Logitech announces HD webcams, free video calling

Logitech, this week, announced four models of high definition webcams for consumer and business markets. The cameras are designed to use with their new HD video calling service, also recently announced, and known as Logitech® Vid™. With the release of these new products, Logitech hopes to simplify and refine the process of video calling.

The high-end HD Pro C910 is rich in features, including 720p video calling, 1080p video recording, 10-megapixel still photo capture, a thin profile, and stereo sound with two microphones. Logitech is promoting the ability to easily share media by offering  one-click uploads to Facebook and YouTube. The suggested retail price of the C910 is $99, and the model will be available in the U.S. beginning in August.

Three additional HD models will begin shipping this month. The entry-level C270 supports widescreen HD 720p video calls, 3-megapixel still photos, and has a $39.99 MSRP. Two mid-range models, the C310 and C510 will be $39.99 and $59.99, respectively.

Logitech is hoping the offering will help to increase the use of video calling as a mainstream form of communication. “HD video calling is a critical step towards our vision of a world in which video communication is as mainstream and seamless as a telephone call for anyone, anywhere,” states Eric Kintz, Vice President of Logitech’s video business.

In addition to using the cameras with the new Vid service, all four of the cameras are Skype-certified, compatible with Windows Live Messenger, and will work with major video-calling services including Yahoo Messenger, Google Voice and Google Video Chat. The Logitech Vid software is already available for download at www.logitech.com/vid.

I, personally, am excited about the idea of a smooth, clear, easy-to-use video calling service and camera available. Being a telecommuter with the majority of my family thousands of miles away, it would be great to be able to chat over the computer as though we were in the same room together. Currently, video chat platforms seem buggy and not very user-friendly. I hope that Logitech can fulfill the promise of ease and quality for the video calling market.

New HDTV’s that include Skype video calling should also help HD video calling go mainstream.