Thanks for the update, Jason.
Jason1975 wrote: ... There is definitely a difference between what was seen on the MacBook Pro Retina models on display and what the other sources I mentioned were displaying. Perhaps it has to do with the new display and software that isn't updated yet...
.... Unfortunately, the new laptop has the same issue...
Of course what is seen on Retina versus non-Retina display will be different. That is a different issue from the video quality your video contacts experience. However, the fact that you see the same problems at your home on a second new Mac means you will need to do some more extensive troubleshooting involving another trip to the Apple Store.
Rather than merely looking at displays of the live camera, I suggest you compare how the FaceTime video looks when received on your iPhone while in the Apple Store. If necessary, you should test your new Mac plus some of the Store models, too. Taking your new Mac & iPhone back the the Apple Store and connecting there will have the added benefit of eliminating possible internet connection issues at your location.
At the Store, you can compare how your new Mac's video transmissions (iChat, FaceTime, etc.) and video from some Store display cameras look on your iPhone as a receiving device. If all are "bad" on your iPhone, you can also compare video transmissions received on one of the Store's devices to be sure it sees the same video problem as your iPhone.
While connected via wi-fi in the Apple Store, if the FaceTime video transmissions from your new Retina MacBook Pro (RMBP) to your iPhone is lower quality from that of the Apple Store's RMBP FaceTime to your iPhone, it seems to me that the Geniuses should determine whether your new RMBP needs service or (highly unlikely) is a second "bad" Mac that should be exchanged for a RMBP that works properly. This time, test the fix BEFORE you take it home again.
If, every RMBP you test in the Apple Store looks worse than the video sent from all other devices, you are most likely correct that some software needs to be updated for video quality.
All this testing may take some time, so plan ahead. Perhaps you want to make a Genius appointment. However, although the Geniuses were unable to give a definitive answer other than swapping RMBPs during your last visit, they may have since found an official answer to your questions.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim
Mac OSX 10.7.4