14 DAY TRIAL // Plustek has just introduced its TVCam VD100 hybrid device, a USB peripheral that seems to be the result of an unholy union between a TV tuner and the grandmother of the modern digital camera.
As notebooks and PDAs are getting more and more popular, mobile users can take advantage of the tuner's built-in DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial) technology and watch DVB-T transmissions all around the world, at any time. A coaxial antenna input is also provided, but the input standard is only limited to analog.
However, if you'd rather enjoy an Internet messenger video conversation, all you have to do is switch the webcam functionality. There is no need to swap USB cables and devices all around, since the VD100 can substitute for both a TV-Tuner and a VGA webcam.
The device is especially suitable for mobile users who need both a TV tuner and a webcam at the same time, but they only have a single USB port available. Of course, another efficient way to connect two peripherals to a single USB port would be adding an external USB hub.
The TV tuner comes with a bundled reception antenna that can be detached when the tuner is not in use. Despite the fact that TVCam VD100 blends two different functionality modes in a single device, its manufacturers managed to keep a compact design in a lightweight, portable form factor (86 grams).
When in TV tuner mode, the VD100 can record TV programs for further use or for burning to an optical medium.
The TVCam VD100 webcam / TV tuner combo can be attached to the LCD monitor using a bundled clip, which makes it the perfect pocket companion for road warriors, travelers and commuters. The built-in microphone allows users to initiate voice-over-IP calls or even to send commands to the computer, if it is running Windows Vista and the voice command option has been enabled.
