Webcam Does Streaming Uncompressed HD

Point Grey demonstrated that USB 3.0 can be used to stream uncompressed HD video.

Yesterday Point Grey decided to tease IDF attendees with its prototype webcam that can actually stream HD video across the upcoming USB 3.0 interface. The company demonstrated that uncompressed video at 1920 x 1080 can stream at 60fps without any hitches using the new USB technology. Granted 1080p can temporarily result in rather large files, the imagery is super sharp and crystal clean, especially from a makeshift webcam.

Point Grey's website offers more information about the prototype camera, revealing that it uses Sony's IMX036 CMOS image sensor, Xilinx's field programmable gate array (FPGA), a Standard-B USB 3.0 connector, and Point Grey's low-level USB 3.0 driver. In the connected PC, Point Grey used a USB 3.0 interface card powered by the R1000 xHCI controller from Fresco Logic, and the Intel-based P7P55D Asus motherboard.

Unfortunately, Point Grey doesn't plan to release the prototype camera as an actual product. "We built it solely as a technology demonstration to showcase the benefits of SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)," the company said. "We have no plans to make it available for sale." Point Grey also added that the demonstration was to bring awareness to the industry that SuperSpeed USB will provide huge performance benefits.

"USB 3.0 will be a key digital interface in the imaging and vision industries in the years to come," the company said. Hopefully the prototype camera will lead to actual products sometime within the next year.