SightSpeed

SightSpeed is a videoconferencing company, supplying VoIP and instant messaging app for Windows and macOS operating systems. The service allows people to make video calls, computer-to-computer voice calls, and calls to regular telephones, with free and paid versions.

SightSpeed
Developer(s)SightSpeed Inc.
Final release
6.0 / 1 March 2007
Operating systemWindows or macOS
TypeVideoconferencing, VoIP, instant messaging
Websitesightspeed.com

In October 2008, the company was acquired by Logitech for $30 million.[1] The Logitech Vid service is based on SightSpeed's technology. Due to competing software, the Logitech Vid video calling service will be discontinued as of 1 July 2013 and the downloading of the product has already been terminated. As a result, Logitech is no longer accepting new account registrations.[2]

Technology

SightSpeed uses a proprietary algorithm for video compression. The video conferencing technology is capable of transmitting 30 frame/s video, and uses the standards-based H263 codec.

SightSpeed's video codec was originally developed at Cornell University's Discover Lab and is based on H263.

SightSpeed's network technology is SIP based.

Features
  • SightSpeed users are able to have free video calls with each other.
  • Video Mail messages can be sent to any e-mail address.
  • The SightSpeed software is able to host video conferences with up to nine participants.
  • "Phone Out" is the name of the service that allows users to make phone calls to landlines and mobile phones, paying with pre-paid credit. "Phone In" allows SightSpeed users to receive phone calls from regular telephones.

Limitations

The main criticisms are:

  • Lack of true privacy features such as encryption.
  • SightSpeed "Phone Out" does not support outbound caller ID in the United States, where people commonly reject calls from unrecognized numbers. The recipient sees "unknown" or a blank field instead of the caller ID number.
  • Though it uses the SIP standard it is not interoperable with SIP networks and can only be used with a SightSpeed account.

References
  1. Robin Wauters (29 October 2008). "Logitech Coughs Up $30 Million To Acquire SightSpeed". TechCrunch.
  2. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/support/6164?section=downloads

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