SightSpeed
| Developer(s) | SightSpeed Inc. |
|---|---|
| Stable release |
6.0 (1 March 2007) (Discontinued)
|
| 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 software 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. Due to competing software, the Logitech Vid video calling service will be discontinued as of 1 July 2013 and the downloading of the product has already been terminated. 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.
References
- ↑ Robin Wauters (29 October 2008). "Logitech Coughs Up $30 Million To Acquire SightSpeed". TechCrunch.
- ↑ http://www.logitech.com/en-us/support/6164?section=downloads
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
