I bought this camera for my 2010 Samsung UN46C7000 LED TV because I often Skype with family and friends and thought it would be nice to see them on a big screen in HD. Before buying, I did some research to make sure it is compatible with my TV model. I will be returning the camera immediately because the picture quality is horrendous, even when I am relatively close (~6 feet) to the camera in a well lit living room. My built-in laptop webcam produces a much higher quality image than the CY-STC1100. By the way, if you own a 2010 Samsung model like me, you will only get 480p resolution instead of the advertised 720p HD, which is something that neither Samsung nor any of the other vendors bothered to mention in the online product specifications. I certainly hope that Samsung plans to support 3rd party cameras via future firmware updates, but as of now this is the only one supported by Samsung LED TV's and it is TERRIBLE. Some websites might lead you to believe that there is a Skype FREETALK camera for Samsung TV's, but this camera is currently unavailable as you can see here: I also noticed that a lot of customers experienced the same frustration that I experienced when I first connected the camera and launched the Skype app. Apparently, you have to leave the camera connected for a VERY long time before Skype will recognize it.
In conclusion, save yourself some headache by either getting a TV that supports 3rd party cameras (i.e. Logitech) or just stick with your computer webcam. I can't speak for those who own 2011 or newer Samsung models, but I imagine their experiences were slightly better than mine.
Buy Samsung CY-STC1100 Smart TV Camera Now
Have done a couple of webchats with my folks and they say our picture is amazing and they can hear us really well. I wish the camera would swivel...I have two little kids who want to stand right in front of the TV to talk to Grandma and Grandpa, but then the kids are out of the camera view. Even if we could place the camera in a different location it would be helpful, but there's only one "optimal" spot on the TV according to the instructions.It's really nice to do webchats on the TV rather than on my computer, so my youngest isn't trying to bang on the keyboard.
Read Best Reviews of Samsung CY-STC1100 Smart TV Camera Here
Update 12/04/2011 I decreased my rating to 1 star until the Skype issue is resolved:In summer 2011 I bought Samsung D series TV (8000 model) as documented in my initial review below. In the product description this TV clearly shows that it supports SkypeOn the other hand, the list of applications for this TV doesn't list the Skype application as of todayThe reason I have noticed this is because I have the Samsung camera for Skype and the picture quality was horrible with the version that was current in the summer. I am always up to date with firmware but it didn't help. Then after I submitted couple of negative reviews and asked questions, there was an update to Skype in the fall which greatly improved the quality. Finally this camera was showing its promise. The angle was tight, but i was fine with it, since it convered our entire couch, and the quality was greatly improved.
Then about a month or so ago, as it is documented on Skype forums the Skype application disappeared from the App store for this TV and deleted itself from the TV. After people complained, the application appeared again, but the version of the app is from February 2011. Clearly it is not the updated version which was provided this fall. And since now I have noticed that Skype is not listed as supported application for this TV I am starting to wonder what is happening with Skype on this TV. The quality of the video is quite bad, it starts good and then quickly deteriorates. Then after few minutes it resets itself and again quickly deteriorates so you cannot even recognize the person on the other end.
I can immediately connect with the same person on iPad or on PC and have great video quality. This signals to me that the problem is not in the connection, speed or the other persons camera or computer, but the problem is in my TV, the Skype application on the TV or the camera.
The Skype application on this TV looks also quite different than the pictures available on Samsung websiteAlso it is weird that the Skype application is registered and available in the App store twice.
In any case, I am wondering if Samsung D TV owners could comment on their experience with Skype on their TV. What version is your application (1.1xxx), when it was last updated and how it is your video quality.
Until the issue is resolved I cannot recommed this camera or using Skype on this TV.
================
I am using this camera with UN46D8000 TV with fully updated software. It is super easy to install, just plug in the USB cable to the TV and attach the camera to the back of the TV with the built in magnet.
Pros: Very easy to use interface to make Skype calls from your TV. The sound quality is great, didn't have problem hearing the other party or the other party hearing me
Cons: The angle it quite tight. 6ft from TV it covers about 6ft wide area. The picture quality is great if it works. The problem is that at least at my location, the quality progressively deteriorates over the duration of several minutes and is showing really nasty artifacts and blocks. Then after few minutes, it suddenly improves to the original quality and it starts over. This doesn't happen on any computer or iPad on the same Internet connection with the same caller.
Overall: I am hoping Samsung or Skype can improve the software to improve the picture quality. I am keeping it as a convenience since it is nice to make calls from my TV but when it matters I will still use my computer.
Want Samsung CY-STC1100 Smart TV Camera Discount?
Great design, great picture quality and the Samsung Skype interface works great also. It would be nice to have better capabilities to zoom and adjust the camera so the features are limited compared to a webcam.Save 11% Off
No comments:
Post a Comment