What exactly does a WebCam do?

[yajaboat]

What are these things supposed to do? I was hoping that we could get one and make video emails to send to my neice in California so that she could see and hear us instead of having to read a message from us. (Actually, she misses having her grandpa tell her stories, so we would love to be able to send her some of his stories.)
Do these work like that or would she (aka the parents) also need to have a web cam?
And if you don't mind, could you tell me what kind of characteristics we should look for in a good quality web cam (and microphone too I guess)
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Thank you thank you thank you

[sea69]

Hi

Yes web-cams are for video (site and sound) emails (amoung other uses) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

No, they do not need a web-cam too in order to view what u send.

One of the best cams available is "Intel Pro Cam Pack" it is simple to use, but still has the quality of cams that are more complicated (and expensive) Price is under $100.00, and comes with free software for video "phone calls" also an extra disc to send to a family member to enable them to talk/view back (if they have a cam)

As for mic's, I use a $20.00 Labtec headphone/ boom mic, works nice.

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"re-inventing the hammer.. why I oughtta..."

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 01-22-2001).]

[sea69]

what I meant by "Other uses".. is also web cams can be used for home/office security and LOTS of other things. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif

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"re-inventing the hammer.. why I oughtta..."

[the diff]

Here's an good site to help you answer your question:
http://howstuffworks.com/webcam.htm

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[Randy_tx]

In my experience, the Intel Cam is the best......by far. Sea has been over to Mplayer and Seesaw I bet!!!

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Os2 wasn't a bad idea...