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Home > Use webcam surveillance software with motion detection to supercharge your webcam's surveillance capabilities
March 06, 2007
By: Will Roberts
Video surveillance just got a whole lot easier. Now you
can turn your webcam into a complete video surveillance
system with motion detection capabilities simply by using
webcam surveillance software. Using webcam software to turn
your webcam into a video surveillance device can be a very
cost effective alternative to traditional surveillance
methods. Many of the software packages available on the
market give you much of the same functionality that you
would get from a standard video surveillance system at a
fraction of the cost.
There are a large number of different webcam surveillance
packages available, many of which contain webcam motion
detection software. Not all packages are created equal
however. In reviewing some of the available offerings, the
biggest difference among products tends to be the remote
viewing capabilities offered. Some of the features of the
most widely used applications are reviewed below.
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Capturix VideoSpy -- This product provided by
Capturix Technologies allows you to record both video
and sound on a pre-programmed schedule. The software gives
your webcam motion and sound detection capabilities as
well as the ability to generate automated email alerts
when a security event is triggered.
VideoSpy also allows you to connect remotely to view both
recorded and live images from all of the webcams you have
on your system. Access can be achieved simply by logging
in through a standard web browser such as Internet
Explorer or Firefox. You can even use the VideoSpy
software to control the lights, air conditioning system,
and other electrical systems in your home. The basic
VideoSpy package costs only $39.00, and the enterprise
package, which can host an unlimited number of cameras,
cost $600.00.
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Gotcha
-- This
motion detection software for webcam surveillance can
support multiple webcam devices and allows you to
simultaneously monitor all functioning cameras at one
time. Gotcha has a time scheduler that allows you to set
different monitoring schedules for each camera on the
network. You also have the ability to record video images
to a remote server just in case your PC is stolen. Gotcha
provides motion detection capabilities to each camera, and
can also be configured to automatically send alerts via
email, phone, or pager if motion is detected.
The one main drawback with Gotcha's program is their
remote monitoring capabilities. While they state you do
have remote monitoring capabilities, remote access can
only be gained through a telephone line connection. They
do not have TCP/IP support for monitoring purposes, so you
cannot remotely access your webcam through the Internet.
Depending on what your specific needs are, this could be a
real drawback. The Gotcha single camera package sells for
$69.95, and their multi-camera package sells for $399.00.
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WebCam Watchdog v.4.0 -- A company called
Webcam Corp. offers this product. It provides motion
detection capabilities, enhanced digital video recording,
automated email alert functionality, remote surveillance
through a standard web browser, and superior compression
rates for clear smooth live streaming video images. The
software also comes with some advanced security features
such as user authentication and 128-bit encryption. This
program does require a Pentium III processor or greater to
run, but the features are well worth the extra power
required. The basic Watchdog package can be purchased for
only $49.00.
As you can see the webcam software packages that are
available can provide you with virtually the same features
as standard video surveillance systems. The features you get
for the cost may justify this as a cost effective and viable
alternative to a traditional video surveillance system.
Also See:
[ Video
surveillance services for covert surveillance & investigations ]
[ Consider
webcam security software for inexpensive home surveillance ]
[ Video
surveillance in 2007 -- emerging technologies and trends ]
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