# Remote WebCam Advice

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [December 28, 2006, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821 "2006-12-28T01:25:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821/1 "2006-12-28T01:25:41Z")

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I want to set up a webcam at our cabin in the hills - Still images once an hour or six.

I kind of know my way around a computer, so I’m mostly wondering if anyone can recommend their favorite camera and/or software (Linux or Windows), but tips n tricks are always appreciated.

I’m at least a 2 hour drive from the place, so I’d like robust and/or remotely configurable software.

Oh, and I’m a total cheapskate too, which is important.

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821/2 "2006-12-28T02:20:24Z")

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I think you’re looking for a netcam, not a web cam. Netcams have built-in web servers which means you won’t need to leace a PC running 24×7. The downside is I think you’ll need to have a broadband connection at the location to be monitored.

I have a Panasonic netcam and it’s pretty nice, but it was a bit pricey, but it has both audio, smtp ability (to email me some jpegs when it detects motion) and PTZ control via web browser so I can remotely scan around. If you want to google for it, I think it has a 331 in the model number (I’m posting from my cell phone so I can open up another window to check).

I think linksys makes one for about $100 but you won’t get PTZ at that price.

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**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821/3 "2006-12-28T02:26:04Z")

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…_can’t_ open up another browser window…

And PTZ = pan/tilt/zoom.

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**Author:** ![Rysdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/7cd45c/32.png) [@Rysdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysdad)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821/4 "2006-12-28T02:42:01Z")

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I had bookmarked [this site](http://www.cabinsee.com/?gclid=CKn58q6rrocCFTHTJAod8nhyJg) several months ago when I was looking to buy a cabin. It may be a starting place for you.

I have no opinion as to its value since I haven’t researched it any further.

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**Author:** ![Bobotheoptimist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/919ad9/32.png) [@Bobotheoptimist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobotheoptimist)\
**Post date:** [December 28, 2006, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-webcam-advice/385821/5 "2006-12-28T02:44:23Z")

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[QUOTE=Patty O’Furniture]  
I think you’re looking for a netcam, not a web cam. Netcams have built-in web servers which means you won’t need to leace a PC running 24×7. The downside is I think you’ll need to have a broadband connection at the location to be monitored.  
[/QUOTE]  
No broadband, unfortunately. I don’t even have a local dial up number up there - I’ll have to find an 800 for my ISP or set it up to use a calling card (no long distance).

Thanks tho, I might need a netcam at home 🙂