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Webcam monitoring software can turn your ordinary webcam into an extraordinary PC-based surveillance device

March 30, 2007
By:  Lynn Bryant

Webcams have been around for a while. Typically, they have been used to talk to friends over the Internet, or for even perhaps to conduct small videoconferences. A new trend however has been to turn your webcam into a PC-based video surveillance device. To get the additional functionality out of you webcam, you will need to invest in webcam monitoring software.

Most software packages are very inexpensive and offer some unique functionality. In the remainder of this article, we will seek to explore some of the unique functions you can gain from utilizing webcam viewing software.

Webcam software can greatly enhance your webcam features and viewing options by providing the following:

• Motion detection capabilities-- Most webcam software programs on the market today offer some sort of motion detection functionality. Some systems allow you to incorporate motion-triggered recording, which automatically stops and starts recording based on the presence or absence of a motion event.
   
• Remote webcam viewing through the Internet -- Some software packages give you the ability to access your webcams remotely by logging in through a standard web browser. This can provide a great deal of flexibility as you can have access to your cameras and captured video from virtually anywhere in the world.
   
• Generate automated email or phone alerts -- Webcam software can be used to generate automated email or phone alerts automatically when a security event is triggered. Some applications can even attach a short video clip displaying the event that was recorded.
   
• Multi-camera viewing -- Some webcam software applications are designed to incorporate multiple web cameras onto one system. You then have the ability to view events from all of the active web cameras you have connected.
   
• Advanced recording options -- Generally, most programs give you the ability to record and store captured video from your web cameras directly to your computer's hard drive. Some even provide the ability to record video images to a remote server just in case you personal computer is stolen. Some programs also offer motion triggered recording, and a scheduling tool that allows you to pre-schedule recording times.
   
• Log security events -- Another feature that is common in some of the newer webcam software packages is the ability to mark or log security events. This makes it much easier to find important events when you are going back through and reviewing the recorded video.

As you can see, the features mentioned are very similar to those offered by some of the most popular video surveillance systems on the market. Most webcam software packages are very reasonably priced ranging anywhere from $35 to $65 for a basic software program. If you already have a webcam and a personal computer this could be a very simple way to turn your devices into a full-fledged video surveillance system.

About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com.  Your definitive guide to video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless security systems for home and business.

Also See:  [ Home wireless surveillance system & camera kits by X10 ]
[ Review of webcam surveillance software with motion detection ]
[ Helpful tips on purchasing video surveillance cameras for home security ]

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