7
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the C-it Video Camera, the
OpArt Video Mail, and video conferencing in general.
Q
What does the USB stand for on my C-it Digital Video PC Camera?
A
Universal Serial Bus. It's a new way to attach things to your computer without having to go
through a lot of hassle. It's a new "plug-and-play" feature.
Q
What do you mean, "Plug-and-Play"?
A
All you have to do is plug in the device, and the computer already knows how it works. It
eliminates the need to install cards into dedicated computer slots and reconfigure the system.
Computers with USB automatically configure a device as soon as it is physically attached,
without the need for you to reboot or run a setup program. Also, you can unplug the device and
plug it back in without having to turn the computer off and on.
Q
Pretty neat. What other kinds of devices can I connect to my computer's USB port?
A
You name it: monitor controls, audio IO devices, telephones, modems, keyboards, mice, 4x and
6x CD ROM drives, joysticks, tape and floppy drives, imaging devices such as scanners and
printers. USB's 12 Megabit/s data rate will also accommodate a whole new generation of
peripherals, including MPEG-2 video-based products, data gloves and digitizers. Also, since
computer-telephony integration is expected to be a big growth area for PCs, USB will provide a
low-cost interface for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and digital PBXs.
Q
How do I know if my computer has a USB port?
A
Check on the back of your computer to see if it has a USB connector. See the picture on page
17 to see what a USB port looks like.
Q
What is a Digital Video Camera?
A
A video camera designed to work as an input device with your PC to do videoconferencing,
still imaging and cool fun stuff. It doesn't use videotape like your camcorder; instead it converts
images directly to digital files that your computer can process and send over the Internet or
telephone wires.
Q
How does it differ from a digital camera?
A
The main difference between a digital video camera and a digital camera is that a digital
camera can only take individual snapshots. A digital video camera, on the other hand, can not
only take individual snapshots, it can also record and send video mail, communicate as a video
phone or do complete videoconferencing with the appropriate software.
Q
Does that mean I can use other video input devices with the C-it Software?
A
No. The C-it Software was developed to work with C-it Digital Video PC Camera only.
Q
Is the sensor I choose in a digital video camera important?
A
Yes. Today, most digital video cameras use charged coupled device (or CCD) as the light-
detecting component for image capture. But a new technology, known as CMOS sensors, is just
beginning to come on the market.
