This article applies to the following products:
QuickCam 10.x and RightSound supported cameras
QuickCam 11.x and RightSound supported cameras
Call Central and RightSound support audio devices

This Article applies to the following Operating Systems:
Windows® 2000 Professional
Windows® XP Professional
Windows® XP Home
Windows® Media Center Home
Windows® Vista

Performance considerations of using AEC:
Logitech AEC technology is highly optimized for use with Internet audio communications, however, it still requires CPU resources to work. We have worked hard to ensure the optimal trade-off between AEC performance and overall system utilization. While it is impossible to gauge the exact CPU utilization on every system available, as a guideline, we have measured our AEC to take less than 10% of the CPU while operating on a 1.8 GHz P4 class system.

Additionally, AEC is not active all the time. It only runs when the computer is playing sound through its speakers at the same time it is recording sound via its microphone. We use these conditions to indicate an audio conversation is taking place, so we can enable AEC.

Using Logitech's AEC be used in conjunction with the AEC provided by the Windows® operating system:
The Windows® operating system includes a good quality AEC component that works well for most microphones available. However, to provide Logitech users with the best possible AEC solution, we have developed our AEC technology so it is tuned specifically for the unique acoustic properties of our microphones. Additionally, Logitech's AEC processes the sound in a different manner than the Windows® AEC. We believe this results in better overall performance. When using Logitech microphones, we recommend using Logitech's AEC instead of the AEC provided by Windows®.

Because Windows® AEC operates at the application level and Logitech's AEC operates at the system level, it is possible that you could inadvertently use both AEC solutions at the same time. While this will not necessarily lead to a poor audio experience, you may consume excessive CPU resources without achieving any improvement in sound quality.

To prevent the Windows® AEC from running, consult the documentation for the audio communication application that you are running. Typically, you will need to configure the application so it thinks you are using a headset. Most audio communication applications available today disable their use of AEC when you are using a headset. Configuring these applications for headset use should not cause a problem even if you are using external speakers and a microphone as long as you also have Logitech's AEC enabled.

For additional details regarding RightSound Technology and AEC, please Logitech's RightSound page