Toshiba launches wireless network camera

Toshiba’s Imaging Systems group today launched the IK-WB01A wireless network camera. The $599 camera lets users participate in video chat, home surveillance or upload live video streams to Web sites. The camera includes a 350,000-pixel progressive scan CCD that delivers JPEG video images (640 by 480 resolutions) with audio at rates up to 15 frames per second, Toshiba said. The camera is expected to be available in late September.

The IK-WB01A includes a built-in Web server, which eliminates the need for an on-site PC to stream video across the Internet. The camera features 802.11b wireless connectivity, so users don’t need to place the camera near an Ethernet port when streaming video (an Ethernet port is included for users who want to connect a cable).

Video can be viewed remotely over the Internet with a standard Web browser (including on a PDA). Viewers also have the ability to remotely control the camera’s pan, tilt and zoom features. Toshiba is also providing a free 90-day trial home page at this Web site, where users can watch their camera, as well as get to know other users in the Web camera community. User Web pages can include features such as chat, guest books, a calendar, time-lapse recording and archiving, a photo album, Weblog, buddy lists, and specialized Web page skins. For more details on the camera, go to this site.