Logitech USB Webcams, How To Get Them Working...
So, it turns out Logitech's webcams that have a manual focus (the "4000" and the "Zoom" models, at least) work fine with Delicious Library, IF you use the correct drivers. This is kind of cool because Logitech's webcams are cheaper than iSights, but, frankly, they're really not as nice: no autofocus, cheap plastic cases, the mounting bracket is plastic and loosens easily, and the image quality is far inferior. But, hey, cheaper. There's probably some expression that sums up the notion of getting more value if you spend more money, but it's beyond me.
Anyways, Logitech cameras ship with drivers from our fine friends at IOXperts, but unfortunately there's a bug in the current version of the drivers, so it crashes (often immediately) with Delicious Library. This bug is fixed in their new beta drivers, but the bad news is, you have to pay $20 for them. (They work for free for 30 minutes, though, so you can test it out.) On the other other hand, if someone gave you their old Logitech camera for free, you might be able to spend $20 and get a working barcode scanner!
Alternatively, you can wait until the drivers come out of beta and they'll be re-posted on Logitech's site, assumedly for free.
To sum up: if you want to mess around with beta software, you can play around with using some Logitech webcams today. Or, if you wait, you can probably get the real drivers in a bit, for free.
posted by Wil Shipley at 6:25 PM
11 Comments:
You're now pretty much exactly one month behind your planned release date of DL 1.5 (february 15th, wasn't it?) - I think it would only be fair to give your users a little update on what's happening and when to finally expect the new version.
Thanks,
Michael
Now, I don't quite know you're talking about vis-a-vis picture quality here- I can see the plastic case criticisms- because I get a wonderful 1024x768 picture out of my Logitech.
I haven't dropped it down to 640x480 to compare it directly to the iSight, however.
Was "You get what you pay for" the phrase you wanted? ;)
Hey Michael - I'm Drew at Delicious Monster. I don't think we had a public planned release date for 1.5, but I can assure you that it's our #1 priority right now. We're working very hard on it and expect to have it available as a free upgrade within the next upcoming weeks. Stay tuned - we've got a lot of great stuff ahead!
I'm sure you are, and I wish you all the best.
You (actually Wil Shipley) did nonetheless mention February 15th in the "Macworld Expo is nigh." entry on this blog.
Keep up the good work - I'm really looking forward to the new release.
- Michael
You're right - Wil did mention February 15th. We really shouldn't post "HOPEFUL" dates like that for exactly that reason: we're working hard on it and our expectations have broadened from where we were before the start of development.
So, to be clear, we're hard at work on 1.5 and hope to have it released in the next upcoming weeks. :)
I have been using my Orange Micro Firewire webcam from the get-go and it works flawlessly. Love this software. Thanks guys.
MCosman
Has anybody gotten this to work?
When I try it, it doesn't crash, which is a positive step, to be sure.
However, it then won't ever completely scan, and after about 20 seconds of video, will free for about 15.
Anybody else?
well, they posted yesterday a newer version of the beta. it actually scanned successfully- but it still does the lock-up behavior.
Hey Delicious guys and gals, LOVE this software! About the cameras, I use a regular video camera (old Sony miniDV) via firewire. Works perfectly, no extra drivers needed 'cos all necessary drivers etc must come in iMovie or something...btw still got bugs with not being able to delete stuff properly, and the bug that doesn't let me submit feedback. otherwise the 1.5 release is a big improvement! Looking forward to v2 or a big-fix release sometime soonish!
Ack sorry that was meant to read "bug-fix"...should proofread BEFORE posting, huh?
Post a Comment
<< Home