High-quality HD videoconferencing at a
bargain price; ideal for small businesses
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Price: $255
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Supplier: www.logitech.com
Videoconferencing solutions are usually out
of reach of small businesses, but Logitech’s BCC950 melds an HD eyeball camera
and speakerphone for a more affordable alternative.
The camera offers 1080p image quality at
30fps and its built-in pan and tilt motors can be operated from the base unit
or a small remote control. It uses H.264 encoding, which reduces network
demands significantly.
The camera plugs into a recess in the base
unit or to the end of a 9in extender stalk. The unit has USB host and power
ports, or you can use the included power supply.
The unit is UVC compliant, so works with
common apps such as Skype, Adobe Connect and Cisco’s WebEx. We had no problems
installing it on a Windows 7 host. For Skype users, a patch enables the accept
and decline call buttons on the base unit.
The Skype patch also provides a webcam
properties page where you can switch between manual and autofocus, and modify
the image quality. Logitech’s Right Light manages brightness, colour and white
balance, and we rarely had to resort to manual adjustment. Image quality puts
many HD IP cameras to shame, with sharp focus, rich colours and smooth motion.
The 78-degree field of view allows for group video calls, and the pan and tilt
feature covers 180 degrees horizontally and 55 degrees vertically.
Audio is clear, and loud enough to cover a
large room. Full duplex audio means both parties can talk without cancelling
each other out.
The camera has its problems. With a bright
window directly behind, Right Light overcompensates, leaving the foreground far
too dark, requiring manual adjustment. Logitech’s BCC950 remains a great
product, though: it’s cheap, easy to use and gives great-quality audio and
video.
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Rating
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Overall: 10/10
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Performance: 10/10
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Features & Design: 10/10
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Value for money: 10/10
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