Cisco umi - why isn't it available here?!??

[Drunkard #1]

It's exactly what I want. A HD video conferencing system with a PTZ camera designed to work at 4m, not 30cm like webcams are. It's completely plug and play. Just put it on top of your TV, plug in the box and go.

Do you think it'll work if I import one and give them a fake address?

Otherwise, does anyone know of any other options (PTZ cameras that give HD resolution for under $500, and long range directional mics.). I can plug it into a HTPC, so it doesn't need to be stand alone.

 

[ponder]

Do you have the bandwidth though?

What you going to do with the subscription service attached to the product as I'm pretty sure it won't work outside of the US.

You could try using a forwarding service like MyUS.

Logitech has something similar but it's also tethered to a service so I doubt it's available locally.

 

[Tacet]

I think they'll indulge you if you're part of a large enough corporate. Doubt it for home users, though.

 

[Drunkard #1]

I've already got a MyUS account, so importing one isn't an issue. The service is an issue. I wonder if it'll work with a fake address. I wonder if the data is local peer to peer, or if it all goes through the Cisco servers. Data rate is an issue - I get about 900 kbps up, but maybe I could get a 3G modem at a higher speed.

It's designed for homes, and it's perfect. I looked for other options, but webcams with tele lenses don't exist, and professional teleconferencing camera are over R 10 000. Then I'll still need to look at a specialised mic setup.

Hope they bring it here soon. Even the $ 100 per year fee is reasonable for what you get.