Logitech Brings 1080p HD To Home Video Conferencing With New Webcam

Logitech is announcing today a new webcam that allows up to 1080p video conferencing when used in conjunction with the compatible software. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 will also be able to do 15MP still images with one-touch uploads to social networks.

"People are increasingly relying on video calling to maintain far flung connections," said Todd Walker, brand manager at Logitech. "Whether chatting with friends, family or co-workers, they want to be seen at their best through a sharp, high-quality image. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 can provide just that as the first webcam to offer 1080p video calling, thanks to our collaboration with Skype.”

With Skype (version 5.7 Beta for Windows) the C920 can accomplish full-HD 1080p video while with Windows LIVE Messenger it will do HD 720p all through the use of H.264 advanced compression technology. I remember it was but a year or two ago when streaming 1080p of any kind was not attainable and now, it seems that everyone can do just that for their own personal video conferencing.

The one click social sharing includes Facebook, Twitter and YouTube (account required).

The camera uses Logitech Fluid Crystal Technology which is said to help smooth the image and keep it from stuttering or buffering. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 also features Carl Zeiss optics and a premium 20-step autofocus (a first for Logitech), as well as, two mics positioned on either side of the webcam.

The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in January 2012 for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

This camera is an update to the previous Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, which is also capable of full HD but only 10MP still images. The main complaint with that model, is poor Mac software. This webcam looks to possibly suffer from that as well since they are only stating HD capabilities for Windows programs.

For HD 1080p video recording:

• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
• 2 GB RAM or more
• Hard drive space for recorded videos
• USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 ready)

Recommended requirements for full HD 1080p and 720p video calling*:

• 1 Mbps upload/download for 720p
• 2 Mbps upload/download for 1080p
  (Requirements for H.264 and MJPEG formats vary)

Visit your preferred video calling provider's website for exact information on system and performance requirements.

For Skype in Full HD 1080p

• Skype 5.7 Beta for Windows*