencing)
        Compatible with SightSpeed and Dell Video Chat

Consumer Internet Cameras: IP

  • Camera plugs directly into home network (or wireless): IP server 
  • Better solution for continuous remote monitoring

Logitech Alert Video Security System - Indoor & Outdoor Cameras (8/10)

  • Up to six cameras, indoor and outdoor models
  • Quickly and easily install - Powerline networking over existing power wires
  • Motion-triggered recording zones, alerts (email or texts)
  • HD video, wide angle - 960 x 720 - plus built-in microphone
    • Field of view ~ 132 degrees
  • Records locally on camera
    • 2 GB microSD card, holds ~ 1 week's recordings to 32 GB)
  • Alert Commander PC software - Live view, backup and review, settings
  • Monitor anytime, anywhere - Free Web viewer in browser
  • Upgrade to Logitech Alert Mobile Commander and Web Commander
    • Mobile Commander - View live and recorded video, manage alert settings
    • Web Commander - +Camera offline, manage multiple locations
    • One-year subscription $79.95
  • Powerline networking (PoE) ~ 10,000 kbps
    • HomePlug AV - 200 Mbps, 128-Bit AES, password protection
    • HomePlug Powerline Alliance - www.homeplug.org
  • Master Systems with Powerline network adapter, Add-On Cameras
  • PR 8/10 - www.logitech.com/en-us/172/7384
  • www.logitech.com/en-us/alert/digital-video-security-system

Logitech Alert Commander software
  • Desktop application for PC (Windows)
    • Configure, watch live HD video, store video on PC, review recorded video
    • Control and configure up to six cameras
  • Video: 960 x 720, 15 fps, 1200 kbps
  • Live View - Digital zoom into window (pan/tilt)
    • Audio on/off, mic level
    • Brightness / Contrast, Flip/Mirror, Audio Night vision
    • Store on local PC disk
  • Playback View - Review previously recorded video clips
    • By calendar day, pause, step, slow/fast
    • Protect clips so not deleted over time
  • View full-screen or split 4 / 6 cameras
  • Back up video from camera SD card to PC disk for viewing / playback
    • 20 G can hold months of clips
  • Save / print frames
  • Save video sequences - mp4 - H.264, 960 x 720, 1.24 mbps, 10.4 fps
  • Motion Detection - Up to 16 rectangular zones, with sensitivity
  • Alerts - Email (and phone text) - Plain text, with snapshot, mobile phone optimized
    • Desktop - Pop-up with sound effect (camera shutter, dog, alarm)
    • Limit to every N minutes, Require motion for N seconds
  • Remote Access - Web (alert.logitech.com), Mobile devices

Logitech Alert Indoor Camera (8/10)
  • Suction-cup mount - stick to window facing outside or inside
  • Desktop mount - easily move to desk or bookcase
  • Wall/ceiling mount for a fixed location, office or waiting room
  • 10 ft. (3 meter) Ethernet cable from Powerline adapter
  • Logitech Alert 750i (Indoor) Master System - $299
  • Logitech Alert 700i Add-On Camera - $229
  • www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/...

Logitech Alert Outdoor Camera (8/10)
  • Auto night vision - Infrared illumination (visible red)
  • Weatherized - Recommended operating temp -30° ~ +50°C (-22° ~ 120°F)
  • Sturdy wall/ceiling mount
  • 20 ft. (6 meter) Ethernet cable from Powerline adapter
  • Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master System - $349
  • Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera - $279
  • www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications...

 

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Video Projectors


3M - Camcorder and Mobile Projectors (as of 11/11)

 

3M Mobile Projector MP225A

  • 32 lumens, up to 80”, 800 x 600 SVGA
  • 5.9 x 2.5 x 1.2 in., 10.4 oz.
  • Cables to connect to  iPad/iPhone/iPod devices included
  • ~ 11/11 - $229

Find the 3M Mobile Projector
on Amazon

 



3M Camcorder Projector CP45R

  • HD video recording (720p), 5MP still camera
  • Record up to six 25-minute videos
  • 2.4” LCD display
  • 20 lumens, Projects screen size 10” - 65” diagonal, 800 x 600 SVGA
  • 2 GB + microSD
  • Battery - Project 100 min.
  • Built-in microphone and speakers
  • ~ 11/11 - $299

Find the 3M Camcorder Projector
on Amazon


3M - MPro Pocket Projectors (as of 11/11)

 

3M MP180 - Storage + Wireless (~ 1/11)

  • Wireless Internet / devices - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Touch-screen display
  • Store and display docs, images, audio, video
  • 4 GB memory + microSD card slot, USB Mini 2.0
  • 32 lumens, 2 x 0.75 watt speakers
  • Image size 10 - 80" diagonal
  • 5.9 x 2.5 x 1.3 in., 11.9 oz.
  • ~11/11- $399, ~ 1/11 - $449

Find the 3M MPro180 on Amazon

 


3M MP160 - 2X Brighter (10/10)

  • No storage
  • 32 lumens, 2 x 0.75 watt speakers
  • Image size 10 - 80" diagonal
  • 5.9 x 2.5 x 1.2 in., 10.6 oz.
  • 11/11 - $299, ~ 11/10 - $359

Find the 3M MPro160 on Amazon


3M MPro150 - Storage (1/10)

  • Store and display docs, images, audio, video
  • 1 GB memory + microSD card slot, USB Mini 2.0
  • 16 lumens, 2 x 1/2 watt speakers
  • Image size 8 - 50" diagonal
  • 5.1 x 2.4 c 0.9 in., 5.6 oz.
  • ~ 11/11 - $259, ~ 11/10 - $435 -> $264

Find the 3M MPro150 on Amazon

  • MP 180 & 160 - Double brightness to 30 lumens, ~ 2X heavier
  • MP 180 & 150 - Internal storage + microSD slot
    • Download presentation and go, Leave PC at the office
  • LED light: up to 20‚000 hours, no replacement
  • Battery 2 hours
  • Output: VGA, Composite Video, Component Video, Audio Out (3.5mm Stereo jack)
  • Display formats: VGA, SVGA, XGA, WXGA (1280x768)
  • File formats (180/150): Docs: Office Word DOC, PowerPoint PPT, Excel XLS, TXT, Adobe PDF
    • Images: BMP, JPG; Audio: MP3, AMR, AAC; Video: MP4, H.264, PAL, NTSC

Imation Link Wireless Audio/Video Extender - Wireless USB - HD Video (8/10)

  • Wirelessly transmits HD video and audio from PC or Mac to television or projector
    • HD video (720p / 1280 x 720), stereo audio, still photos at 1080p
    • Internet TV, movies, photos, games, video conferencing, business presentations
  • Extended desktop or duplicate PC display
    • Uses Control Panel > Windows Display Properties
  • Ultra-wideband Wireless USB 2.0
    • Reliable connection, faster speeds, lower power than Wi-Fi
    • Directional antenna up to 30 feet wireless line-of-sight
    • One-to-one connectivity, no Wi-Fi interference

  • Fin-shaped receiver connects to TV or projector using HDMI or VGA
    • Also stereo audio output jack; HDMI cable included
    • Signal strength indicator on receiver - green/yellow/red
  • Wireless transmitter USB dongle - pivots vertical
    • Windows drivers on USB transmitter, Mac driver on CD
    • LINK Pair Tool for associating multiple units
  • Receiver 10.875 x 4.0 x 5.5 in., 1.6 lbs
  • DisplayLink drivers - www.displaylink.com
  • PR 8/10 - www.imation.com/en-us/About-Imation/News/...
  • www.imation.com/en-us/Imation-Products...
  • ~ 1/11 - $105; 8/10 - $149

Find the Imation Link on Amazon.com

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Home Media Servers - Backup / Archiving


  • Share, organize, archive digital media collection -- photos, music, video
  • At prices under $1 per gigabyte, can get a half-terabyte or more of storage
        500 GB -- stores some 400,000 photos, 5,000 hours of music, or 40 hours of DV video

Share, Archive -- Network Storage, Media Servers

  • Network drive plugs directly in to home network
  • Central home server with no computer required
  • Network Attached Storage (NAS)
  • Share media files, Back up across the network
  • Add built-in support for media streaming to set-top devices
  • Add enterprise features like support for 10X faster Gigabit Ethernet
  • Backup the server: USB ports to back up to external drives (or share)
  • RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)
    Spreads files across multiple physical drives, still recover if one drive fails

Netgear ReadyNAS

  • Networked file sharing, archive / backup, media streaming, Web / FTP
        RAID, Gigabit Ethernet, Continuous System Monitoring and Backup
  • RAID 0, 1, 5, plus hardware ReadyNAS X-RAID single volume auto expansion
  • Hot swappable hard disks, even with additional capacity
  • 3 USB 2.0 ports: Shared external hard drives and printers
  • Network backup: EMC Retrospect backup and recovery software
  • Web browser interface and setup wizard, automatic alerts (e-mail, text)
  • Network File Services: Windows CIFS/SMB, Mac AFP, UNIX NFS, Web HTTP/S & FTP/S
  • Media Streaming: UPnP AV, SlimServer, Network DVD player compatible, Windows MCE compatible 
  • Network Security: Selectable Share, User Domain/ADS modes, Windows ACL , Encrypted network logins, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 
  • Network Options: DHCP or static IP, WINS, NTP
  • 5-Year hardware warranty
  • 9/08 - 1 TB $999 - 4 TB $2499; 06 - Up to 3 TB ~ $2870 (was Infrant)
  • Community - www.readynas.com
  • www.netgear.com/Products/Storage.aspx

    Find the Netgear ReadyNAS on Amazon.com

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