Because it lacks an onboard video processor, the LifeCam HD-6000 does not support HD video chat via Skype. You’ll need a CD-ROM drive to load the included Microsoft LifeCam software (alternatively, you can download the software from the Web). To support high-def video chat with the LifeCam HD-6000, your PC must run Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher, with a 1.6GHz Intel dual-core or higher CPU, and at least 1GB of RAM.
The software will prompt you to plug in the LifeCam HD-6000 via the attached USB cable when the software setup is complete. As is the case with its sibling, the LifeCam HD-5000, you must first install Microsoft LifeCam software and Windows Live Messenger from the included CD-ROM–a process that took me about 10 minutes on my desktop and close to 20 minutes on my laptop. The bundled Windows Live software isn’t preloaded onto the device, and the camera doesn’t automatically turn on when plugged in.