Could somebody pls take a moment to explain live streaming webcams to me?

[kayaker]

@troubledwater

Again, not the OP, but in similar situation needing (“Please explain like I’m your grandmother fussing with AOL dial up CDs.”) version.

Which camera, which program, and which apps? Did the program come with the camera?

I know there are a million cameras/programs/apps out there. That’s kind of the problem.

The Logitech Alert 750N is the one I have.. It came in a box with everything needed. Pretty much plug-n-play. Wall mounts, window mount, temporary stand, etc. No written material other than a link to see/download a PDF manual which is cool. Also a download for the program to set up and run on your computer.

A reciever plugs into the wall and the back of a computer. The camera has a similar plug in transmitter, making the system wireless. Apps are available for iOS, Android, what-have-you so that you can see what’s up wherever you are. The program and apps are free. I’m using the App called Alert (Logitech).

You can have six cameras on the same system! You can remotely zoom/pan/etc. it has night vision! I don’t work for the company.

[Fubaya]

I have a Foscam wireless IP camera. You set up a password, select a port to use it on, edit port forwarding on your router to point to the webcam, then access it through a webpage or one of several mobile apps.

[tellyworth]

If you’re looking for something very easy to set up, take a look at Dropcam. I know someone who has one and likes it.

[troubledwater]

kayaker, Fubaya, tellyworth - thanks. You’ve given given me a starting point. Hope it works for purplehorseshoe.

[si_blakely]

@kayaker

You can have six cameras on the same system! You can remotely zoom/pan/etc. it has night vision!

If there is a reason for not wanting your internet webcam to be hacked - here it is.

@Mijin

So we’ve had Shrodinger jokes, but nothing about using live streaming to look at pussy?
Sometimes I barely recognize the straight dope…

I thought about, I really did. But you know, sometimes (just sometimes), I can be better than that. It probably won’t happen again, though.

@Fubaya

I have a Foscam wireless IP camera. You set up a password, select a port to use it on, edit port forwarding on your router to point to the webcam, then access it through a webpage or one of several mobile apps.

Yep, that’s the sort of thing I was talking about.

You could use a PC and webcam, or Skype, or something similar. But the costs of running a PC fulltime just to occasionally check in on the cat make that an expensive option, and one that is more prone to failure (it is pretty hard to teach an awake cat to answer Skype, let alone a sleeping/ex- cat, and I don’t think there is an auto-answer option on Skype that I have seen). A dedicated lowpower device is a much better option, even if you have to spend a bit of money.

[flatlined]

Offers the OP some internet hugs.

I understand what you want PHS. A webcam won’t do anything to stop your big boy from dying, and even if you saw something going wrong, you couldn’t get there in time to help.

There was nothing you could have done to stop your husband from dying. You did every thing right.

Sadly, there is nothing you can do to stop an old, sick cat from dying. I know this from past experience. Enjoy Al while you can and then let him go with love and dignity.

[DChord568]

@si_blakely

(it is pretty hard to teach an awake cat to answer Skype, let alone a sleeping/ex- cat, and I don’t think there is an auto-answer option on Skype that I have seen)

Perhaps this option doesn’t exist on the PC side, but here is a screenshot from the Preference panel of my Mac version:

http://i61.tinypic.com/2eby34z.png

[si_blakely]

I did find it on my Skype - but I don’t know why anyone would want to turn that option on. I certainly wouldn’t, way too much potential for disaster.