Cool Tools archive

Vonage gets into videophone business
Vonage and Viseon today announced a collaboration that combines Vonage's voice over IP service with Viseon's broadband video telephones. The service will target consumers and small businesses to let users make video phone calls around the world. The companies said phones will be available at the Vonage Web site and... December 09, 2004

Axis launches tiny network camera
Network camera maker Axis Communications this week launched the Axis 206, aimed at users in the retail, education, small business and SOHO markets. The Axis 206 is a more compact version of the Axis 205 camera, with additional features such as improved light sensitivity and 8-language support. The camera is... August 25, 2004

Archos launches portable TV recorder
Archos today launched its Pocket Video Recorder AV400, a portable digital video recorder with TV recording and scheduling features, as well as audio, photo and data storage. The AV400 lets you record TV shows and movies directly from a TV, VCR or cable/satellite receiver through its TV Cradle (basically a... June 30, 2004

Axis launches Wi-Fi net camera
On the heels of its announcement of two other new network cameras (the Power over Ethernet Axis 211 and the megapixel Axis 206M, Axis Communications today launched their third new camera, the Wi-Fi-enabled Axis 206W wireless network camera. The 206W uses 802.11b to eliminate the need for a network cable... June 07, 2004

Axis launches PoE net 'cam
One of our favorite network camera companies, Axis Communications, announced a new network camera that includes Power over Ethernet (802.3af) functionality. The Axis 211 is aimed at high-performance surveillance applications, Axis said. With Power over Ethernet, users can consolidate the power source to a central location, increase security and reduce... June 02, 2004

Canon launches new camcorders
Canon today announced two new 2.2 megapixel camcorders that include both digital video and digital photography features. The Optura 30 ($899) and Optura 40 ($999) Mini DV camcorders will be available in late May, Canon said. The Optura 30 includes a 12x optical zoom and 240x digital zoom, Canon's Image... April 19, 2004

Axis launches MPEG-2 video camera
Axis Communications this week launched a network camera that uses MPEG-2 compression for higher quality images for security and surveillance usage. The $1,999 Axis 230 MPEG-2 Network Camera offers 30 frames per second of DVD-quality video and synchronized audio over IP networks, Axis said. The camera offers video up to... December 17, 2003

Take better photos with your PDA
Veo today launched a 1.3 megapixel camera attached to a Secure Digital I/O card that lets Pocket PC devices snap digital photos. The newest Photo Traveler 130S, which costs $99.99, can store JPEG photos on the device, or print 3- by 5-inch photos directly from the Pocket PC. Earlier versions... November 03, 2003

Logitech Webcam follows your face
Logitech today launched its QuickCam Orbit Webcam, which includes a mechanical pan and tilt feature. The device costs $129.95 and is available now, the company said. The feature lets the Webcam physically turn 128 degrees horizontally, and 54 degrees vertically. When used with Logitech’s face-tracking software, the camera stays focused... October 29, 2003

Toshiba launches wireless network camera
Toshiba’s Imaging Systems group today launched the IK-WB01A wireless network camera. The $599 camera lets users participate in video chat, home surveillance or upload live video streams to Web sites. The camera includes a 350,000-pixel progressive scan CCD that delivers JPEG video images (640 by 480 resolutions) with audio at... September 03, 2003

Sony touts combination digital video/still camera
Sony today launched a new MiniDV Handycam digital video recorder that also includes a 3.31 megapixel still camera, creating a combination device for digital video and digital still images. The DCR-PC330 ($1,700, available in October) includes a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, and an advanced primary color filter, as well... August 26, 2003

Print directly from a camera or camcorder
Canon today announced a new inkjet printer that lets users print directly from any PictBridge compatible camera or camcorder. The i560 Desktop Photo Printer costs $129.99 and will be available later this month, Canon said. The printer can print pages at up to 22 pages per minute in black, and... August 04, 2003

Camcorder includes direct print features
Canon recently launched two new digital video (DV) camcorders that have the ability to print directly to a PictBridge-enabled printer. The Optura 300 and Optura Xi devices also take still digital images at 2 megapixels in resolution. For shooting video or still images, users of the cameras get the benefit... August 01, 2003

Archos ships handheld PVR
I think I’ve got the first item on this year’s Christmas list. Archos announced this week availability (North America) of its Video AV300 Series Video Recorder / Player. The AV300 is a handheld device that can record and play back movies from “any video source,” Archos said. Video content can... June 05, 2003

Veo ships wireless network camera
Veo today announced a wireless network camera that lets users monitor remote locations without the need for an Ethernet port (you’ll still need a power source). The Veo Wireless Observer will be available in May for $299.99 and uses 802.11b wireless technology to connect to a user’s access point (up... April 28, 2003

Convert videos into digital format
For under $50, end users can now convert analog video (such as videotapes) into digital video formats with a new device from AverMedia Technologies. The company announced its AVerDVD EZMaker card, a $49.99 PCI Card. The device also comes with software for real-time DVD recording and burning, as well as... February 10, 2003

JVC launches HD camcorder
JVC today announced a high-definition (HD) camcorder aimed at consumers, the GR-HD1. The camcorder lets users shoot and edit real ATSC standard HD content, record and save the HD content and view it on several HD televisions, including CRT, rear projection, front projection and plasma models, JVC said. The company... February 03, 2003

Capture video from different sources
Belkin recently launched its Hi-Speed USB DVD Creator, an upgrade from its USB VideoBus II product. The device is compatible with USB 2.0 ports and helps users capture and edit movies from a number of different sources, including camcorders, PC digital cameras and VCRs. The product costs $90 and is... January 15, 2003

Panasonic updates network camera
Panasonic's new network camera, the KX-HCM280, includes features such as 21x zoom, 350 degrees of movement, and the ability for full-motion video capture and low light sensitivity operation. The KX-HCM280 network camera connects to an Ethernet network and a power source, Panasonic said. The device is configured via Web browser... January 03, 2003