3D Webcam Brings New Dimension to VoIP Video Calling

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With 3D films slowly but steadily nudging into the mainstream perhaps it’s about time you acted to add that extra dimension to your VoIP based video calls in order to give those you connect with a genuine sensation of you being there? Thanks to this newly announced 3D webcam, which is billed as being the only webcam presently capable of capturing 3D video, you can do just that.

Known as ‘The Only 3D Web Camera’ – yes, as you can tell from the matter of fact (aka, dull) title, it’s a Hammacher Schlemmer offering – the 3D webcam utilises dual cameras that, when the resulting separate imagery is combined, results in stereoscopic imagery, though your recipient will need to be wearing those cyan/red glasses to get the desired 3D effect. Thankfully, the product comes bundled with five sets of said glasses.

Capable of producing 3D video at 800 x 600 resolution and 15 frames per second, the 3D Webcam, which can auto focus at distances of up to 12″, can additionally display dual non-stereoscopic video in picture-in-picture format or side by side though, being that both cameras are pretty much going to be focusing on the same thing we are a little confused as to how the latter two imaging options would prove of any particular use. I mean, one video stream of someone tends to be enough for most of us, right?

Designed so as to enable the device to ‘hang’ from the top of your monitor, the 3D webcam works with both XP and Vista courtesy of its USB connectivity (Mac users aren’t catered for at this juncture so they’re going to have to make do in a lesser dimension) and will set you back just shy of $100.