FAQ's

What is a "Webcam" or "Network Camera"?

A Webcam is a camera that is available on the Internet enabling people to view live images from any other location on the World Wide Web (WWW), thus the term "Webcam." While many people think of the small, low-end USB type cameras that connect to a PC when they hear the term "webcam", there are many other kinds of webcams.

Network cameras are higher-end camera systems that typically do not require a PC to operate. Typically based on an embedded operating system (often Linux based), these cameras contain their own web servers. Network cameras can serve images directly to users connecting to them over local area networks (LAN) or upload images to remote servers on the Internet. This technology has taken its place in industry, education and government segments and is one of the fastest growing applications of technology today. These cameras have applications on the Internet, as well as on closed network systems.

How does it work?

A Webcam used either in conjunction with your PC or configured on your network can allow updating images to be sent to the World Wide Web. People may then connect from anywhere in the world over the Internet and watch your live video either directly from the camera, through a webcam site or the images can be uploaded to your own web site. For professional projects and construction site monitoring, EarthCam.net (www.earthcam.net) offers a complete turnkey solution with your own camera control center, as well as 24x7 camera monitoring and support.

What are the cameras comprised of?

On the low-end, the physical parts of the system include a camera, digitizing hardware and software included to capture, process, and publish the image from a PC connected camera. In a network camera, the compression, digitizing and all the software are onboard the camera itself, along with hardware for the physical network connection. More complex systems might include several to hundreds of networked cameras linked together with storage, monitoring and archival systems.

Why EarthCam / WebCamStore?

EarthCam is the recognized leader in providing live streaming video webcam software and technology solutions all over the world since 1996. The WebCamStore offers competitive prices, a comprehensive selection of diverse webcam solutions and backs up all products sold with a vast knowledgebase and top-notch support team. In addition, our highly skilled engineers can customize or design complete custom solutions for complex webcam installations. EarthCam and WebCamStore have provided webcam solutions for hundreds of corporations and government agencies. From NASA to NASCAR, our customers include the Army Corps of Engineers, Turner Construction, Bechtel Construction, Lockheed Martin, New York City Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Verizon, Motorola, Ford, Toys 'R' Us, Panasonic, Texas Instruments, Morgan Stanley, National Geographic and Kodak, to name a few. When it comes to choosing a technology partner, you want one that can back up their claims. Don't take our word for it, read what some of our customers have to say

What is the difference between fixed, robotic and megapixel cameras?

Fixed - A fixed or "static" camera is a camera that is mounted and positioned to capture one particular shot. The camera does not have the capability to move around and view the surrounding area; only what is positioned in the camera's field of view is captured.

Robotic - Robotic cameras offer the ability to pan, tilt and zoom, sometimes with a complete 360 degree radius (limits vary by make and model of camera). A robotic camera has the ability to move around and take various snapshots of objects within its range of motion and allows users to remotely control this movement.

Megapixel - A Megapixel camera performs the exact same function as the fixed camera, however the megapixel camera takes much higher resolution images and stores them in an archiving area on EarthCam's server farm. These pictures may be retrieved online or burned to a DVD at the end of the project to be used in slideshows, videos and even commercials.

How can a Webcam help me?

Webcams have literally thousands of uses, from simple video conferencing to security monitoring to monitoring multi-million dollar construction projects. The possibilities are practically limitless and new uses and ideas are presented daily. EarthCam has developed hundreds of systems to accommodate the wide and varied challenges we have been presented with since 1996 and our experience in custom systems development is unrivaled. Trusted by some of the biggest names in the industry to create and deploy Internet camera systems, EarthCam can provide the right solution for you. Whether you are interested in monitoring your retail store, keep an eye on your vacation home, save trips out to the construction site or even just keep an eye on your favorite sunset view, we have the right system for you.

What do I need to setup a Webcam?

You will need a location or object you would like to view. Optimally, you would have a high-speed connection to the Internet, a secure location for mounting the camera and a reliable power source, but by no means let the lack of those items stop you. EarthCam can provide you with both wired and wireless camera systems utilizing available power, solar power or battery power and can also provide flexible, permanent, semi-permanent or mobile camera mounting systems. The sky's the limit when it comes to the possibilities. If you need a camera system online, EarthCam and WebCamStore will make it happen. Request a custom system quote or request a site survey today to see the options available to you.

Why would I need to work with an Integrator / Service Provider instead of doing it myself? I've got I.T. guys, can't I just buy some cameras and hook them up to my network and "do it myself"?

Sure, you can do it yourself. In fact, we make it easy for you to do this in the right cases. For single camera installations or even simple network security systems, you can buy a camera or system right online here at WebCamStore. We recommend using our configuration services so that the system is sent to you turnkey and "plug-and-play". This will help you get setup and online right away. Complete solutions, including archival/time-lapse functionality, project monitoring and software support, EarthCam.net (www.earthcam.net) has the services you need. EarthCam takes the headache out of managing camera systems and offers a feature set developed over years of refinement and contribution from many of our top clients. Best of all, all our systems are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Why not take a test drive?

For even more complex Enterprise class systems and large, distributed security and monitoring applications, let EarthCam completely survey, design, install and maintain your project from the ground up. Whatever your needs are, we have the solutions you need.

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