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📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: TakeTheActive on December 25, 2006, 07:59:01 PM

Title: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windows?
Post by: TakeTheActive on December 25, 2006, 07:59:01 PM
[I'm hoping one of you Camera Gurus (KDR? Don_N? Tuicemen?) might know the answer to this.]

I was just "thinking" the other day (Yeah, I know, "That's dangerous!" :P ), I have a few USB WebCams that I never installed (well, I "tried" out one of them, once, on a P233 so you know how LONG AGO that was ::) ):

*IF* I have a WebCam installed on each of 2 PCs in the basement, is there a way that I can selectively view them from my laptop upstairs in the den?
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windo
Post by: tjdavj on December 25, 2006, 09:28:17 PM
TTA,

I'm not a guru, but if you're running W2k Pro, or XP Pro, The easiest way to view them would be thru Remote Desktop, or PCAnywhere.

Obviously, I am assuming you are on a local network..

You may be able to install Windows Media Encoder 9, which installs a streaming server on the PC with the cam, then open MS Media Player on your laptop and watch the stream. I have set this type of streaming up before, but it was to a Internet based streaming server for the radio station I work for.  I'm not sure if it's possible to stream on a local lan, but I'm sure that the MS Media Player website could answer that question..

There may be another option with a product like WebCam Pro, although I have no experience with it yet.

HTH..
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windows?
Post by: KDR on December 26, 2006, 05:15:16 AM
Sorry TTA i don't have any experience with a setup like this. My guess would be that you could make it work its just finding the right means.
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windows?
Post by: Tuicemen on December 26, 2006, 10:53:36 AM
I also have never tried anything like this.
I do know it is possible as tjdavj stated:
Quote
The easiest way to view them would be thru Remote Desktop, or PCAnywhere.
You could also use VNC (http://vnc.com/)
There are also other cam software which could possibly be made to work!
How ever the best method would be:
X10dispatcher (http://x10dispatcher.com/) I don't know if in it's current build it will, if not I'm sure Dave could add the option ::) ;) :D!
It already will view multiple cams (from any capture source) and send the info to a webpage or view 4 in the program itself!
One copy will talk to the others over a home network (I've done this part) which would also tie all your homeautomation to all your PCs ;) :D ;D
You can PM x10dispatch and ask if this is possible or if he could add the option if you wish to proceed with this route! ;)
If you do let us know others may wish to do this as well! ;) :D ;D
I may give this a shot as well ,have a ATI AIW card to add to my wifes PC so that will alow a Spare X10 cam to be viewed from it with X10dispatcher! ;)

**Cheers**
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windows?
Post by: Don N on December 26, 2006, 12:03:34 PM
TTA --  Sorry, my "Guru-ness" is limited to X10 wireless cameras so I can't comment on your situation.
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windo
Post by: Dan Lawrence on December 26, 2006, 06:49:53 PM
If the Webcam is a device in Windows, sharing it may be an option.    No guarantee, though.
Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windows?
Post by: HA Dave on December 26, 2006, 09:36:19 PM
I set-up a Web Cam that broadcast live to my (Yahoo-geocities) Web Site some years ago. It was live and viewable from upstairs, or from work (back when streaming video wasn't blocked).

My son had set-up a Web Cam with a free software download that allowed the Web Cam to funtion as an IP Cam (my current solution). I checked ZDnet for downloads (free) and they have enough it would take a little playing to find one you would like best for your needs.
This one looked promising. (http://downloads.zdnet.com/download.aspx?&kw=web+cam+viewer&cat=230&docid=203376&promo=100510)


Title: Re: [Sorta OT] Can I Poll a Webcam Installed on a PC on a Local Network in Windo
Post by: TakeTheActive on December 27, 2006, 03:47:50 AM
Thanks for your input everyone! :)

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on December 26, 2006, 09:36:19 PM

I set-up a Web Cam that broadcast live to my (Yahoo-geocities) Web Site some years ago. It was live and viewable from upstairs, or from work...

*THAT* sounds like what I'm looking for. [In case everyone forgot, my DEN laptop is a P266 running Win98SE!) Too bad you don't remember *HOW* you did it. :(

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on December 26, 2006, 09:36:19 PM

My son had set-up a Web Cam with a free software download that allowed the Web Cam to funtion as an IP Cam (my current solution). I checked ZDnet for downloads (free) and they have enough it would take a little playing to find one you would like best for your needs.

Yep. I do the same:


I was just looking for a few recommendations as a "shortcut". ;)