I’ve mentioned in a couple of other posts how much we enjoy using Skype to video chat with my parents who live in Michigan. Since it’s quite a drive to see them being able to connect over webcam with them on our computer or tablet has been wonderful for us and Kora & Logan.
That’s why I was excited to learn about the Logitech TV Cam HD. It’s a high-definition camera that turns your tv into a webcam!
We recently used it to chat with my mom. The kids were thrilled to see Grandma on the tv and I was impressed with the clarity of the call both in video and audio.
I took a video of the chat so you could see how it works.
My mom couldn’t get over how clear the picture was on her end. She kept commenting about how much better it was than when we used the webcam on the computer or tablet. She also mentioned that there was no stuttering, hesitation, or pixelation like we sometimes experience.
The kids thought it was so fun to be able to talk to Grandma on the tv and not have to crowd together in front of the computer. They could get up and move around, show off dance moves, or their latest gymnastics tricks. We also used the remote control to zoom in, pan, and tilt, so when the kids were showing off their Lego creations or reading to Grandma she could see everything up close and clearly.
I can’t wait to use the camera on Christmas morning! As you can see in the pictures below, the wide angle lens offers a view of our entire living room, and we can zoom, pan, and tilt the camera easily with the remote. My parents will feel like they are right there with us while the kids unwrap their gifts!
Here’s the wide shot:
Here’s the same shot zoomed in:
Here’s the same shot zoomed in using the tilt down button:
And here’s the tilt up:
As you can see it has a wide range. You can also pan to the left and right as well and all this is done with the remote, no having to manually adjust the camera.
I love how easy this camera is too use. There have been many times we’ve purchased or recommended technology for my parents and after we leave, something comes up and they can’t figure out how to use it.
The Logitech TV Cam HD was created with grandparents in mind. The set up is simple. There is no additional software or computer required. It allows you to call anyone using Skype on any platform whether they are on their smartphone, tablet, HDTV, or computer
The camera arrives with built-in Skype capability and it runs on any HDTV with an HDMI input. Simply plug it in and walk through the quick set-up to connect to your wireless or Ethernet, type in your Skype account info, and start making calls!
Any time you want to use it you just change the tv input and use the remote to select who you want to call.
Other fantastic features include:
- Logitech Fluid Crystal Technology and Carl Zeiss Optics – offers crystal clear sound and sharp images even in low lighting
- Built-in Ringer – the camera will ring when someone is calling whether the tv is on or off
- Clip-on Design – makes it easy to securely mount it to the top of any tv or mount it to the wall
- Dedicated Power Supply – ensures the camera is ready for a call at any time
- 4 Microphones – helps reduce noise and echoes for enhanced audio quality
- Simple Remote – Home button, zoom in and out, back arrow, ok button and directional pad for navigating and panning
We have enjoyed the Logitech TV Cam HD immensely and have been so impressed with the quality of the video calls, ease of use, and freedom to move around while video chatting that we recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new web cam. It’s a fantastic piece of new technology and I can’t wait to get my parents one so they can make video calls with the push of a button from the comfort of their couch.
Product was provided. No compensation was received. The honest opinions are my own and those of my family.
About Tired Mom Tésa
I always used to study post in news papers but now as I am a user of net thus from now I am
using net for content, thanks to web.
I always used to read paragraph in news papers but now as I
am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net for articles, thanks to web.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your
point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your
intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving
us something enlightening to read?
Interesting idea – not sure if it is something I would want to spend money on at this point
This reminds me of my daughters Video phone. She’s deaf and has something very similiar to this and it does have amazing clarity compared to a web cam. I had no idea there was products out there for the average user like this.
I am excited to buy this product! I was just wondering why I can barely hear your Mom!? Is it because the TV is turned down? Also, Why is she sideways? I understand she is on a PC web cam but the angle seems odd. In spite of these distractions the review is pretty good. I am buying three cameras..one for my son in Minnesota and one for the grandparents. The only thing that concerns me is the sound.
The sound is good. No worries there. The camera I was using to record the video didn’t do it justice. I’ve since bought a new camera and can’t believe the difference in the sound! My husband also pointed out my mom’s image is crooked. I didn’t really notice because her webcam videos always kind of are. She doesn’t have the cool Logitech TV Cam HD, just a regular webcam on her end. So she is always fighting with it to get the right angle and I guess she kind of lost this one. Sorry it was distracting. I’ll be sure to have her fix it before we record any other videos. It’s good you told me though, the kids and I are so used to it, we didn’t even really notice!
I’m glad to hear you have purchased three. It really is an incredible camera and so easy to use. I think you’ll be pleased!
Ok I am confused how did you get hold of the product. It’s still on per order online on their website and still not available in local best buy. Also it’s quite frustrating its not available on amazon.
I am hoping they get this one out sooner before apple comes up with something on sep 12 and knock everyone out of the park.
The specifications for Logitech TC Cam HD do not mention except that it uses embedded skype software, but since you used an actual unit, is it based on windows platform or android platform of skype ? Also, how is the picture quality in normal room without switching on lights during day time.
wow looks really good might consider getting this we like to skype with the grandmas in our family since they live soo far away and this would be better than all of us competing for space on the little web cam on the laptop screen
Logitech is providing such an amazing results i am impressed with the quality of the Logitech and your review is very helpful to get a right decision.
We’re getting close to the do-everything TV.