HD Webcams For Windows : Marketing vs Reality

With Dual and even Quad-Core processors well above 2Ghz in modern Intel based computer these days, the horspower needed to handle smooth, high-quality HD Webcam video chat and video capture at high frame rates has arrived. Compatible HD webcams supporting 2MP and higher resolution sensors really require 2Ghz+ processors for smooth frame-rates at such a high resolution. FAST COMPUTER REQUIRED.

Technically, any 2MP or higher webcam is 'HD' and it's sensor can support a minimum 720 lines of resolution or more. But the reality is the emerging line of webcams with TRUE Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratios, and true 720p and 1080p HD resolution need to be suppported by a wide range of applications to take advantage of it. So HD is really a function of both hardware AND software AND network bandwidth. Sadly the vast majority of 3rd-Party Windows webcam chat and video capture programs have yet to be updated. However - Using the bundled Windows software that comes with the HD webcam will give you the most versatility in choosing the various resolutions the camera is capable of.

USB 2.0 720p Webcams For Fast Intel Computers

Basic web cam functionality for SD - Standard Definition 3:4 aspect ratio is assured, and additional and bundled Windows apps can enhance and extend the camera's features.
         

720p Logitech Cam	Creative Labs HD Cam	High-Def Notebook Camera
AutoFocus + Zeiss Lens Pro 9000 Webcam	Live! Cam Socialize For Vista/Windows7 and OSX 10.5+	Hercules Cheap 720p Cam Notebook Mount Only!

All these featured UVC webcams REQUIRE USB 2.0 speed ports. Under Windows 7 and Vista, these provide 'just plug it in' compatibility with many video capture programs, CamFrog, ICUii, ISPQ, Flash web video chat, and other popular capture and conferencing programs.

Logitech's Latest Wide-Angle HD Webcam Models For 2010

A new line of 16:9 wide-angle WINDOWS-ONLY webcams from Logitech recently hit the scene. At the high-end, the Pro 910 with Autofocus and glass Carl Zeiss lens - and a stereo microphone very few other webcams have. In the tier below it, the C510 and C310 have 'premium' plastic lenses and built-in microphones as well. Unlike many low-end and cheap import cams - Logitech execels at good color balance and light-sensitivity worth paying up for.

         

1080p Logitech Cam	Logitech Midrange 720p	Value HD Webcam
HD Pro C910 Stereo Microphone, AutoFocus	Logitech C510 720p Swivel Mount, HQ Mic	Cheap HD Webcam Fixed Focus w/Mic

HD Web Cam Video Capture vs True HD Video Chat

Direct capture of hi-definition video from a HD web camera is doable - and great for movie and DVD projects, and high quality YouTube and other video site uploads. But true HD videoconferencing using a Hi-Def web cam is NOT a realistic expectation for most at this point. HD broadcasting and reception of 720p High-Definition video requires more internet bandwidth than some home users possess at both ends - and few Windows video chat programs are even designed to even try to compress and handle HD 720p chat sessions.

Fake HD Web Camera Video-Conferencing with Skype

With select Logitech webcam models (like the Vision Pro, C905 Notebook or Pro 9000 line) Skype for Windows - Latest Version can detect these high-quality Logitech webcams and allow higher quality "HQ" video connections between Apple and PC users. But it isn't capable of TRUE HD chat. Yet. They are working on the Windows7 version for 720p conferencing for PC users - but no Mac version is in beta nor development at this time.

True HD VideoConferencing With Logitech VID

Review these PC Windows7 system requirements For Vid HD - then download VID for Windows:
You’ll need a high-speed internet connection with at least 256 kbps UPLOAD / download for standard definition and at least 1 Mbps UPLOAD / download for hi-def 720p video calls. DSL won't cut it. Cable might - if your cable company can really deliver the bits for high upload speeds.
You need a webcam if you want to be seen, and for High-Def video you will need one of Logitechs new HD webcams to transmit HD video.
You need a webcam with a built-in mic, a headset, or an external microphone connected.
PC : Vid HD works with Windows XP, Microsoft's Vista, or Windows7. You'll need a CPU that’s a 2.4 GHz Intel Core2 Duo with 2GB of RAM for HD calls and a minimum 1GHz CPU with 512MB RAM for basic video calls.
Display: A WIDE SCREEN MONITOR like many Windows laptops have these capable of displaying 1280 x 720p resolution or higher for High-Definition video calls. Netbooks may not make the grade either in screen resolution - or CPU requirements!
On the receiving end: To send you an HD video call, your friend’s setup needs to meet the same requirements.