IP Network Webcams

So what is the difference between a Webcam and an IP or Network camera? They both run on a network, both can be viewed
on a PC and they both can be viewed over the Internet (or World Wide Web)

Well when you refer to a Webcam you are usually talking about a camera that plugs directly into a PC (or Mac) usually via a
USB port. The computer then handles the processing of the images and acts as a Webserver to deliver them to the Network
or Internet.

An IP or Network Camera....or sometimes as they are called IP Webcams have a built in Webserver.

So, to broadcast video over a network or the internet without using a PC you need an IP camera or an IP video Server. An IP
Video Server is a box that connects ordinary video souces like CCTV cameras, home video cameras and video outputs from
VCR's, DVD's etc. directly to the network or internet withou using a PC.

An IP Camera is a camera that has an Webserver built in so it connects directly to the network or internet without using a PC.

They both have their advantages. For a single camera or cameras in different locations far apart, IP cameras are fine.

However If your converting an exisitng analogue system to IP or have a number of cameras close by, or if you may need to
change camera types or lenses without disturbing your network connections then an IP Video Server is best.

Which ever you choose, the video images can be viewed using a Web Browser e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox etc. Or by using
the viewing software that comes with the devices when you buy them. You can even embed video players in your own web
site and view the images by logging on to your site (like we have done on Camsecure) and most units these days also include
motion detection and Emailing of the images too.

Check out camsecure.co.uk and see their great range of IP Network cameras, webservers and accessories