- What is a webcam?
- What is a streaming webcam?
- How do I put together a webcam of my own?
- What kind of camera do I use?
- Which CamMotion Product Do I Need?
- How much zoom will I get?
- How do I get the camera video into my computer?
- What webcam or streaming program should I use?
- Is CamMotion a webcam program?
- Where does CamMotion come in?
- What about the CamMotion software?
- Can I program the CamMotion system myself?
- Can I get a customized GUI web-page control panel?
- How far can I set up a CamMotion camera from the host computer?
- What if I want to place the CamMotion outdoors?
- Can CamMotion send the video directly from the camera itself into a network over ethernet?
- Can I try the CamMotion myself?
-
What is a webcam?
A webcam is a device that sends pictures from a video or still camera onto the internet so you can view the
images on someone's web page.
-
What is a streaming webcam?
Most webcams send one still picture, then there is some time delay, then another still picture, and so on.
These are usually called 'still' or 'static' webcams. There are thousands of them on the
internet now - fairly dull since they have no motion and usually aren't interactive.
Streaming means the images are sent continuously so you see motion when you view the webcam's images
on a web site. The next level of webcam is streaming and it makes for much more interesting webcams.
The speed of motion you see on streaming cams depends
on many factors including the network speed and the speed of your connection to the internet. Under
good conditions, a good streaming cam can appear to send several pictures per second and you can watch
live action on the net, watch people move around, vehicle traffic in motion, waves on the ocean, and more.
Streaming cams also are used for other, sometimes private, applications like distance learning, remote
observation, video conferencing that aren't necessarily conducted with publicly
accessible web pages. Streaming cams use different webcam programs than still/static webcams.
CamMotion products are compatible with many existing commercial, shareware, and freeware video streaming and webcam software products, such as:
- For Video Conferencing
- For Live 'Streaming Video' Web Cams
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
We use Personal Webmedia 1.7.6 for our Santa Maria, California live-video CamMotion Pro30 demonstration system webcam feed. Highly recommended! And you can download it FREE from this link. Personal Webmedia is FREE and gives you incredible control of your streaming media including selectable video image types and frame rates, audio too. Works with most any 'video-for-Windows' (NetMeeting-compatible) capture device and our CamMotionPro software is completely compatible. Ideal for intranet and server-based webcams.
- InetCam
The CamMotion PTB system in Yokohama, Japan and the CamMotionPro30 system in Perth, Australia are operated with Inetcam. Inetcam is a terrific system with many advanced features for video streaming webcams and the new v2.3.0 version costs only $30. InetCam is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended.
- For High Volume Server-based Video-Streaming and NetCasting
- Web Browsers (for Java Applet internet-remote access)
- Netscape 4.x Works best of all
the browsers for video streaming and updates images quickly for Personal Webmedia streams
of both JPEG and GIF.
- Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.0 and 5.0 Works well when viewing streams from InetCam video streaming software.
May exhibit slow image updating when viewing Personal Webmedia GIF and JPEG streams.
- IBrowse for Amiga computers
-
How do I put together a webcam of my own?
You choose a camera, some means of getting the camera images into your computer, and a webcam program to
send the images out onto the internet. CamMotion Products typically require:
- Pentium-class PC with Win95, Win98, or WinNT4
- 166MHz or faster recommended
- 32MB memory
- 2MB of hard drive space for software
- An available standard COM port (COM1 or COM2 up to COM8)
- For CamMotion PTB - your lightweight (up to 6lb) video camera with standard tripod mount
- For CamMotion PTB and RCM - focus/zoom control requires a LANC/Control-L type camera (many Sony and Canon models)
- Viewing video from a camcorder or ordinary video camera on a PC and/or over
the internet requires video capture and/or network video webcam or
videoconferencing software. Many network video viewing software tools for webcams,
videoconferencing, etc. are available as free downloads.
CamMotionPro Software remote operation (client program) also requires similar PC (doesn't use COM port,
though) on a TCP/IP network (LAN or internet connection).
Java applet remote control may operate from a variety of Java-enabled platforms (typical browsers like Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, computers with the Java Virtual Machine installed in another way, etc.); you can put your webcam display up on web pages you design and incorporate our Java applet control panels right into the web page so your visitors can interact with your CamMotion system and view the streaming video all on one web page. Our other control programs operate like ordinary PC programs and can be used either with web-based video transmission programs (webcam programs) or other types of applications. In other words, we provide camera control programs that integrate right into web pages (Java applets) or that can be used entirely separate from the web on your private network application (regular PC .exe program).
Specifications, availability, and pricing subject to change without notice.
Capture devices and video internet transmission software not included.
-
What kind of camera do I use?
There are two basic types of cams, real video and 'digital'. Real video cams are the kind you can connect to a VCR or video monitor and see real video images. Digital cams are usually intended for computer-use only and connect directly to a PC for viewing of images on the PC's screen only. Video cams also must be connected to the PC for webcam use, but through a video capture board of some kind (see below).
Our Pro30, ProC1, ProC4, ProCS, and MultiCamMotion include a high quality real video camera with built-in zoom lens and pan/tilt system. MultiCamMotion can come with up to 3 pan/tilt/zoom Sony cams. With our CamMotion PTB, you can use Sony camcorders to act the part of a much more expensive computer-controllable zoom lens. There are also many low-cost digital motion-video cameras on the market under $100 (so-called 'egg' cams, 'golf-ball' cams, etc.). These are typical 'minimal' cams with no focus or zoom. You can also use ordinary video cameras (even cheap used camcorders or any other type that has video output compatible with your computer's video capture system). These are sometimes called NTSC cameras. The golf-ball, NTSC, and other types of cams can easily be attached to our PTB for pan/tilt (no zoom) control.
CamMotionPTU, CamMotionPTB, and CamMotionRCM also add PC and network-remote Zoom/Focus (and more) for camcorders with LANC (Control-L) ports. We like the Sony TR416 and TR517 which have extraordinary lens-control using CamMotion PTB and are very low cost. TR517 (with 20X optical zoom lens and night vision!) now is frequently available at Circuit City for a very low cost of about $279 (one customer purchased the TR517 for use with our CamMotionPTB for only $240!).
For more camera information from these manufacturers, just visit the web site links above.
-
Which CamMotion Product Do I Need?
Consult the CamMotion Product Quick Reference Table>
Check this table for basic information and links to detailed info on each CamMotion product.
Want unique or custom applications? Call!
-
How much zoom will I get?
The four pictures below should help you decide. The one on the left is from our Pro30 at 'minimum' zoom (1X zoom - focal length about 5.5mm - 49deg field of view) setting. There are three tall palm trees off in the distance (about 500 meters distance from the cameras) near the center of the picture. The middle image is the Pro30 at 12X zoom (focal length about 65mm - 4.4deg field of view), aimed at the right two of the three palm trees. The third pic below shows the view from the new CamMotionProKX at 21X zoom (focal length 79.8mm - about 2deg field of view), which isolates a single palm tree sharply. The last one is using a 'static' (fixed, no pan/tilt/zoom focus) telescopic video camera on our MultiCamMotion system. The image shows the right-most palm tree at an very high zoom. This last image was taken with a 350mm focal length telescope (Meade ETX-70AT) with an attached Sony SSC-C350 video camera, producing about 75X zoom overall. All three images here are actual freeze-frame-grabs from Personal WebMedia (320x240) through our VideumAV video input card on CamMotion systems, taken at different times of day which accounts for the different apparent colorations, and displayed at smaller size here to fit nicely (160x120).
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How do I get the camera video into my computer?
With a video capture device. The cheap egg-cams and golf-ball cams often come with a capture device or can attach to the USB port on Win98 computers. NTSC and PAL (real video) cameras require a video capture card.
Here are some links to makers of both capture devices for regular NTSC video cameras and makers of low-cost videoconferencing digital cameras.
- Winnov Videum AV board is an ideal PCI board
solution for Windows NT4 with many advanced features and best performance drivers for
WinNT when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission software (see below). We are now
using the VideumAV board on our demo webcam from Santa Maria, CA. Cost about $200.
- Logitech makes
Connectix Quick Clip NTSC-video-to-USB adapter (or parallel port) - great for laptops
and many NTSC videoconferencing cameras. My favorite for laptops or other Win98
systems with USB (parallel port verson available, too). These are now available for
under $50 from JDR Microdevices.
- Alaris Quick Video Transport
NTSC-video-to-parallel port adapter (also great for laptops) and DVC1 conferencing
camera. Under $100.
- Broadway PCI capture card captures regular video (for PCs)
- WinTV PCI capture cards for regular NTSC
video cameras and camcorders. My favorite for desktop PC systems - Win9x.
Works best with Win95 and Win98 when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission
software. Starting at under $100 - $150. Easily obtained at Office Depot and other vendors.
- WinTV-USB A very small USB capture unit for regular NTSC (and S-video) video cameras and camcorders. We've tested this device with our Win98 laptop and Personal WebMedia streaming software. Works with Win98 when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission software. Under $100. Easily obtained from computer video equipment vendors.
- and more...
All of the above are compatible with CamMotion Pro30, CamMotion ProKX, NetMeeting videoconferencing,
Personal WebMedia 1.7.x live/streaming web-cam software (see below), and InetCam live/streaming web-cam software, too. They all make great platforms
for adding CamMotion PTB to a low-cost NTSC video camera or a very low cost digital cam. If you want the most flexibility, choose a video capture device and add your own NTSC video camera or camcorder. If you want the lowest possible cost, choose a 'digital' video conferencing camera. CamMotion PTB
can add pan/tilt to almost any camera of any kind - and ALSO add focus/zoom
control to any almost Sony or Canon camera with a LANC input.
-
What webcam or streaming program should I use?
Webcam programs already exist in many forms - CamMotion doesn't reinvent that wheel. The job of the webcam program is to get the image from the computer with the camera out onto the internet. You can use any webcam program you like with CamMotion; WebCam32, InetCam, Personal Webmedia, Microsoft Netmeeting (videoconferencing). Webcam programs like these are either free or cost less than $50. Some do streaming, some do stills. Some are easy to use for beginners, some are best used by experienced net hounds. The most interesting ones use streaming (Personal Webmedia, InetCAM, WebCam32, and NetMeeting) so people see live moving video on your webcam.
CamMotion products are compatible with many existing commercial, shareware, and freeware video streaming and webcam software products, such as:
- For Video Conferencing
- For Live 'Streaming Video' Web Cams
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
We use Personal Webmedia 1.7.6 for our Santa Maria, California live-video CamMotionProKX and MultiCamMotion demonstration system webcam feed. Highly recommended! And you can download it FREE from this link. Personal Webmedia is FREE and gives you incredible control of your streaming media including selectable video image types and frame rates, audio too. Works with most any 'video-for-Windows' (NetMeeting-compatible) capture device and our CamMotionPro software is completely compatible. Ideal for intranet and server-based webcams.
- IVista
The CamMotionProC1 system in Nagoya, Japan is operated with IVista. IVista is a terrific system with many advanced features for video streaming webcams and the video-only streaming version is free. InetCam can support high frame rates and is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended.
- WebCam32
The CamMotionPTB system in Rolla, MO and the CamMotionPro30 in Seattle are both operated with WebCam32. WebCam32 is only $49.95 and very popular, with many advanced features for video streaming webcams. WebCam32 is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended.
- For High Volume Server-based Video-Streaming and NetCasting
- RealNetworks Servers
The NIST cam (see our 'try a live cam' page) is a CamMotionPro30 that broadcasts a high-performance video stream using RealNetworks webcast system. This system may be quite costly compared to personal webcam programs like PWM, IVista, and WebCam32, but the performance and flexibility may be just what you need for commercial applications.
- Microsoft Media Server
- Web Browsers (for Java Applet internet-remote access)
- Netscape 4.x Works best of all
the browsers for video streaming and updates images quickly for Personal Webmedia streams
of both JPEG and GIF.
- Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.0 and 5.0 Works well when viewing streams from InetCam video streaming software.
May exhibit slow image updating when viewing Personal Webmedia GIF and JPEG streams.
- IBrowse for Amiga computers
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Is CamMotion a webcam program?
No, CamMotion is a motion control system (some models include the actual camera, too) that enhances the webcam experience.
Webcam programs already exist in many forms - CamMotion doesn't reinvent that wheel. CamMotion includes hardware and software for making a webcam interactive for the viewer of the webcam - with pan, tilt, zoom, and focus. Use whatever webcam or streaming software you want. If you can get your video onto the net, you can use CamMotion software to control the cam remotely.
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Where does CamMotion come in?
Whichever webcam technology you choose, CamMotion can be added to it to provide camera motion and zoom control for
the owner and (if you wish) the person viewing the cam as well. CamMotion webcam motion control panels can appear
on the web page where your webcam image appears. CamMotion can also be used on private networks and for industrial
network video applications such as distance learning, remote observation, and conferencing. CamMotion takes your
streaming webcam to the next level - with CamMotion your webcam viewers can have an interactive experience by
moving and zooming your cam and watching the results of those interactions 'live'.
-
Is CamMotion a camera?
Some CamMotion models (Pro30, ProC1, ProC4, ProCS, ProKX) include the NTSC camera (or PAL option with Pro31 or ProKXP) as part of a high-tech integrated pan/tilt/zoom/focus
system that comes in an all-in-one unit. The CamMotion PTB model is a lower-cost pan/tilt base you can use to mount
your own camera - any type. PTB also has a nifty connector for Sony camcorders to provide control of the zoom and
focus as well. With PTB, you can just slap on a cheap Sony camcorder and have the capabilities of a $2000
computer-controlled zoom lens! Some Sony camcorders for $300-400 have 18X zoom lenses with nightvision! Other
camera motion control systems force you to use very expensive solutions if you want zoom - but CamMotion gives you
this amazingly cost-effective alternative for a very powerful camera system at an affordable price.
The CamMotionRCM model is an add-on connector for use with Surveyor Corporation's Transit RCM.
The TransitRCM is a nifty low-cost pan/tilt device (no camera and zoom control) and our RCM add-on lets
you use the Transit with a Sony camcorder for focus and zoom (while the Transit does the pan/tilt in place of our PTB).
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What about the CamMotion software?
CamMotion software comes with any of our hardware models or separately (if you already own a Sony EVI-D30 pan/tilt/zoom
camera, for example). The CamMotion software package provides a complete family of programs to operate the CamMotion
hardware of your choice. You get a 'host' program (to run on the computer that has the camera and motion hardware attached).
The host program can operate the camera motions directly and also plays the role of a 'server' - it accepts commands from
viewers from over the internet or TCP/IP network and operates the camera motion in response to those commands. The
We include several 'remote' programs that can send those commands to the server from remote network locations.
Some of the remote programs we include are 'Java applets' which can put our camera motion control panel right onto the
web page that you've set up to show your webcam pictures. That means the person viewing your webcam can also see a
control panel to operate the camera pan, tilt, zoom, and so on.
CamMotion Software Information
-
Can I get my own custom GUI Java Applet, my own 'look and feel'?
YES! We have a *new* special Java Applet that is designed specifically to utilize a GUI of *your* design. You must furnish us with your design image as a .gif or .jpeg file along with a special text file that lists the layout of rectangular areas ('buttons') of your image that should be user-mouse-click regions and which CamMotion control commands they link to. There is a one-time fee for the custom applet creation. CALL for complete information on our *new* 'build-your-own' GUI design service. Want to see a 'customized' GUI we made? Check here:
Sample Custom CamMotion Applet GUI
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Can I program the CamMotion system myself?
YES! The remarkable Rebol language from www.rebol.com (it's FREE) has all the tools you need to write command scripts to
operate your CamMotion-equipped system over a network. You can write a sequence of commands to make the CamMotion
system proceed through a sequence of motions and more. This is just one of the capabilities that makes CamMotion
the most advanced camera control system on the market. And the scripts are easy to write - with examples included,
of course. We provide the simple English-like set of command words for CamMotion so you can even write your own Java applets or other
programs to control CamMotion systems.
The Rebol Web site
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How far can I set up a CamMotion camera from the host (controlling) computer?
The basic setup for CamMotion is designed for up to 50 feet of cabled connection to the COM port
and video capture card on your host PC. That is the 'spec' for RS232 communications - the type used for CamMotion camera controls. You may find that you can go much further than that - up to 1000 feet in some cases, though long distance control is not guaranteed. The reason you can go further on many systems is that the communications data rate is fairly low for camera control and is not so demanding of exact adherence to the 'spec'. The CamMotionProCS is a nice exception: Panasonic designed this system to work as far away as 1000-4000 meters from your computer. You can also use a wireless links to send the video to your computer's capture card - up to 20km - and to send the control signals for operating the camera motion controls. Wireless links make it possible to have almost unlimited distances between the cam and the host computer, but they add up to $2000 to the overall system cost.
-
What if I want to place the CamMotion outdoors?
CALL for information on our NEW high-performance outdoor cam system solution - the CamMotionProVL. This system
utilizes Videolarm's PDW1T pressurized 360-degree pan/tilt dome system with integrated heater/blower to provide a
truly ruggedized total solution for outdoor cam systems in wet, cold, or otherwise harsh environments.
You can design your own housing for the camera system or you may wish to get ready-made weather-proof 'dome'
camera housing from
Videolarm. Our CamMotionPTU can be supplied in a weatherized option
that will take the punishment of outdoor use and many compatible video cameras are available for that system
that can be housed in low-cost all-weather camera housings.
We can enthusiastically recommend Millenium Systems (631-262-1440) of Northport, New York (the creators of
the web site that has the yacht harbor cam you can view from our 'try a live cam' page) if you wish assistance
in a complete package solution with outdoor capabilities. Tony DiStefano, head engineer at Millenium Systems,
is an expert and can design your installation using our CamMotion systems and Videolarm weather-resistant
camera housings. Here are two releavant links for them:
Millenium Systems Outdoor CamMotion Site Designers
Millenium Systems CamMotionPro30 weatherized outdoor
yacht harbor cam
We also enthusiastically recommend Unilux Limited ((301-258-7318) of Gaithersburg, Maryland (the creators
of the NIST cam you can view from our 'try a live cam' page) if you wish assistance with a complete package
solution with outdoor capabilities in the Maryland area. Wes Zimmerli, engineer at Unilux Limited, is an
expert and can design your installation using our CamMotion systems and Videolarm weather-resistant camera
housings. Here's the releavant link for them:
Unilux Limited Outdoor CamMotion Site Designers
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Can CamMotion send the video directly from the camera itself into a network over ethernet?
No. CamMotion uses video (the kind you can record on a VCR). The video is transmitted over an
ordinary video connection (coax cable or wireless link) and is captured into your host PC and
*then* sent out to a network or the internet from the host PC. Control of the CamMotion
camera motion takes place over a COM port connection to the same host PC. A complete
CamMotion *system* (which includes your host PC) can use an ethernet connection to your network,
with the ethernet originating at the host PC rather that at the camera. Using video cameras provides
many more flexible network camera solutions as they are widely available with built-in pan/tilt/zoom
capabilities that can be controlled from a PC's COM port. The end result is the same in any case, you
get video out onto the network which can be viewed remotely and a camera which can be moved
and zoomed remotely. We have chosen the video/COM technology for its flexibility and low cost.
A single ethernet cam with *no* pan/tilt/zoom costs about the same as a complete CamMotion Pro30!
-
Can I try the CamMotion myself?
Sure, here are some
Try-It-Yourself Live Interactive Cams
MORE WEBCAM, PC, AND NET VIDEO INFORMATIONAL LINKS
What is a webcam?
A webcam is a device that sends pictures from a video or still camera onto the internet so you can view the images on someone's web page.
What is a streaming webcam?
Most webcams send one still picture, then there is some time delay, then another still picture, and so on. These are usually called 'still' or 'static' webcams. There are thousands of them on the internet now - fairly dull since they have no motion and usually aren't interactive. Streaming means the images are sent continuously so you see motion when you view the webcam's images on a web site. The next level of webcam is streaming and it makes for much more interesting webcams. The speed of motion you see on streaming cams depends on many factors including the network speed and the speed of your connection to the internet. Under good conditions, a good streaming cam can appear to send several pictures per second and you can watch live action on the net, watch people move around, vehicle traffic in motion, waves on the ocean, and more. Streaming cams also are used for other, sometimes private, applications like distance learning, remote observation, video conferencing that aren't necessarily conducted with publicly accessible web pages. Streaming cams use different webcam programs than still/static webcams.
CamMotion products are compatible with many existing commercial, shareware, and freeware video streaming and webcam software products, such as:
- For Video Conferencing
- For Live 'Streaming Video' Web Cams
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
We use Personal Webmedia 1.7.6 for our Santa Maria, California live-video CamMotion Pro30 demonstration system webcam feed. Highly recommended! And you can download it FREE from this link. Personal Webmedia is FREE and gives you incredible control of your streaming media including selectable video image types and frame rates, audio too. Works with most any 'video-for-Windows' (NetMeeting-compatible) capture device and our CamMotionPro software is completely compatible. Ideal for intranet and server-based webcams. - InetCam
The CamMotion PTB system in Yokohama, Japan and the CamMotionPro30 system in Perth, Australia are operated with Inetcam. Inetcam is a terrific system with many advanced features for video streaming webcams and the new v2.3.0 version costs only $30. InetCam is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended.
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
- For High Volume Server-based Video-Streaming and NetCasting
- Web Browsers (for Java Applet internet-remote access)
- Netscape 4.x Works best of all the browsers for video streaming and updates images quickly for Personal Webmedia streams of both JPEG and GIF.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and 5.0 Works well when viewing streams from InetCam video streaming software. May exhibit slow image updating when viewing Personal Webmedia GIF and JPEG streams.
- IBrowse for Amiga computers
How do I put together a webcam of my own?
You choose a camera, some means of getting the camera images into your computer, and a webcam program to send the images out onto the internet. CamMotion Products typically require:
- Pentium-class PC with Win95, Win98, or WinNT4
- 166MHz or faster recommended
- 32MB memory
- 2MB of hard drive space for software
- An available standard COM port (COM1 or COM2 up to COM8)
- For CamMotion PTB - your lightweight (up to 6lb) video camera with standard tripod mount
- For CamMotion PTB and RCM - focus/zoom control requires a LANC/Control-L type camera (many Sony and Canon models)
- Viewing video from a camcorder or ordinary video camera on a PC and/or over the internet requires video capture and/or network video webcam or videoconferencing software. Many network video viewing software tools for webcams, videoconferencing, etc. are available as free downloads.
Java applet remote control may operate from a variety of Java-enabled platforms (typical browsers like Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, computers with the Java Virtual Machine installed in another way, etc.); you can put your webcam display up on web pages you design and incorporate our Java applet control panels right into the web page so your visitors can interact with your CamMotion system and view the streaming video all on one web page. Our other control programs operate like ordinary PC programs and can be used either with web-based video transmission programs (webcam programs) or other types of applications. In other words, we provide camera control programs that integrate right into web pages (Java applets) or that can be used entirely separate from the web on your private network application (regular PC .exe program).
Specifications, availability, and pricing subject to change without notice.
Capture devices and video internet transmission software not included.
What kind of camera do I use?
There are two basic types of cams, real video and 'digital'. Real video cams are the kind you can connect to a VCR or video monitor and see real video images. Digital cams are usually intended for computer-use only and connect directly to a PC for viewing of images on the PC's screen only. Video cams also must be connected to the PC for webcam use, but through a video capture board of some kind (see below).
Our Pro30, ProC1, ProC4, ProCS, and MultiCamMotion include a high quality real video camera with built-in zoom lens and pan/tilt system. MultiCamMotion can come with up to 3 pan/tilt/zoom Sony cams. With our CamMotion PTB, you can use Sony camcorders to act the part of a much more expensive computer-controllable zoom lens. There are also many low-cost digital motion-video cameras on the market under $100 (so-called 'egg' cams, 'golf-ball' cams, etc.). These are typical 'minimal' cams with no focus or zoom. You can also use ordinary video cameras (even cheap used camcorders or any other type that has video output compatible with your computer's video capture system). These are sometimes called NTSC cameras. The golf-ball, NTSC, and other types of cams can easily be attached to our PTB for pan/tilt (no zoom) control.
CamMotionPTU, CamMotionPTB, and CamMotionRCM also add PC and network-remote Zoom/Focus (and more) for camcorders with LANC (Control-L) ports. We like the Sony TR416 and TR517 which have extraordinary lens-control using CamMotion PTB and are very low cost. TR517 (with 20X optical zoom lens and night vision!) now is frequently available at Circuit City for a very low cost of about $279 (one customer purchased the TR517 for use with our CamMotionPTB for only $240!).
For more camera information from these manufacturers, just visit the web site links above.Which CamMotion Product Do I Need?
Consult the CamMotion Product Quick Reference Table>
Check this table for basic information and links to detailed info on each CamMotion product.
Want unique or custom applications? Call!
How much zoom will I get?
The four pictures below should help you decide. The one on the left is from our Pro30 at 'minimum' zoom (1X zoom - focal length about 5.5mm - 49deg field of view) setting. There are three tall palm trees off in the distance (about 500 meters distance from the cameras) near the center of the picture. The middle image is the Pro30 at 12X zoom (focal length about 65mm - 4.4deg field of view), aimed at the right two of the three palm trees. The third pic below shows the view from the new CamMotionProKX at 21X zoom (focal length 79.8mm - about 2deg field of view), which isolates a single palm tree sharply. The last one is using a 'static' (fixed, no pan/tilt/zoom focus) telescopic video camera on our MultiCamMotion system. The image shows the right-most palm tree at an very high zoom. This last image was taken with a 350mm focal length telescope (Meade ETX-70AT) with an attached Sony SSC-C350 video camera, producing about 75X zoom overall. All three images here are actual freeze-frame-grabs from Personal WebMedia (320x240) through our VideumAV video input card on CamMotion systems, taken at different times of day which accounts for the different apparent colorations, and displayed at smaller size here to fit nicely (160x120).
How do I get the camera video into my computer?
With a video capture device. The cheap egg-cams and golf-ball cams often come with a capture device or can attach to the USB port on Win98 computers. NTSC and PAL (real video) cameras require a video capture card.
Here are some links to makers of both capture devices for regular NTSC video cameras and makers of low-cost videoconferencing digital cameras.
- Winnov Videum AV board is an ideal PCI board solution for Windows NT4 with many advanced features and best performance drivers for WinNT when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission software (see below). We are now using the VideumAV board on our demo webcam from Santa Maria, CA. Cost about $200.
- Logitech makes Connectix Quick Clip NTSC-video-to-USB adapter (or parallel port) - great for laptops and many NTSC videoconferencing cameras. My favorite for laptops or other Win98 systems with USB (parallel port verson available, too). These are now available for under $50 from JDR Microdevices.
- Alaris Quick Video Transport NTSC-video-to-parallel port adapter (also great for laptops) and DVC1 conferencing camera. Under $100.
- Broadway PCI capture card captures regular video (for PCs)
- WinTV PCI capture cards for regular NTSC video cameras and camcorders. My favorite for desktop PC systems - Win9x. Works best with Win95 and Win98 when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission software. Starting at under $100 - $150. Easily obtained at Office Depot and other vendors.
- WinTV-USB A very small USB capture unit for regular NTSC (and S-video) video cameras and camcorders. We've tested this device with our Win98 laptop and Personal WebMedia streaming software. Works with Win98 when used with Personal Webmedia video transmission software. Under $100. Easily obtained from computer video equipment vendors.
- and more...
What webcam or streaming program should I use?
Webcam programs already exist in many forms - CamMotion doesn't reinvent that wheel. The job of the webcam program is to get the image from the computer with the camera out onto the internet. You can use any webcam program you like with CamMotion; WebCam32, InetCam, Personal Webmedia, Microsoft Netmeeting (videoconferencing). Webcam programs like these are either free or cost less than $50. Some do streaming, some do stills. Some are easy to use for beginners, some are best used by experienced net hounds. The most interesting ones use streaming (Personal Webmedia, InetCAM, WebCam32, and NetMeeting) so people see live moving video on your webcam.
CamMotion products are compatible with many existing commercial, shareware, and freeware video streaming and webcam software products, such as:
- For Video Conferencing
- For Live 'Streaming Video' Web Cams
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
We use Personal Webmedia 1.7.6 for our Santa Maria, California live-video CamMotionProKX and MultiCamMotion demonstration system webcam feed. Highly recommended! And you can download it FREE from this link. Personal Webmedia is FREE and gives you incredible control of your streaming media including selectable video image types and frame rates, audio too. Works with most any 'video-for-Windows' (NetMeeting-compatible) capture device and our CamMotionPro software is completely compatible. Ideal for intranet and server-based webcams. - IVista
The CamMotionProC1 system in Nagoya, Japan is operated with IVista. IVista is a terrific system with many advanced features for video streaming webcams and the video-only streaming version is free. InetCam can support high frame rates and is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended. - WebCam32
The CamMotionPTB system in Rolla, MO and the CamMotionPro30 in Seattle are both operated with WebCam32. WebCam32 is only $49.95 and very popular, with many advanced features for video streaming webcams. WebCam32 is ideal for internet web-cam applications hosted from commercial and personal web-sites. Highly recommended.
- Personal Webmedia 1.7.x -
FREE Live Media Streaming Software
- For High Volume Server-based Video-Streaming and NetCasting
- RealNetworks Servers
The NIST cam (see our 'try a live cam' page) is a CamMotionPro30 that broadcasts a high-performance video stream using RealNetworks webcast system. This system may be quite costly compared to personal webcam programs like PWM, IVista, and WebCam32, but the performance and flexibility may be just what you need for commercial applications.
- Microsoft Media Server
- RealNetworks Servers
- Web Browsers (for Java Applet internet-remote access)
- Netscape 4.x Works best of all the browsers for video streaming and updates images quickly for Personal Webmedia streams of both JPEG and GIF.
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 and 5.0 Works well when viewing streams from InetCam video streaming software. May exhibit slow image updating when viewing Personal Webmedia GIF and JPEG streams.
- IBrowse for Amiga computers
Is CamMotion a webcam program?
No, CamMotion is a motion control system (some models include the actual camera, too) that enhances the webcam experience. Webcam programs already exist in many forms - CamMotion doesn't reinvent that wheel. CamMotion includes hardware and software for making a webcam interactive for the viewer of the webcam - with pan, tilt, zoom, and focus. Use whatever webcam or streaming software you want. If you can get your video onto the net, you can use CamMotion software to control the cam remotely.
Where does CamMotion come in?
Whichever webcam technology you choose, CamMotion can be added to it to provide camera motion and zoom control for the owner and (if you wish) the person viewing the cam as well. CamMotion webcam motion control panels can appear on the web page where your webcam image appears. CamMotion can also be used on private networks and for industrial network video applications such as distance learning, remote observation, and conferencing. CamMotion takes your streaming webcam to the next level - with CamMotion your webcam viewers can have an interactive experience by moving and zooming your cam and watching the results of those interactions 'live'.
Is CamMotion a camera?
Some CamMotion models (Pro30, ProC1, ProC4, ProCS, ProKX) include the NTSC camera (or PAL option with Pro31 or ProKXP) as part of a high-tech integrated pan/tilt/zoom/focus system that comes in an all-in-one unit. The CamMotion PTB model is a lower-cost pan/tilt base you can use to mount your own camera - any type. PTB also has a nifty connector for Sony camcorders to provide control of the zoom and focus as well. With PTB, you can just slap on a cheap Sony camcorder and have the capabilities of a $2000 computer-controlled zoom lens! Some Sony camcorders for $300-400 have 18X zoom lenses with nightvision! Other camera motion control systems force you to use very expensive solutions if you want zoom - but CamMotion gives you this amazingly cost-effective alternative for a very powerful camera system at an affordable price. The CamMotionRCM model is an add-on connector for use with Surveyor Corporation's Transit RCM. The TransitRCM is a nifty low-cost pan/tilt device (no camera and zoom control) and our RCM add-on lets you use the Transit with a Sony camcorder for focus and zoom (while the Transit does the pan/tilt in place of our PTB).
What about the CamMotion software?
CamMotion software comes with any of our hardware models or separately (if you already own a Sony EVI-D30 pan/tilt/zoom camera, for example). The CamMotion software package provides a complete family of programs to operate the CamMotion hardware of your choice. You get a 'host' program (to run on the computer that has the camera and motion hardware attached). The host program can operate the camera motions directly and also plays the role of a 'server' - it accepts commands from viewers from over the internet or TCP/IP network and operates the camera motion in response to those commands. The We include several 'remote' programs that can send those commands to the server from remote network locations. Some of the remote programs we include are 'Java applets' which can put our camera motion control panel right onto the web page that you've set up to show your webcam pictures. That means the person viewing your webcam can also see a control panel to operate the camera pan, tilt, zoom, and so on.
CamMotion Software Information
Can I get my own custom GUI Java Applet, my own 'look and feel'?
YES! We have a *new* special Java Applet that is designed specifically to utilize a GUI of *your* design. You must furnish us with your design image as a .gif or .jpeg file along with a special text file that lists the layout of rectangular areas ('buttons') of your image that should be user-mouse-click regions and which CamMotion control commands they link to. There is a one-time fee for the custom applet creation. CALL for complete information on our *new* 'build-your-own' GUI design service. Want to see a 'customized' GUI we made? Check here:
Sample Custom CamMotion Applet GUI
Can I program the CamMotion system myself?
YES! The remarkable Rebol language from www.rebol.com (it's FREE) has all the tools you need to write command scripts to operate your CamMotion-equipped system over a network. You can write a sequence of commands to make the CamMotion system proceed through a sequence of motions and more. This is just one of the capabilities that makes CamMotion the most advanced camera control system on the market. And the scripts are easy to write - with examples included, of course. We provide the simple English-like set of command words for CamMotion so you can even write your own Java applets or other programs to control CamMotion systems.
The Rebol Web site
How far can I set up a CamMotion camera from the host (controlling) computer?
The basic setup for CamMotion is designed for up to 50 feet of cabled connection to the COM port and video capture card on your host PC. That is the 'spec' for RS232 communications - the type used for CamMotion camera controls. You may find that you can go much further than that - up to 1000 feet in some cases, though long distance control is not guaranteed. The reason you can go further on many systems is that the communications data rate is fairly low for camera control and is not so demanding of exact adherence to the 'spec'. The CamMotionProCS is a nice exception: Panasonic designed this system to work as far away as 1000-4000 meters from your computer. You can also use a wireless links to send the video to your computer's capture card - up to 20km - and to send the control signals for operating the camera motion controls. Wireless links make it possible to have almost unlimited distances between the cam and the host computer, but they add up to $2000 to the overall system cost.
What if I want to place the CamMotion outdoors?
CALL for information on our NEW high-performance outdoor cam system solution - the CamMotionProVL. This system utilizes Videolarm's PDW1T pressurized 360-degree pan/tilt dome system with integrated heater/blower to provide a truly ruggedized total solution for outdoor cam systems in wet, cold, or otherwise harsh environments.
You can design your own housing for the camera system or you may wish to get ready-made weather-proof 'dome' camera housing from Videolarm. Our CamMotionPTU can be supplied in a weatherized option that will take the punishment of outdoor use and many compatible video cameras are available for that system that can be housed in low-cost all-weather camera housings.
We can enthusiastically recommend Millenium Systems (631-262-1440) of Northport, New York (the creators of
the web site that has the yacht harbor cam you can view from our 'try a live cam' page) if you wish assistance
in a complete package solution with outdoor capabilities. Tony DiStefano, head engineer at Millenium Systems,
is an expert and can design your installation using our CamMotion systems and Videolarm weather-resistant
camera housings. Here are two releavant links for them:
Millenium Systems Outdoor CamMotion Site Designers
Millenium Systems CamMotionPro30 weatherized outdoor
yacht harbor cam
We also enthusiastically recommend Unilux Limited ((301-258-7318) of Gaithersburg, Maryland (the creators
of the NIST cam you can view from our 'try a live cam' page) if you wish assistance with a complete package
solution with outdoor capabilities in the Maryland area. Wes Zimmerli, engineer at Unilux Limited, is an
expert and can design your installation using our CamMotion systems and Videolarm weather-resistant camera
housings. Here's the releavant link for them:
Unilux Limited Outdoor CamMotion Site Designers
Can CamMotion send the video directly from the camera itself into a network over ethernet?
No. CamMotion uses video (the kind you can record on a VCR). The video is transmitted over an ordinary video connection (coax cable or wireless link) and is captured into your host PC and *then* sent out to a network or the internet from the host PC. Control of the CamMotion camera motion takes place over a COM port connection to the same host PC. A complete CamMotion *system* (which includes your host PC) can use an ethernet connection to your network, with the ethernet originating at the host PC rather that at the camera. Using video cameras provides many more flexible network camera solutions as they are widely available with built-in pan/tilt/zoom capabilities that can be controlled from a PC's COM port. The end result is the same in any case, you get video out onto the network which can be viewed remotely and a camera which can be moved and zoomed remotely. We have chosen the video/COM technology for its flexibility and low cost. A single ethernet cam with *no* pan/tilt/zoom costs about the same as a complete CamMotion Pro30!
Can I try the CamMotion myself?
Sure, here are some Try-It-Yourself Live Interactive Cams