Web Cam

[mightyt]

So I am moving my Sage Server to a new Flat Panel TV. This gives me much more power on the PC side since using a coputer on an analog TV is worthless outside of SageTV.

Think about it I thought it might be cool to set up a web cam and connect up with the in-laws in New York.

My questions are;

1 - Is there a preferred or recommended web cam?
2 - Is the outcome worth it on a 50" TV? In other words will the video be a 3" square with good resolution and porr if I make it larger?
3 - Does web cam audio work well in a family room situation were you might be 8 feet away?

[Polypro]

I've tried cams (for a different project) from Creative, Logitech, and Microsoft, in the $50-$80 range (VideoIM Pro, STX Communicate Deluxe, and VX-1000-6000). The Microsoft VX-1000 is the best bang for your buck. The video motion is awesome. Even though the other 2 say 30fps, no way they are...images look like your on acid with any movement. The VX motion looks analog (that's good) it's so smooth. The one bad thing about the VX though, is the mic...the 1000's is barely passable, the 3000 & 6000's were horrible (common complaint on the net). If you have an external mic, you're good. I haven't tried the $100 cameras at all. Creative has the best software IMO (but you'll prolly be using Skype). A 640x480 window on a 52" 1080p looks fine.

P

[mightyt]

Originally Posted by Polypro

I've tried cams (for a different project) from Creative, Logitech, and Microsoft, in the $50-$80 range (VideoIM Pro, STX Communicate Deluxe, and VX-1000-6000). The Microsoft VX-1000 is the best bang for your buck. The video motion is awesome. Even though the other 2 say 30fps, no way they are...images look like your on acid with any movement. The VX motion looks analog (that's good) it's so smooth. The one bad thing about the VX though, is the mic...the 1000's is barely passable, the 3000 & 6000's were horrible (common complaint on the net). If you have an external mic, you're good. I haven't tried the $100 cameras at all. Creative has the best software IMO (but you'll prolly be using Skype). A 640x480 window on a 52" 1080p looks fine.

P

Thanks P!

Nice eval ... Interesting info ... Good point on the audio. I would be about 8' from the TV. Wonder how the new Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF ranks ...