QuickCam is a totally new concept in digital video for personal computing. It's a low-cost QuickTime video camera, that connects to the serial port of the Macintosh. It provides four-bit gray-scale video in image sizes up to 240x320 and at up to 15 frames per second and works both as a video and still camera.
QuickCam lets you record QuickTime movies, capture still pictures in PICT format, and record sound from QuickCam’s built-in microphone. Unlike higher-cost alternatives, QuickCam provides digital input directly into the Macintosh through the serial port; no digitizer or AV model is necessary to record video. This results in a lower cost to the user and does not require the additional equipment necessary to decipher NTSC or PAL video, which all other camera alternatives use. Moreover, QuickCam draws its power off the Macintosh’s serial port, which means that there is only one simple cable to hook up to start using QuickCam. Owners of early Macintosh models, such as the Mac II, IIx, IIcx, IIci, and IIfx, will also appreciate the fact that QuickCam includes a voice-quality microphone.
QuickCam has several bundled software packages including a full-featured video recorder application that allows users to record and edit QuickTime movies created by the camera. The editing capabilities for QuickCam’s software includes support for both insert and assemble edits, and supports cutting and copying between multiple QuickTime movies. Besides supporting typical QuickTime frame rates of up to 15 frames per second, QuickCam’s software also allows the user to capture time-lapse movies by specifying capture of a movie in terms of frames per second or minute.
Also included with QuickCam is a desk accessory that allows graphic artists to grab digital still photos in PICT format at any time they are using their Macintosh with QuickCam connected. With it, the user simply points the camera at what they want a photo of, adjusts exposure, if necessary, and clicks to take the picture. The captured still is saved in a PICT file of the user’s choice, or may be copied to the clipboard for instant use. Thus, every QuickCam-equipped Macintosh becomes an instant still camera. Also shipping with the camera are several After Dark™ screen saver modules using live video and a utility for putting QuickCam still pictures into various desktop backgrounds.
QuickCam is designed around a high-quality black and white CCD (charged couple device), similar to what is used in video camcorders. QuickCam differs from other devices using CCDs, however, in that the pixels derived from the CCD array never are converted into analog NTSC video. Instead, QuickCam sends the pixels as digital bits down the serial stream to the Macintosh, where a Connectix-authored VDEC puts the bits into a form that QuickTime understands.
Connectix is also developing a low-cost color version of QuickCam for both Macintosh and PCs equipped with Microsoft Windows. The color version is expected to be ready in early 1995.
Suggested US List price $149.
CONNECTIX DESKTOP UTILITIES
CDU is a collection of sixteen powerful utilities in one comprehensive package. CDU let you easily customize your desktop Macintosh to work the way you want it to. With CDU, you’ll be more productive and your Mac will be easier and more fun to use. CDU is the first software product to be accepted by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a Controlling Device for Macintosh computers under the US EPA Energy Star program.
Conserve Power
CDU is the first Mac utility to support federal guidelines on personal computing power conservation and it’s completely compatible with automated network backup utilities. CDU lets you set your Mac to automatically.
Customize Your Mac
Bring your desktop to life by adding color to your Mac’s windows, menus and controls. Just select from CDU’s assortment of color-coordinated palettes. Personalize the backdrop of your desktop with your favorite picture.
Be More Productive
Mouseless Menus‚Ñ¢ gives you one keystroke access to menus and dialogs. Open files with a single keystroke. Automatically type text into your document (such as the date or and address). Menus stay open until you make a selection. Background windows can be automatically hidden to reduce desktop clutter.
Preserve Your Monitor
CDU extends the life of your monitor by preventing screen phosphor burn-in. Unlike many other screen savers, CDU’s screen dimmer lets you continue to see the progress of your work. CDU is also fully compatible with other commercial screen savers.
Keep Your Data Secure
CDU keeps your sensitive and confidential files save and secure — whether your Mac is switched on or off! You can even instantly hide you screen from people passing by.
HAND-Off II
For proven fast, easy, file access.
Get more done in less time with HAND-Off, the productivity tool that makes file access a snap. As MacWEEK said, “It’s so good that Apple should have included it in System software.”
Open files instantly using the Pop-up launch menu
The HAND-Off II launch menu lets you open any file or group of files with a single mouse stroke from anywhere. It’s the most convenient way to launch documents. You can organize files and applications your own way. For example, you can open all of the letters, charts, spreadsheets and files associated with a project simultaneously with just a click.
Locate and launch files quickly from the Apple menu
Click open any document, alias or application directly from the Apple menu. Speed through your control panels with a mouse stroke. HAND-Off II’s SuperMenu™ turns the System 7.0 Apple menu into multiple levels for viewing, launching, and opening folders and files.
Substitute programs for missing applications
Say goodbye forever to the annoying “Application Not Found” message. If the application you need is missing, HAND-Off II will automatically launch a compatible substitute program. You can also pre-assign substitutions (even for DOS files) and open them with your preferred application.
Automatic Color switching
Get the color depth and sound level you want for any application. It’s simple with HAND-Off II. Run your Mac in full color when you use your favorite graphics programs. Then HAND-Off II will automatically change to faster black and white mode when you switch to a word processing or spreadsheet program.
Eliminate window clutter
Moving through a maze of overlapping windows can be confusing and wastes time. Your Mac will be easier to use when you pair HAND-Off II’s new AutoHide™ feature with System 7.0. AutoHide automatically hides all windows except the ones that your current application is using. By only showing active windows, AutoHide makes your desktop clean, fast, and more productive.
