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Home > 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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