| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | email. First, launch the software that comes with the |
| Instead of just communicating over the internet with | | | | camera. Depending on the model, the process of |
| text and emoticons, people are beginning to realize | | | | e-mailing and recording your video messages may |
| just how easy and fun it is to send video clips | | | | vary. Press Start or Record to begin the video |
| through cyberspace. Webcam setups range from | | | | message. Click Stop and then preview the video. You |
| simple to complex, and increasing the complexity is | | | | can then click E-mail or Send, which automatically |
| only a matter of adding functionality through | | | | opens your default e-mail program. |
| software, custom code and/or equipment | | | | When sending a video e-mail, the longer the video |
| connections. | | | | message recorded, the bigger the attachment will be, |
| A simple Webcam setup consists of a Digital Camera | | | | so make sure the recipient's computer can handle the |
| attached to your computer, usually through the USB | | | | size. The recipient of the e-mail does not need special |
| port. The camera part of the Webcam setup is just | | | | software to see your video message; they simply |
| a digital camera -- nothing out of the ordinary so far. | | | | choose to open the attachment and the mini movie |
| The "Webcam" functions of the camera originate | | | | will play. |
| from the software. Webcam software takes a | | | | Another increasingly popular way to use your web |
| frame from the digital camera at a preset interval | | | | cam is a chat session with webcams in "real time" |
| (for example, the software might grab a still image | | | | with instant messaging (IM) programs. During an IM |
| from the camera once every 30 seconds) and | | | | chat, there will be an option to start the webcam |
| transfers it to another location for viewing. | | | | right on the screen, or under the Options or Tools |
| If you're interested in using your Webcam for | | | | menu. In Windows Messenger, for example, the |
| streaming video, you'll want a Webcam system with | | | | words Start Camera are on the right-hand side of |
| a high frame rate. The frame rate indicates the | | | | the screen. It is also possible to adjust the volume, |
| number of pictures the software can grab and | | | | window size, and video resolution with IM options. |
| transfer in one second. For streaming video, you | | | | The person on the other end also needs a webcam |
| need a minimum rate of at least 15 frames per | | | | to visually chat. |
| second (fps), and 30 fps is optimal. To achieve high | | | | Adjust your camera's focus, point it toward your |
| frame rates, you must necessarily have a high-speed | | | | face, and most importantly, look right into the "eye" |
| internet connection. | | | | of the webcam so your friends on the other end see |
| Once it captures a frame, the software broadcasts | | | | more than just your forehead. Keep in mind that |
| the image over your Internet connection. There are | | | | some webcams require an additional microphone to |
| several broadcast methods. Using the most common | | | | record audio. |
| method, the software turns that image into a JPEG | | | | Don't expect terrific video quality. It's often possible |
| (compressed) file and uploads it to a web server | | | | to adjust the video resolution by toying with the |
| using File Transfer Protocol (FTP). You can easily | | | | webcam's software settings, but the higher the |
| place a JPEG image onto any web page in this | | | | quality, the choppier the video frame rates will be. |
| manner and post your webcam images on the | | | | Webcams can also be used for remote security |
| internet. | | | | monitoring, but beware of hackers who could |
| If you don't have your own Web server or web site, | | | | intercept your video feed and then spy on YOU. |
| you can also use your web cam to send a video | | | | Make full use of passwords and encryption. |