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Webcam Advisor |
IP/Network Camera and Video Server Review's |
OK..."so what is an IP camera then?" I hear you ask. Well an IP camera is a camera with a built in IP/WEB server. That means that the camera can be plugged directly on to a network or into an Internet connection without the use of a PC. All the electronics needed to process the pictures and broadcast them are actually inside the camera itself. Clever Huh? |
With an IP camera you can connect it directly to a network router, provide it with an IP address and view its images directly with a web browser or with software supplied by the camera manufacturer or you can make it accessible from your web site. Active Webcam is a tremendously good program to use with IP cameras as you can view an unlimited number of cameras of any mixture and combine them into one central system. |
The biggest down side to IP cameras is their cost as the built in webserver pushes the price up. Also once you have bought it if you want to change the camera specification for another purpose you have to buy a whole new expensive unit where as with say a USB interface you can take advantage of the latest camera technology and just "plug it in" when you need it. |
Another way to get pictures over IP and the internet is by using an IP video server. With these you get the best of bothe worlds......That is an IP connection without a PC and you can connect any analogue camera's you like to it. However these are expensive and these days a PC for the job can be picked up quite reasonably. |
But....you dont need a PC! You pay your money you take your choice. |
I hope this site is usefull to you and i am sure you will have great fun and lots of enjoyment in the wonderfull world of WEBCAMS. |
In my mind the best reasons for using an IP camera are speed of installation, Rugedness and flexibility to move it at will to a new location. Check out the reviwed units here. I have tested them all and they all work excellently with Active Webcam. |
IP Camera Review's |