Software to display a webcam stream

[fafster]

It doesn't need to record. All it would do is take the stream from a webcam, and then show it on the screen. The Preview functionality of most recording softwares (like Movie Maker) isn't any good, due to the size.

The idea is basically the same as those visualiser tools where students get to view whatever's on a teacher's desk, for example when they're marking a mock exam paper in front of the class.

There are plenty devices out there available for purchase, it's just that we're looking to make a homebrew version so we don't have to fork out £70 for the privelege.

[SimpleSi]

Assuming you want to just rig up a webcam to a stick, then you could use Virtualdub to display the video and set it to stretch it to full display.


regards

Simon

[Galway]

Why not convert it to flash, then you can shove it on the web or just click to run then resize.

There are plenty of free converters ... search or use

Free Video to Flash Converter: convert video to flv swf flash

[mossj]

Windows Media Encoder (free I think) does this + you can have it recored or have a mms://computer link to the media to play on other machines.

We typically use this software on prospective perents evenings, when the heads doing her speach we use this to stream it across the site. So perents can just site down and watch it in a class room on a smartboard for example.

[AHeighton]

Easiest way to do this that I've ever found is vlc - VLC media player - Open Source Multimedia Framework and Player

Our art and design teachers do this to show closeups of techniques on the projectors. Cheapy webcam pointed at what they're doing, and vlc will quite happily open it as a "direct show" source and show it full screen. It can also be streamed across the network or saved if you like.

Freeware and pretty good too.

[ozydave]

Another big thumbs up for VLC.
Another one to look at is Helix streaming media server (not open source). It can broadcast (multi or uni cast) live to every PC in the school if you wanted at the same time as encoding it for use later. We have filmed a school football match and broadcast to 2 PC suites.

Cheers

[fafster]

Cheers people, VLC sounds like it'll do the trick!

[zag]

Has anyone used expression Encoder 4 for this?

Expression Encoder 4 Overview | Microsoft® Expression®

I'm wondering if its better than VLC.

I need to stream a music concert to a couple of rooms.

[AHeighton]

I've not used Expression Encoder at all. If it's any use, vlc has been updated and is substantially better in many respects since I last posted. The streaming is easier to set up too.

Hope that helps
Alex

[zag]

Any ideas which module to use for the streaming?

I have the option of http, ms-wmsp, rtp, rtsp

[AHeighton]

Hi, sorry for the wait, you may have worked this out on your own.

All the different modules allow for different players to access the stream, so you could have vlc serving up the media and using mms, watch it on Windows Media Player.

If it's just vlc-to-vlc, you should be able to use any module you like. Personally, I've had the most success with the http module.

Cheers
Alex