There are many different technologies, software and hardware items that can create a webcam page or website on the internet. After the object to appear on the webpage is selected, a location for the camera must be selected. Then the type of camera; B&W or Color. The lens type; telephoto or fixed type. Some cameras need heated or cooled enclosures. The power source; AC power or Battery (Even Solar Charged). How to protect the Camera; Inside a building, or an exterior enclosure. How will the image be transmitted to the computer that will send it to the internet? Radio, satellite, Telephone Line, or coaxial cable.

When the image arrives at the computer, it will need to be interfaced with the Software program that is running to create the webcam and upload it to the server for use of the website. In some computers there are "Digitizer Boards" that accept the camera signal and with the circuitry of the plug-in computer circuit board, supplies the correct format to the software program. Alternately, "Video for Windows" compatable windows 98SE 300mhz or faster computer running software programs can accept external devices, connected through USB or Serial connectors on the computer that can interface external video devices to the computer. Often small webcams for "VideoPhone", or office meetings, etc. are now very common now and may be enough camera for your project. Special "Video" bus type devices that accept video and audio signals and interface them to the software are state of the art now. Special Video Television Cards can also be used to interface video cameras to the Computer program, turning the video signal into a common photo format like JPG or AVI.

The Video image is "captured" by the software and hardware, then sent using an FTP program to send the image file to a place on the Internet Service Provider server that an internet web browser looking for it can "grab it" and place it on the page that is viewed with the aid of a browser program, like Internet Explorer, on the monitor per the instructions of the HTML language the website page is written in.

Establishing a Webcam Camera Installation

• Find Scenic Location of Interest or special field of view.
• Find Sponsor with view of location, and/or that will fund the project.
• Secure use of phone line, access to internet service provider, power and computer.
• Test all components required to send the picture to internet.
• Review responsibilities of person or group in control of the sponsored location's equipment.
• Determine the economic realities of the project.
• Provide advertising/acknowlegement of cooperation for Sponsor.
• Enjoy the view!
• CLICK HERE for FAQ/INFO for Sponsoring - Establishing a Webcam at your location!- This is an RTF Document
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Last Updated: June 26, 2007