SightSpeed
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Developer(s) | SightSpeed Inc. |
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Stable release | 6.0 (1st March 2007)
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Operating system | Windows or Mac OS X |
Type | Videoconferencing/P2P/VoIP/Instant messenger |
License | Unknown |
Website | www.sightspeed.com |
SightSpeed is a videoconferencing company, supplying VoIP and instant messaging solutions for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems. The service allows people to make video calls, computer-to-computer voice calls, and calls to regular telephones, with free and paid versions.
In October 2008, the company was acquired by Logitech for $30 million.[1] The Logitech Vid service is based on SightSpeed's technology. The Logitech Vid video calling will be discontinued as of July 1, 2013 due to competing software. As a result, Logitech is no longer accepting new account registrations.[2]
Technology
SightSpeed uses a proprietary algorithm for video compression. The video conferencing technology is capable of transmitting 30 frame/s video, and uses the standards-based H263 codec.
SightSpeed's video codec was originally developed at Cornell University's Discover Lab and is based on H263.
SightSpeed's network technology is SIP based.
Features
- SightSpeed users are able to have free video calls with each other.
- Video Mail messages can be sent to any e-mail address.
- The SightSpeed software is able to host video conferences with up to nine participants.
- "Phone Out" is the name of the service that allows users to make phone calls to landlines and mobile phones, paying with pre-paid credit. "Phone In" allows SightSpeed users to receive phone calls from regular telephones.
Limitations
The main criticisms are:
- Lack of true privacy features such as encryption.
- SightSpeed "Phone Out" does not support outbound caller ID in the United States, where people commonly reject calls from unrecognized numbers. The recipient sees "unknown" or a blank field instead of the caller ID number.
- Though it uses the SIP standard it is not interoperable with SIP networks and can only be used with a SightSpeed account.
Competitors
References
- ^ Robin Wauters (Oct 29, 2008). "Logitech Coughs Up $30 Million To Acquire SightSpeed". TechCrunch.
- ^ http://www.logitech.com/en-us/support/6164?section=overview&crid=492
Product reviews
- SightSpeed 6.0 Review by PC Magazine
- PC World 100 Best Products of 2007
- ZDNet Review of SightSpeed
- The Mossberg Solution Reviews Logitech Vid - WSJ.com