CAMERAS

The camera add-on to a computer is usually called a NetCam and comes a couple of different ways. You may get one that plugs into the USB port or one that consists of three basic units: the camera, a video capture card and the software to make it all work. Once you've installed the video capture card (and resolved any conflicts with the IRQs, I/O locations and, probably, the DMAs) you plug in the camera (probably two plugs - Video and power - both onto the video capture card) and stick it somewhere (mount it). Or, if you've got the USB type, you plug it into the USB port and stick it somewhere.

Then you install the software - which you must have in order to use the camera. Usually you get everything you'll need in a kit when you purchase the camera and you just follow directions to install everything.

There will be minimum requirements for your computer - which will vary with whatever kit you purchase - but at the very least will probably request a Pentium class microprocessor running at 133 MHz (or faster), 16 Mb of RAM (or more), 10 to 50 Mb of free space on your hard drive and Windows 95 (at least) as your operating system. As usual, minimum means just that - and in this case, more is almost always better!

You can also use your home camcorder as a netcam, IF

  1. your camcorder has a video out jack, and
  2. you have a video capture card in your computer.

Of course, you'll still need the software. But a camcorder will give you a much better picture and you can use all the features of your camcorder - zoom, etc.

Most folks involved with netcams recommend that you not use the microphone built-in to the normal netcam - it's just not good enough (you have to speak very loudly for anyone to hear you). They suggest a boom mike most often, or a microphone/headphone combination as the best replacement. The microphone/headphone combination is probably best for an individual, the boom mike for a group.

We have included several articles about camcorder use. Click here.

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