Putting Webcam Resolutions In Focus

Webcams have provided people a means of keeping in touch. Using video in blogging, emails, video chat, and video conferencing web cams have made communication easier than ever before. Resolution is one of the most common considerations, when making a webcam purchase. What most consumers do not know is there are two types of resolutions. There are software enhanced (interpolated) and true sensor resolutions. Understanding the difference helps consumers make the best decision for their budget and needs.

True Sensor Resolution
The sensor of the webcam is made up of a number of points that are sensitive to light. There can be millions of these points on a high quality sensor. These sensors are typically rated in Mega Pixels, or millions of pixels. The higher the rating, the more detail an image can have. A highly detailed image can be viewed in larger formats without pixelation or distortion. Some refer to this as the true resolution. The higher the resolution is, the more expensive and fragile the sensor becomes.

Interpolated Resolution
Interpolation is one of several mathematical formulas used to increase the number of pixels in an image. Interpolation is done through the use of software. The software analyzes the image and adds pixels, creating them from surrounding pixels.



The original image








Software adds pixels









Software compares surrounding pixels to determine what the new pixels should look like.








Non interpolated image magnified.









From these base examples, it can be seen that the use of software interpolation smoothes out the image. Because interpolation does not use true image pixels, there is some quality loss, but far less than a larger image that is non-interpolated.

Webcam Application
The use of software interpolation allows webcam designers to use cheaper lenses to achieve higher quality images. Most webcams are able to produce a standard 640x480 video stream, which is equal to 300k Pixel (300 thousand pixels). Still frame images are often of higher resolutions, because they use software interpolation. By using software interpolation, webcams are able to produce high resolution images without the high cost of advanced lens sensors.

Images used came from a great website on imagery, learn more from the site, Cambridge in Colour.

MANHATTAN Combines E-Sata And USB Into A Single Integrated Connector

With the growing amount and forms of media, eSATA drive enclosures, flash drives and other external devices are becoming popular storage options. Without an energized port and greater power requirements of high-performance eSATA peripherals, its implementation has been limited. To meet demands for expanded capacities, speeds and convenience, many notebook computer and peripheral manufacturers have adopted a new eSATA+USB port that combines eSATA performance with USB ease in a single connector. This 2-in-1 data-power hybrid eliminates the need to carry a power adapter and keeps limited USB ports free to attach other peripherals.

Ideal for newer notebook computers equipped with an eSATA+USB port, the MANHATTAN eSATA+USB to USB Adapter connects and permits simultaneous use of eSATA and USB devices with data transfer eSATA speeds up to 3 Gbps and Hi-Speed USB speeds up to 480 Mbps. It can also simplify data and power connections when using USB-powered eSATA devices.

MANHATTAN eSATA+USB Cables are offered in configurations that connect an eSATA+USB device to an eSATA+USB port at full eSATA data transfer speeds and 5 V + 12 V USB power. Others connect USB or eSATA devices at their respective full data transfer speeds with 5 V USB power.

MANHATTAN offers a complete, single source of personal computing solutions for work, home and mobile venues. Its expansive range of innovative products protected with a lifetime warranty and comprehensive technical support reinforce its commitment to personal computer users worldwide.