As a world leader in PC-to-PC video communications, Logitech has consistently driven innovation in video calling and webcams, from our collaboration with Yahoo and MSN on video communication to delivering High Quality Video on Skype to the purchase of SightSpeed a year ago.

With LifeSize, Logitech expects to extend our leadership in video communication beyond the desktop – imagine HD-video communication that is as mainstream and seamless as a telephone call – for anyone, anywhere.

To learn more about the shared vision of Logitech and LifeSize, click here.

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Related Reads:

• Logitech Buys Videoconferencing Outfit LifeSize – BusinessWeek
• Logitech Takes on Cisco, to Buy LifeSize for $405M – GigaOM
• Logitech gobbles up LifeSize; Enters video conferencing – ZDNet
• Logitech Breaks Into Videoconferencing – New York Times
• Logitech To Buy LifeSize Communications For $405 Million – Barron’s

Another contest started September 1st, get your stories and videos in for your chance to win cash prizes. Click here to enter and good luck.

Hello, I thought this video was pretty cool. We purchased the Wilife system because we wanted to see what wildlife lived in the area. Also, we wanted to know if there were any endangered animals that lived in our woods. We have 4 camaras that are installed around the outside of our front porch. They are amazing at catching the slightest movements of the smallest animals, even in low light. Because of the Wilife system, we now know that we have mink, fox, raccoon, bear, dear, skunk, and many birds and other small mammels that visit our yard. These camaras are great for wildlife watchers or bird watchers.

The video was shot with my Logitech Wilife security cameras. The bear seems to have no fear of humans or dogs. It keeps sneaking up and looking in my windows. This is the second time that night he was on my porch, at first he poured over an old cup of coffee and laid on the steps for awhile, then he tore open a small bag of garbage (from my car) on the porch and didn’t like anything he found. He just kind of wanders around there until he got tired and leaves. He will also go into my garage if we forget to shut the doors. There are about 4 other bears, 2 look like they are yearlings and 2 are older, they come into the yard and play or lounge around for a few hours at night. I never intentionally feed the bears, I can’t even put bird feeders outside. They just seem to like my yard and the woods that I live in.

Also, after this video was posted on YouTube, MSNBC, the Today Show, and MANY local news stations were calling. We were interviewed by Tamron Hall on MSNBC and the story appeared on many national news channels. So because of this bear, we had our five minutes of fame.

Thanks, Amy

Just three months after the launch of our new video-calling software, Logitech Vid, we’re very excited that we’ve reached a notable milestone: one million registered customer accounts! If you haven’t tried Vid yet, visit www.logitech.com/vid to find out why so many people are enjoying this free, fast and easy video-calling software. Happy Vidding!

The New York Times’ Gadgetwise Blog covers the Webcam Pro 9000 in particular, and says what “makes it a standout is a two-megapixel sensor.” Scroll down below for more Logitech and webcam announcement coverage:

• Apps for Staying Informed and in Touch Online – Washington Post
• Logitech MX Revolution Wireless Laser Mouse – GadgetSpy
• Logitech Wireless Drum Controller for PS3 – GameZone
• What Does a $100 Webcam Get You? – NY Times’ Gadgetwise Blog
• Geek Gifts 2009: Logitech G19 keyboard – Tech Republic
• 5 Surround Sound Headsets : Intro and Testing Methods – Tom’s Guide
• Logitech introduces seven new webcams, makes decisions ever harder – Engadget
• Logitech adds webcams with 720p, more – Electonista
• Logitech Introduces 7 Web Cams – TWICE
• Logitech unveils seven new webcams; HD, Zeiss optics, $29-$99 – ZDNet
• Logitech Introduces 7 Webcams – Gearlog

My grandmother is 90 years old and is the only parent I’ve known. I visit her every 3 to 4 months, but it is not nearly enough. Every time I see her, I realize how quickly we are both getting older. I wish I could see her smile more often and be more immersed in her life. She always has stories about her day, her friends and what she is cooking and baking. Those stories bring back many good memories.

Today we announced seven new webcams, which all include Logitech Vid, our recently released software that makes video calling free, fast and easy so you can stay connected with friends and family. The new webcams include the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000, Logitech Portable Webcam C905, Logitech Webcam C600, Logitech Webcam C500, Logitech Webcam C300, Logitech Webcam C250 and the Logitech Webcam C200. There is something for everyone.

To me, these webcams aren’t just fun tech gadgets. They’re much more personal – a portal that can bridge the distance between my grandmother and me like no telephone ever could.

I encourage you to dust off the old webcam, or better yet, get a new one, set it up and walk into that portal to experience a new way of connecting with the people you miss. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

MSNBC’s “9 Gadgets We Covet” list included our Squeezebox Boom and the diNovo Mini Keyboard is listed on Tech Republic’s “Geek Gifts 2009.”

• Logitech Harmony remote controls; a man’s best friend – Examiner
• Geek Gifts 2009: Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard with media remote – Tech Republic
• Logitech G9x – Maximum PC
• 9 gadgets we covet – MSNBC
• Logitech Puts 360-Degree Sound into New Speaker Packages – Big Picture Big Sound
• Logitech Intros Wireless Drum Controller For Guitar Hero Line – TWICE
• A Simple Way to Stream Music – NY Times’ Gadgetwise Blog
• Crave giveaway of the week: Logitech Squeezebox Boom – CNET

1. They can see you too. Bed head, spinach in your teeth, last night’s leftover makeup – with today’s webcams (especially the QuickCam Pro 9000) they can see it all too clearly.

2. Pay attention. If you’re on Facebook or IMing during a video call, it will be obvious, so keep the video call window front and center. Pretend you’re typing some notes if you really need to multi-task.

3. Lie to me. Remember, you’re on video, so body language and facial expressions will tell the story. No eye-rolling, nervous fidgeting, hair twisting or snickering.

4. Not the time for a snack. No one wants to see you inhale an entire bag of Doritos during a call – not even your mother.

5. Eye contact. Look directly at the webcam every now and then especially if you’re expressing your undying love – it’s the same as looking into her eyes.

6. Wear pants. Decided to fool the boss by wearing a shirt and tie? Make sure you don’t stand up if you’ve decided to wear board shorts instead of pants. True story!

7. Close the windows. Trust me, the minute you get on a video call your neighbor will mow the lawn or turn up the music.

8. Clean it up. Make sure your dirty clothes or last night’s dishes aren’t making a video appearance with you. Webcams often have wide angle lenses that can show off you and your room.

9. Can I take your order? I know wearing headsets can make you feel dorky but there are good, sleek options from Logitech available. Your audio quality will be better with a headset.

10. Invest in great equipment. Make sure you’re using a high quality webcam and encourage your friends to do the same. If the video calls are important to you, then go with the best you can afford.

11. Check the lighting. Webcams need good lighting to perform their best. Turn on the lights, open the shades and never sit with your back to a window during daylight hours – you’ll show up very dark with an amazing bright halo around you. Cool for about one second.

All kidding aside, video calling is like being there, so if you wouldn’t do it in person, don’t do it when video calling.

Can You Hear Me?

Although Vid is designed to set up your video and audio settings automatically, variables such as operating systems or the act of plugging in or unplugging a webcam, headset or speakers can sometime change those settings. The easiest way to be sure your call will be perfect is to make a Vid Practice Call. This feature was designed to let you quickly test your settings before you get on a call.

Making a Practice Call:

Once you’ve downloaded the software, simply click on the Practice Call icon and record a few seconds of video and audio. It will play back automatically so you can be sure that everything is working fine.

If the recording did not have video or audio then go to your settings and make sure that they show the webcam and audio device you want to use.

You can try the practice call again to be sure that everything is working. Your other option is to get into the habit of checking your settings before you get on the call.

Changing your Logitech Webcam Settings:

Usually your Logitech webcam will be set up automatically with the best settings for a video call but sometimes you’ll want to make adjustments. Depending on the webcam you have, you will be able to adjust different settings. If your Logitech webcam supports RightLight, I recommend setting that feature to work automatically:

Sometimes webcams have a wide field of view so you’ll want to zoom in on your face and other times you’ll be showing off the kids and you’ll want the to zoom out. To change your zoom settings do the following:

You can use the Logitech Webcam Software that comes with your webcam to make even finer adjustments although most people will not find this necessary.

Not Ready for that Close Up?

If you get a Vid call and you aren’t ready for that close up, you can always just let it ring or select ignore the call just like you would with your cell phone. If you are in a video call, you can mute your video, which will replace your live video with a still picture of you. This can be a handy feature when you need to step away briefly or if you want to multi-task during a video call – we’re not endorsing this but will admit to using it occasionally.

Be sure to check our Twitter account the next couple weeks – we’ll be tweeting some Logitech coupons. If you aren’t following us already, please do so!

• Lausanne’s Innovation House underway: Logitech firstcomer – genevalunch.com
• Review of fitness gear, Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones – Examiner
• Logitech V220 aka M305 Wireless Optical Notebook Mice Get a Coat of New Trendy Paint – Chip Chick
• PHOTOS: Logitech Guitar Hero wireless guitar – Pocket Lint
• Wireless Guitar Controller for Xbox 360 Revealed by Logitech – Gaming Guru
• Logitech launches Bluetooth mouse with hyper-scrolling – Geek.com