TV Camera for Skype impossible to find? Logitech TV cam or similar

fruxo on 17/01/2015 - 23:36
Last edited 17/01/2015 - 23:38

Hey.

I'm currently using skype + laptops to keep in touch with overseas family, but it's getting tiredsome. We both have 50+ inch LCD TVs, but neither of them are "smart", so I can't get the matching camera for our specific TVs. I figured that maybe there was a somewhat standalone TV camera I could find, and I stumbled into the Logitech TV cam.
http://www.logitech.com/en-au/product/tvcam-hd
http://www.cnet.com/au/products/logitech-tv-cam-hd/
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers-tablets/accessories/logi…

Despite being from 2012, it seems pretty great and would probably satisfy our needs until we get new TVs eventually. It is however the ONLY such device I can find. Is there no other newer version (from any brand)?

The problem is that it is very expensive. Probably due to low stock from being so old. The RRP was $199 I believe, and it is currently $179 at JB hifi and "awaiting stock". A quick google seems to indicate a $160+ price point from retailers. Checking ozbargain though, I can for example see that as long as 1 year and 4 month ago it was $99 at JB.

As you can imagine, I feel a bit wrong buying two of these cameras at this inflated price point. If I were to pay that much, I'd like something a bit more recent at least. Are there any good alternatives that I have missed?

I am however happy with buying this camera if someone can help me find it for a realistic price. I want something as simple as possible with good sound and video quality. It doesn't really need any fancy functions as I will probably only ever use it for 1 on 1 chats with my parents over skype (although I'm happy to use a different client if the camera is locked to google or something). My parents are not good with technology though, so something that basically just plugs in and works is much preferable.

Thank you!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 17/01/2015 - 23:58
    +1

    The Logitech device is what Skype themselves seem to recommend on their website
    http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-tv/

    There is one other alternative called the TelyHD however this seems to be actually older than Logitech's offering and it's also pretty damn expensive — $200 on Amazon.

    The reason there are so few devices are like this might be because of certain licensing agreements required for the hardware vendor to put the Skype software or firmware into the webcam itself. One possible reason why these devices are kind of expensive is because since they are also computers themselves that need to run the Skype application as well as having TCP/IP networking hardware built in.

    A cheaper alternative might be to just hook a computer (or a PIPO Windows PC) to your TV and skype using an ordinary Microsoft Lifecam, or using an Android TV box that comes with a webcam built in, or using an Android TV stick coupled with an ordinary web cam

    • fruxo on 18/01/2015 - 00:59

      Thanks for the advice. Interesting items, and I did think of looking up similar android devices. However, as this solution is also for computer illiterate parents (and we don't need those extra features), I'd prefer this simple one-in-all solution provided by logitech (or something similar). I'd also be skeptical about the camera and quality of these other devices.

      Anyway, I might have to start investigating down that path eventually, but I'd rather try and find something more appropriate first if possible.

      If this Logitech camera is indeed somewhat unique, does anyone know a place to buy it cheaper? I can find many old sales, but nothing recent. Seems like this camera has been phased out (or in the process of being). I don't suppose anyone know if an updated version is about to hit the shelves shortly?

      • scrimshaw on 18/01/2015 - 01:15

        You can ask Logitechshop, AKA user BargainCrypt. They'd know a bit about Logitech product lines since they supply and resell this stuff.

        I don't think the Android TV boxes will be a challenge to use. If they can operate an Android tablet, they should have no issues operating an Android TV box. The UI will be virtually identical and the Skype application is available on Google play. The problem is of course the quality of the camera itself … I'd say they'd be pretty mediocre.

        • fruxo on 18/01/2015 - 01:22

          Haha, just before reading your reply, I emailed Logitechshop :) Bought items at unbeatable prices from them previously so I figured it's worth a shot (and if nothing else, they might know if a new version is about to hit the shelves). Forgot about BargainCrypt though and used the website.

          EDIT: my mum has got an android tablet and phone.. as to being able to operate them, that's a different matter. You wouldn't believe how many problems she has despite all the help they get. Forget installing an app or anything like that. It might sound silly to anyone on this forum, but I'd prefer something easier to operate. A standard remote (ie no touchscreen business) with as few buttons and options as possible is ideal. For example, whenever I visit I always have to help them with issues they have on the TV and their TV recorder. Every single time. Usually involves pressing a button so it picks up new channels.

  • msmhw on 18/01/2015 - 08:26

    What about Xbox 360? I think you can Skype with it just found only works with xbox1

  • stemcell on 18/01/2015 - 16:43

    If you have a roku3 box you can mirror your android phone http://www.groovypost.com/howto/stream-mirror-android-roku/

    • fruxo on 20/01/2015 - 21:58

      Maybe I wasn't entirely clear in that I wanted something simple to use which I could just mount on TV. Something with a good microphone and with a wide angle to show the whole family easily etc. This doesn't really seem to satisfy my requirements unfortunately. And no, me and especially my parents don't have a roku3 box :)

  • fruxo on 20/01/2015 - 22:04
    +1

    I'm considering getting the logitech TV cam from my original post. Doesn't seem to be anything else available. It's $179 at jbhifi, but 20% off logitech starting Thursday, which would put it at $143. With OW pricematch it will end up at $136. Assuming everyone has it in stock, which is a big if.

    Still a lot considering its age, it's previous price point and the fact it doesn't do 1080p.. but yeah, I don't know. I'm thinking about it.

    Logitechshop replied to my enquiry. They did not have this camera available and could not give me any information about any possible upcoming model. They gave me a number to some logitech team and suggested I'd call them and check, which I haven't done yet.

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