Skyping on TV: Review of Logitech's TV Cam HD

As my kids are growing up, I wanted a way for them to be in touch with the extended family members (who are spread across multiple continents). Enabling video-calls via the TV seemed like a good option for both the kids & the grand parents. Ideally, I was looking for a very simple solution that "just works". After considering a few options, we finally went with the Logitech TV Cam HD.

Here are some of the options that I considered &...

1. I got a chance to check out the Logitech TV Cam HD at a local store (BestBuy). This device seemed promising & had the basic features that I wanted (no computer required; very simple to use; good video quality). This device costs $199 each (or $175 each when buying two of them). 
2. I briefly looked at TelyHD. This seems very promising as well, but I couldn't get a chance to try it at a local store. Didn't want to spend $250 without trying it first. So, I haven't yet been able to pursue this (though, I would love to check it out). TelyHD and Logitech cameras seem pretty similar. The TelyHD seems to have a few additional features that the Logitech device lacks (eg: photo sharing, video-calls with multiple parties, etc), but is a little more expensive esp if you want to get all these features. Relatively speaking, Logitech's UI seemed very simple & intuitive. 
3. I briefly considered XBox+Kinect -- currently, there's no Skype app for XBox (plus, this setup would be a little complex for older/non-techie folks in the family).
4. Using a tablet/laptop is an option -- but the cameras in these devices don't cover a wide angle, plus it's a little tedious to project them onto the big screen.
5. Since our LG smart TV has Skype built-in, I looked at the LG TV camera  -- it's a properitary camera that works only with LG TVs & hence didn't pursue it.

Here's a summary of my experience with the Logitech TV Cam HD ...

• The camera has skype built-in. No computer is needed. The camera needs only three things to function
• Power (supports both 110v and 220v)
• A broadband internet connection (supports both wired & wireless connections)
• A TV with one unused HDMI port
• The camera is fairly compact & light-weight.
• Mounting the camera on the TV was very easy.
• Setting up the camera & logging onto Skype was very easy & quick (took about 3 minutes)
• The remote has about 6 buttons & is very intutive. Likewise, the UI is very simple & easy to use. 
• Video quality is below that of a SD transmission, even with a 15/7Mbps broadband connection on my side. So far, I have chatted with folks on the east coast & in India (using this TV cam). In each of these calls, I have found the video quality to be acceptable.
• Audio quality for the other side gets worse if you are more than 5-7ft away from the camera. To get around this, we have sometimes used the regular landline (in speakerphone mode) for audio & have used the TV cam (in muted mode) for video -- on both the sides .
• Since the camera has a built-in ringer -- you get notifications of incoming calls even when the TV is off
• There's a notification of missed calls
• The camera is very, very suitable for non-techie grand parents. Essentially, if one can use a TV remote, they can use this device.
• If you buy two of these devices, Logitech is offering a $50 discount. Best Buy gladly matched this discount.
• Things that I would like to see supported/fixed
• Video of one self is reversed (left-to-right). This is an annoyance, esp as kids try to walk into the video-frame. I wish that Logitech "fixes" it.
• Another annoyance -- default settings aren't optimal
• Contacts are not sorted by status, by default
• When picking up an incoming call, only audio is enabled by default
• Skype's ringtone is not enabled by default
• It would be nice to get support for multi-party video-calls & for sharing pictures/videos (premium versions of TelyHD support these features already)

Comments on Amazon.com provide additional info, if you'd like to read more.

Here are some frequently asked questions...

1. Does the TV need to have Skype application built-in?
• No. The Logitech camera has the Skype software built-in
2. Does the TV need to be internet enabled?
• No. The Logitech camera can connect to WiFi/Wired internet connections
3. Why can't I use a laptop/desktop/tablet with the TV instead of using this camera?
• Of course, you can go with this option, but it may be a little too complex for non-techie grand parents.