Web Cameras as Security

[OrangeFairway]

I want to use a web camera as a monitoring device. A few questions:

1. Is there any place I can host it at no cost and have access to the images via an internet connection that is not open to the public?

2. Furthermore, in addition to a live web broadcast would I be able to take a snapshot every 5 seconds, and can I store those captured images for a reasonable amount of time (ie 48 hours)? Will I have to pay for that storage capability?

3. Can I do all of this using one of the inexpensive camera and software packages widely available on the internet or at Office Depot or such?

I'm trying to avoid paying a small fortune to my security provider.

 

[getBent()]

I think the best way to do this is to host this info on your own computer. If you have DSL with a static IP address I'm sure there are software programs available that will walk you through the process.

If you don't have a static IP, you can use a dynamic dns service for a similar result. One such company is TZO.com. They're not free (I think it's $5 / month) but they're cheap. They even have a page on their web site that discusses how to use web cams and other devices with their service.

 

[Campus Loop(y)]

This very thing caught the guys who ripped of numerous places in Hyde Park a couple of years ago. A guy had his webcam always on when he left but the monitor off and it did not go to the screen but to a website he set up. Something like that. So the guys came in and stole a tv and other stuff. He captured their faces full on and sent those images to the cops. Two days later, the guys were toast.

 

[BA93]

just remember that you will most likely be on the camera as well. behave yourself or secure it with a good password.

 

[OrangeFairway]

In reply to:

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[ldogg53]

I did this at my house with a D-Link DCS2100 camera and wireless router... total cost was under $400...

 

[Mack Tripper]

We are thinking about doing this with our office. However, you have to send the video feed offsite or to a hidden computer because of the risk of them stealing the computer that has the video on it.

 

[Campus Loop(y)]

Exactly Mack. This is why you have a host site. I am going to have my own site and am gonna have my house (the one I build) wired and stuff. It is cool to be able to log on to any computer and see what is going on at your house. I can maybe put some speakers in and mess with my dog.

"Hey, get off the couch. Sit. Lay down. Good girl."

 

[Horn_Spanker]

I did this at work with a piece of software called Gotcha. It made your web cam motion sensitive and only recorded when it sensed something. I had it record to a server in another room. All I had to do was put a piece of black tape over the little led on the web cam and turn off the monitor.

 

[Orange&White]

Does "Security Camera" mean the same thing as setting it up to record what your female roomate/gf/wife does all day while watching your porn DVD's?