Typical of so many products there is usually a higher level of quality that most stores don't stock. For instance, Sony makes many components that you never see in department and appliance stores. The WinCam is similiar in that you'll never find it in a retail store but it is a very professional product.

Key Features:
Serial connection (cables up to 5000'), Removeable lenses, High-Res images, included WinCam software eliminates need for Webcam32 type programs.

The WinCam is unusual due to its serial connection. Unlike USB and parallel cables, a serial cable can be extended for hundreds of feet without any hassle. In fact, with an extender the cables can be up to 5000' long! While this may not be handy for your desk it is very useful in large buildings or stores. Positioning a camera far away from the computer is easily done and only requires industry standard serial cable (not expensive USB or parallel extension cables).

Also unique to the WinCam is the ability to run multiple cameras on one PC. Try running more than one USB webcam on the same box and usually you'll have nothing but problems. The WinCam and its software will control as many webcam as you have serial ports - that means you could even add a 8-port serial adapter or a USB serial port hub. Several sites on the Internet have over 6 WinCams running at the same time using one computer!

One of the most important attributes a webcam can have is the image quality. The WinCam has outstanding picture quality and does well in all lighting conditions. The images are crisp, clear, and put cheap cams like the Quickcam to shame. Buy an optional lens and your WinCam could be telephoto or super wide angle - there are 10 lenses to choose from!

Unfortunately there is a trade-off for having the flexible serial connection. The proprietary software actually has to download the image from the WinCam. This takes a few seconds and then the software can upload the image via ftp to your webserver or store it on your hard drive. Video conferencing is impractical and due to the proprietary connection Netmeeting won't work.



Recommended: Yes