shadenights

Creative Labs has launched a new range of webcams which the company claims offers superior sound and higher resolution images compared to its competitors, thus making the range ideal for video conversations.

The top of the line Live! Cam Voice webcam features Directional Live! Audio technology which Creative says uses the integrated dual adaptive array microphones to capture the user's voice while eliminating background and environmental noise that comes from outside the webcam's field of view. It also claims to filter repeated sound waves, thus reducing echo and preventing feedback.

Live! Cam Voice also features 1.3 megapixel resolution and can take still photographs up to 5 megapixel interpolated resolution – which Creative says is the highest resolution of any webcam available. The 85? lens means more people can join in the conversation as well.

Next in the line up is the Live! Cam Video IM Pro with 800 x 600 interpolated video resolution with up to 1.3 megapixel interpolated resolution for photographs. This camera features ‘Smart Face Tracking' technology, whereby the webcam automatically follows you as you move about, to always keep you within the video. It even tracks multiple persons, Creative claims. The USB 2.0 connectivity promises video streaming at 30 frames per second. There is also a Video IM model, which offers the same features as the Pro version, but without Smart Face Tracking and USB 2.0.

For notebook users, the Notebook Pro model will suit – it offers a lens housing that can swivel 270° and will flip the image automatically when the viewfinder is turned towards the back. Video resolution is 640 x 480 and up to 1.3 megapixel interpolated resolution for photographs. The webcam comes with Creative's PowerGrip spring reinforced clamp base for attaching to laptop screens.

Creative has also added an entry-level model - the Vista IM which comes with a lapel microphone. The top end models come bundled with Creative Live! Cam software suite to allow remote monitoring of a Creative web cam, time lapse video, among other functions.

RRPs:

Creative Live! Cam Voice –$200
Creative Live! Cam Video IM – $80
Creative Live! Cam Video IM Pro – $90
Creative Live! Cam Notebook Pro – $90
Creative Live! Cam Vista IM – $46

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