Depth Sensors Comparison

Starting from version 1.8.0.81, iPi Recorder supports ASUS Xtion and ASUS Xtion Live devices (and also PRO modifications for developers). They are similar to Microsoft Kinect sensor and can be used in the same way. But there are certain differences that you can take into account before making decision on which device to choose for use with iPi Motion Capture.

Starting from version 2.1.4.21, iPi Recorder officially supports PrimeSense Carmine 1.08 device, which is essentially an equivalent of ASUS Xtion Live under different brand name.

Microsoft Kinect for Windows

ASUS Xtion Live

ASUS Xtion

PrimeSense Carmine 1.08

Kinect vs Xtion / Carmine

Both Microsoft Kinect and ASUS Xtion (Live) / PrimeSense Carmine sensors are based on the same PrimeSense infra-red technology. So all basic characteristics critical for full-body motion capture are generally the same. But there are certain differences that you can take into account:

Device	Pros	Cons
Microsoft Kinect	High quality of device drivers Stable work with various hardware models Has motor that can be controlled remotely by iPi Recorder application: this makes device positioning more convenient	Bigger size (12" x 3" x 2.5" against 7" x 2" x 1.5") Higher weight (3.0 lb agains 0.5 lb) Require ACDC power supply Higher interference with another Kinect sensor in "Dual depth sensor" configuration Lower RGB image quality in comparison with MS Kinect
ASUS Xtion / PrimeSense Carmine	More compact ( 7" x 2" x 1.5" against 12" x 3" x 2.5") Lighter weight (0.5 lb agains 3.0 lb) Does not require power supply except USB Lower interference with another ASUS Xtion / PrimeSense Carmine sensor in "Dual depth sensor" configuration Better RGB image quality	Less popular device Lower drivers quality Does not work with some USB controllers (especially USB 3.0) No motor, allow only manual positioning

Xtion Live vs Xtion vs Carmine

• ASUS Xtion Live or PrimeSense Carmine is recommended because it includes color sensor as well. Color image is currently not used for tracking, but eventually will. Also it helps to operate the system
• Note: ASUS Xtion and ASUS Xtion Live are also available in PRO modification (for developers). But the hardware is the same for regular and PRO versions, the only difference is in the software supplied with the device, that you will not need for use with iPi Motion Capture system
• PrimeSense Carmine has better USB 3.0 compatibility than original ASUS Xtion Live. However, there is a firmware update for ASUS, which makes both devices equivalent.