I am using 7 cameras in and around the home and I am broadcasting live video streams and still images, 24 hours a day.
And I use an 8th camera for video instant messaging from my desktop PC.
Finally, I use a 9th camera for video instant messaging/webcam from my Apple 12" Powerbook Laptop.
Cameras:
| Cam |
Location |
Brand - Model | Imager | Other |
| 1 | Outside - Pointed at Foxdale Park | Clover - OC225 | 1/3" Color CCD | Mounted under soffit of 2nd story |
| 2 | Outside - Pointed at front door | Clover - OC275 | 1/4" Color CCD | Mounted under garage soffit |
| 3 | Inside - Basement - Pointed at dog pens | Clover - OB270 | 1/3" Color CCD | Mounted on the stairway in basement |
| 4 | Inside - Garage - Pointed at overhead door | Clover - CC660W | 1/3" Color CCD | Mounted to cabinet in garage |
| 5 | n/a | |||
| 6 | n/a | |||
| 7 | Inside - Office - Various as it's somewhat portable | Axis - 205 | 1/4" Color CMOS | Network Camera |
| 8 | Inside - Office - Pointed at PC user from rear | Axis - 2120 | 1/3" Color CCD | Network Camera |
| 9 | Inside - Office - Pointed at PC user from side | Axis - 2100 | 1/4" Color CCD | Network Camera |
| Desktop | Inside - Office - Pointed at desk chair | Logitech - 4000 Pro | 1/4" Color CCD | I use this for MSN Video Instant Messenger |
| Laptop | Anywhere - Pointed at me using Apple 12" Powerbook | UniBrain - i-Fire | 1/4" Color CCD | Clipped onto laptop screen when in use |
Network Video Server:
Camera's 7, 8 and 9 are Network Cameras. They contain their own web servers and run on a Linux kernel. As such, they connect directly to a switch, then to my router, then to my cable modem, to my ISP and to the Internet.
Cameras 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all NTSC video output cameras. Each of these connect to an Axis 2400+ Network Video Server. The server captures and digitizes each frame of video seen by each camera. It too has a built-in web server running on a Linux kernel and connect to the Internet the same way as the Network Cameras. The use of this server allows me to use exiting inexpensive video cameras and it would also allow me to stream other video sources (video tapes, DVDs etc.).
Network:
I connect to the Internet using Comcast's High-Speed Internet (CHSI) service. I use Linksys routers, wireless access points and switches. There are over a dozen wired Ethernet jacks in the house connecting all the client PCs, network cameras and network video server. We also use a few laptops with built-in WiFi. All client PCs are protected with updated anti-virus software, updated DAT files, hardware and software firewalls.