Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 19, 2007. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Skype has officially launched version 3.6 for Windows. The latest version of the communications software offers the possibility of high-quality video telephony, with a VGA resolution of 640×480 pixels and up to 30 frames per second (fps). Compared with Skype’s standard settings of 320×240 pixels and 15 fps, the resolution and frame rate now possible mean a doubling of the previous values. However, this quality level is available only to users with current QuickCam models from cooperation partner Logitech.
To enjoy the high quality, in addition to Skype 3.6, a PC with a dual-core processor and a broadband connection of at least 384 KBit/s is required. Also neccessary is one of the Logitech webcam models QuickCam Pro 9000, QuickCam Pro for Notebooks or QuickCam Sphere AF with Logitech QuickCam Software version 11.5. “There are two reasons for this choice of cameras. When tuning the driver software for these cameras, a significant optimization for use with Skype was achieved. And for good image quality at higher resolution, current camera models are simply needed. They offer 2 megapixels, while older models usually offer only 1.2 megapixels,” the company said in response to a query from pressetext.
As early as January 2007, a resolution of 640×480 pixels at a maximum of 25 fps was presented as an experimental feature. In official and unofficial forums, there were in part very good experience reports from users with cameras from other manufacturers. However, they will have to be patient with regard to official support: Skype is cooperating exclusively with Logitech in the area of high-quality video telephony for ten months. Whether further partners will be found after that is still open. Users of Mac OS X or Linux also have to wait: There are as yet no concrete plans for corresponding high-quality video support as a release feature.
The webcams suitable for high-quality video under Skype 3.6 for Windows are also offered in the Skype Webshop. The models QuickCam Pro 9000 and Logitech QuickCam Pro for Notebooks are available at a recommended retail price of € 99,99. The Logitech QuickCam Sphere AF (outside Europe: QuickCam Orbit AF) is available for € 129,99.
