Web Camera

by Krystle Danielle Wong Lim

1. What is it?/ What is it for?

The term webcam is a combination of "Web" and "video camera." Webcams are typically small cameras that are either attached to a user's monitor or sit on a desk. Webcams can also be used for video chat sessions with other people. Instead of broadcasting the video on the Web, users can set up a video chat session with one or more friends and have a conversation with live audio and video. The maximum resolution of a webcam is also lower than most handheld video cameras. For this reason, webcams are relatively inexpensive compared to most video cameras. And while they may not be ideal for filming a movie, webcams are great for video chat sessions with friends. It is a misconception that using a webcam is just to record yourself doing something beneficial or entertaining. A webcam can also be used a security surveillance system. (ex. , if you want to see what your children or employees are doing while you are away)

2. What does it look like?

3. What is the technology behind it?

The technology behind using a webcam is very simple. You basically needs three things in order for it to work; a webcam, software to record and capture video and a medium to broadcast the recorded images and video. The first thing that needs to be done is the buying and setting up of the webcam. Some webcams are very simple to connect to your computer; all you have to do is connect it to the USB port on the computer. There is software that comes with the webcam that allows you to captures the images and videos. Depending on what you need the webcam for, the proper settings need to be in place. Once the camera and software is installed, you now need a way to broadcast the images and videos. Your computer is now able to capture video and photos then upload it to a web server. Your software will continue to capture and upload the images while you have it in capture or record mode. For recording streaming video, you will need a constant connection to the internet. This way you will be sure to receive up-to-date images captured from your webcam. A reliable and fast connection is also needed on both computers when communicating between two webcams.

References

http://www.sharpened.net/glossary/definition.php?webcam; Accessed on 05 August 2009

http://www.messenger.yahoo.com/superwebcam.php; Accessed on 05 August 2009

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564068_a-webcam-work.html; Accessed on 05 August 2009