Business News Holding

Tag: webcam

  • HD Webcam Shoots Real-time 720p at 30fps


    Samsung is expanding its range of CMOS image sensors with a new high-definition 1/4-inch, 1.2 Megapixel (Mp) system-on-chip (SoC) webcam.

    The S5K4AW is intended for embedding in both notebook and desktop computers.

    Developed specifically for real-time HD video capture, the imager supports 720p HD video at 30 frames per second, and captures VGA video at up to 60 frames per second.

    Dr Yiwan Wong, vice president of marketing for Samsung Electronics’ System LSI Division, said that by incorporating a technique called binning in 2×2 pixel groups, the S5K4AW addresses the oft-encountered problem of using webcams in low light.

    He said the imager is 3x more sensitive than current sensors.

    The binning technique also mean the imager can display standard VGA format without the need for cropping.

    Wong said this eliminates the "annoying problem" of losing the top or the bottom of a scene while video conferencing or video file sharing on social media networks such as YouTube.

    Mass production of the S5K4AW is expected in the first half of 2009.

  • Skype Launches Computer-free Videophone


    ASUS has launched the first Skype certified videophone allowing unlimited video calling over the Internet.

    The AiGuru SV1, part of the Eee Phone product family, has a 7" display and a built-in webcam, speaker and microphone.

    WiFi-capable, the videophone lets users make unlimited video calls for free to other Skype users without the need for a computer.

    The AiGuru SV1 is Skype’s first foray with a partner into the videophone category.

    But with more than 25 per cent of Skype-to-Skype calls including video, it would seem like a logical step.

    Designed to be simple to use, the AiGuru SV1 has an icon-based interface and intuitive button layout which should make it easy for anyone to make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and voice calls.

    Users can also join voice conferences, which could make the videophone attractive as an all-in-one voice and video conferencing solution for small businesses.

    The AiGuru SV1 also allows users to make and receive calls to and from fixed and mobile lines at cheap rates.

    Priced at USD $299.95, the ASUS AiGuru SV1 is now available in North America from Skype’s online shop, and will be available from ASUS authorized resellers later this year.

    Consumers in Europe can pre-order the videophone from Skype’s shop, priced at €269.95/£219.95, with shipment beginning next week.

    The videophone will also be available in retail outlets in Asia Pacific later this year.