Help needed - Streaming a webcam?

andy03071981 · Dec 21, 2007, 09:24:03

Does anyone know how to stream a webcam to another computer on a network? I have tried Video LAN (VLC) but it seams it would be easier to train as a brain scientist than to know how to use that. haha.

Rik · Dec 21, 2007, 09:25:55

Not I, Andy, sorry.

Gary · Dec 21, 2007, 09:27:45

Nor I

andy03071981 · Dec 21, 2007, 09:29:19

Quote from: Rik on Dec 21, 2007, 09:25:55
Not I, Andy, sorry.

But Rik you know everything there is to know about everything, haha. This is a sad day!

Rik · Dec 21, 2007, 09:30:50

I know, I'm going to put the forum into mourning.

somanyholes · Dec 21, 2007, 09:32:38

Hey

All you want is some software that converts your webcam into a http stream, which you can then view from another box using a browser. something like http://www.pysoft.com/ActiveWebCamMainpage.htm
should do the job, if not to your liking just search something like download.com for webcam and look for any that provide http servers.

hope this helps

Rik · Dec 21, 2007, 09:37:34

Thanks for that, So. I shall have to make a note for the next time someone asks.

Ray · Dec 21, 2007, 09:39:27

I have used Windows Media Encoder V9 to do this available from here as a free download: -

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5691ba02-e496-465a-bba9-b2f1182cdf24&displaylang=en

somanyholes · Dec 21, 2007, 09:45:38

Iv'e run out space for notes, now at maximum capacity, and the Christmas festivities are causing rapid degradation of storage space.

Rik · Dec 21, 2007, 09:47:04

I gave up on mental notes and bought a bigger HD instead - they don't tend to get senior moments so often.

ducky22 · Dec 21, 2007, 13:01:47

Hmm, it depends on what its required for.

'Microsoft Netmeeting' is the easiest option I can think of. You usually have to browse to the path (c:\program files\netmeeting\conf.exe I think).

Once you've got it open on both computers call the other by use of the hostname or if that doesn't work, the local IP address. Once connected you have the option to share the webcam.

You are right tho, VLC is unusually complicated. Windows Media Encoder is easy enough to use and will allow for 'true' streaming to multiple clients. Bear in mind you will also require Windows Media Server (standard part of windows 2003) to actually broadcast.

andy03071981 · Dec 22, 2007, 15:44:13

Quote from: ducky22 on Dec 21, 2007, 13:01:47
Hmm, it depends on what its required for.

'Microsoft Netmeeting' is the easiest option I can think of. You usually have to browse to the path (c:\program files\netmeeting\conf.exe I think).

Once you've got it open on both computers call the other by use of the hostname or if that doesn't work, the local IP address. Once connected you have the option to share the webcam.

You are right tho, VLC is unusually complicated. Windows Media Encoder is easy enough to use and will allow for 'true' streaming to multiple clients. Bear in mind you will also require Windows Media Server (standard part of windows 2003) to actually broadcast.

Will this affect my upload and download limits with iDnet?

Rik · Dec 22, 2007, 15:50:16

Only if you're streaming to the 'net. ISTR you wanted to stream across your own network?

andy03071981 · Dec 22, 2007, 16:54:30

Quote from: Rik on Dec 22, 2007, 15:50:16
Only if you're streaming to the 'net. ISTR you wanted to stream across your own network?

Thanks Rik

ducky22 · Dec 22, 2007, 21:17:05

Quote from: andy03071981 on Dec 22, 2007, 15:44:13

Will this affect my upload and download limits with iDnet?

As Rik said, no, it won't - it will only affect local bandwidth however if you're using a normal router you're gonna have at least 100mbit of available bandwidth which is never going to be used by 1 webcam (unless you've got an awful lot of clients streaming it :-P).