Related Resources - Peripherals

What are DMS-Related Peripherals?

DMS-related peripherals are hardware devices such as microphones and cameras that hook up to other hardware devices including laptops, Lectopia digitizers, and iPods.

Type of Peripheral

Web Cams - Wireless Microphones - Computer Microphones - iPod Microphones - Headsets - USB Headsets - USB Speakerphones - VGA Splitters

Purpose Key

Recommended for Web Conferencing.
Recommended for Podcasting.
Recommended for Lectopia.
Recommended for Video Conferencing.
Recommended for Streaming.
Recommended for Screencasting.

OS Key

Recommended for Apple OSX.
Recommended for Windows.
Recommended for Linux.

Carried at Duke University Computer Store.

Web Cams

Important Note For Macintosh Users with built-in iSight cameras. Most of these USB cameras will work with the Macintosh. To use these cameras with Adobe Connect, you will need to use the Camtwist application (free). Click here for more information.

Logitech Quickcam Pro For Notebooks - $99
Purpose OS

The Notebook Pro features a glass Carl Zeiss lens and does very well in low light situations. It can either clip onto a laptop or it can be used with its supplied stand to be pointed in other directions. The USB cable is a bit short, so a USB extender is recommended if you plan to use this on a stand.

Logitech Quickcam Orbit AF - $130
Purpose OS

High end side of the desktop camera market but worth it. Motorized Pan & Tilt. Nice camera for low light situations. Easily configured with extra video effects software that can be a lot of fun. Comes with a built-in microphone and an option for a headset. USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible.

Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000 - $99.99
Purpose OS

The best of the micro cams for notebooks. Not much larger than your car key. Great video quality and extremely mobile. Simply plug it in to your notebook, clip it to the top of your laptop and you're ready to go. Built-in microphone with echo cancellation.

iREZ K2r Desktop Camera - $129.95
Purpose OS

Superior video quality. This camera sits on a 12" stand with an adjustable arm for easy adjustment. USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible. Capable of capturing digital stills as well. Bright LED to let you know when it is on.

Wireless Microphones

Wireless microphones can be very useful for presentation/lecture capture, when the presenter requires freedom of movement.

Sennheiser Freeport Wireless Microphone - $200.00
Purpose OS

UHF Diversity Wireless System with Omni-directional, Clip-on Lavalier condenser mic, Body-pack Transmitter, and Compact Diversity Receiver.

Listen to a sample recording.

Ceiling Microphones

Ceiling microphones can be useful for lectures, classes, and presentations involving multiple participants speaking from different areas of the room.

Tandberg Audio Science Microphone - $1200.00-$1500.00
Purpose

The form-factor for this microphone is a large sheet of curved plexi attached to ceiling tiles. The audio levels throughout different areas of the room are very even; however overall sound quality is a little oatmeal-boxy.

Computer Microphones

Some very interesting USB microphones have become available in recent months. They have very good sound quality for the price, and plug directly into a computer's USB port.

Samson CO1U USB Studio Condenser microphone - $80.00
Purpose OS

This is a studio quality microphone for capturing excellent sounding audio recordings with the convenience of USB.  For about $50 more the Samson CO3U is the same microphone adjustable pickup patterns and filter settings.

iPod Video (and Second Generation Nano) Microphones

Microphones can now be purchased for iPods with video. All listed microphones record 16-bit audio at 22 kHz or 44 kHz. Audio samples are provided below. All recordings were transferred directly from the iPod to the computer, without editing.

Belkin TuneTalk Stereo - $69.00
Purpose OS

Form-factor is better for placing on a tabletop and recording a group. Read a review. For longer recordings (>2 hours), you might want a charger that works with this mic.

Listen to sample recording with autogain ON.

Listen to sample recording with autogain OFF.

Griffin iTalk Pro - $49.99 Purpose OS

Form-factor is better for placing on a tabletop and recording a group. Read a review.

Listen to sample recoding.

Headsets

Elluminate Stereo Headset - $6.95
Purpose OS

A very inexpensive headset that still has quite serviceable audio and microphone quality. This is an excellent choice based on price for a bulk purchase to seed headsets to a group of students or collaborators. No volume controls on the headset and branding with an Elluminate, Inc. logo are the primary disadvantages. Available exclusively through Duke's computer store. [recording sample]

 

USB Headsets

Lenovo USB/Plug Headset (40Y8518) - $49.99
Purpose OS

Comes with a special USB port which lets you change easily between USB and stereo plug interface. Good sound and very comfortable. Easy volume control and mic mute on the cord. [recording sample]

Plantronics Audio 650 USB - $49.99
Purpose OS

This microphone is especially good for recording audio from a desk area, or on the go. Because the microphone on the headset is close to your mouth it does not pick up extra noise. Strong speakers in the earpieces deliver very good audio.

Logitech ClearChat USB Headset - $39.99
Purpose OS

True stereo style microphones with comfortable earpieces. High quality audio and microphone. Adjustable in-line volume control and mute button is very helpful, although the large size makes it easy to mis-mute.

Logitech Premium Notebook Headset - $59.99
Purpose OS

The best of the portable notebook headsets. Comes with carrying case that headphones fold flat into for storage. Convenient in-line controls provides quick access to volume and muting features. Comfortable design with an adjustable earpiece. Also includes an analog to USB adapter to fit just about any laptop.

USB Speaker Phones

Phoenix Duet Executive - $199.99
Purpose OS

The Duet Executive connects to your computer through a USB interface and can be used as a speakerphone for any computer-based VoIP or communications software. It also connects to your telephone / IP phone / cellular phone through the headset connection to become a multi-service speakerphone. Finally, the executive model can be daisy-chained together with other identical units to provide coverage to larger conference rooms. A $149.99 version called the Duet PCS is available, although it does not have a connection for your phone or the ability to daisy-chain with other units.

VGA Splitter

P/2 DA2xi - $230.00
Purpose OS

The Extron P/2 DA2xi allows you to take a VGA signal (typically from a computer) and split it so that the signal goes to two sources, typically a projector and a Lectopia unit.