Logitech Introduces QuickCam Orbit MP, QuickCam Pro 5000 Performance Webcams; Cameras Improve Video Calling Experience With Greater Light Sensitivity, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, 3D Avatars

Business Wire, Sept 7, 2005

FREMONT, Calif. -- Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), the world's leading manufacturer of webcams, today announced it is extending its innovative new webcam technologies to the new QuickCam(R) Orbit(TM) MP and QuickCam(R) Pro 5000 webcams. The groundbreaking QuickCam Orbit MP webcam combines its elegant design, motorized camera head movement and intelligent face tracking with a true 1.3 megapixel sensor for even higher quality video. The QuickCam Pro 5000 webcam continues the QuickCam Pro tradition of providing high-quality VGA video at an affordable price.

Both new desktop webcams are designed to improve the experience of live video communications and feature the following innovative Logitech technologies:

Logitech(R) RightLight(TM) Technology -- A system of hardware and software technologies, Logitech RightLight technology vastly improves webcam image quality in a wide variety of lighting conditions. The technology combines advanced sensor technology, sophisticated firmware and high-quality lenses that work together to deliver greater sensitivity to light (especially in low light) and optimized skin tones, while minimizing the distortion of images.

Logitech(R) RightSound(TM) Technology -- By combining a webcam's microphone with acoustic echo cancellation software, Logitech RightSound technology provides people the flexibility of conducting video calls without wearing a headset. Integrated with the webcam's software drivers, advanced software algorithms eliminate echoes created by a webcam microphone and speakers in close proximity.

Logitech(R) Video Effects Software -- The first-of-its-kind Logitech Video Effects software allows people to completely transform themselves into three-dimensional animated characters (avatars) that precisely mimic facial movements, or to add accessories to their on-screen image, such as glasses or a crown. Logitech Video Effects software works with all popular webcam applications, including MSN(R) Messenger Video Conversation, AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) and Yahoo!(R) Messenger.

"The innovative technology in our award-winning QuickCam family sets new quality benchmarks for video and audio, making video communications more natural and enjoyable," said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for Logitech's video business unit. "The QuickCam Orbit MP combines high-quality video and audio with its unique motorized pan-and-tilt ability for complete coverage of a room. Meanwhile, the QuickCam Pro 5000 is the next generation of our best-selling Pro model, but now features higher quality audio and video technology at a great new price."

QuickCam Orbit MP

Based on the award-winning design of the original QuickCam Orbit webcam, the highly stylized QuickCam Orbit MP webcam changes how people participate in video communication over the Internet, making it much more natural. A motorized camera head, combined with intelligent face tracking software, allows the camera lens to follow its subject -- up and down, or left and right -- as that person shifts in a chair or moves freely about the room. The QuickCam Orbit MP webcam can physically turn 128 degrees side to side, and 54 degrees up and down. The QuickCam Orbit lens has an ultra-wide field of view -- combined with its ability to mechanically pan and tilt, the webcam can cover 189 horizontal degrees and 102 vertical degrees of a room. The QuickCam Orbit MP webcam includes a 9-inch stand, so the camera can be elevated to eye level.

With its new sensor, the camera can take true 1.3 megapixel still images or up to 4 megapixel software-enhanced still images -- great for sending snapshots to friends and family or selling products online. The QuickCam Orbit MP comes with a stereo headset with microphone, allowing people to conduct video calls more privately. The camera is also certified to support the faster data rates of Hi-Speed USB.

QuickCam Pro 5000

The QuickCam Pro 5000 webcam integrates the company's new RightLight and RightSound technologies for great audio and video performance at a great price. The advanced sensor provides true 640-by-480 VGA resolution. The camera's wide-angle lens provides 63 degrees of visibility. Also, a handy snapshot button atop the camera, and a fixed focus with extended depth of field, make it easy for people to take great pictures -- at a resolution of up to 1.3 megapixels (software enhanced) -- to e-mail to friends and family. The QuickCam Pro 5000 webcam also comes with a flexible universal base, which allows it to rest comfortably atop a traditional monitor or clip to a flat-panel monitor.

Like the QuickCam Orbit MP webcam, the QuickCam Pro 5000 webcam comes with a stereo headset and supports the faster data rates of Hi-Speed USB.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech QuickCam Orbit MP webcam will be available later this month in the U.S. and in Europe. Its suggested retail price is $129.99 in the U.S. The Logitech QuickCam Pro 5000 webcam will be available in the U.S. and in Europe beginning in October for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.).