Simple video stream capture software (not vlc)

[dgsmith]

Hi, we have some very cheap Hue HD Cameras (cheap visualisers) but not the software that goes with it. I have setup a shortcut that directly connects to the the camera stream via vlc media player, though this can be very temperamental and loses the connection if the camera is nudged too much of disconnects momentarily.

 

Are there are any simple recommended alternatives we could use that would allow connecting to a specific capture device within shortcut parameters so it's just a case of clicking the shortcut and it will do the rest? Only needs to capture the stream, nothing else, but ideally not completely disconnect if the stream signal is lost momentarily.

[Koldov]

Can you not get the Hue software anymore?

 

https://huehd.com/ufaqs/older-hue-current-drivers-work/?ph=782f5d1b5f6507f8e0765137

 

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/hardware/216056-hue-hd-camera-software-required-anyone-got-cd.html

 

I use AMCAP for an old TTS egg microscope (handy for small serial numbers or fiddly repairs).

 

There are some other suggestions in a recent thread, though I'm not sure they do specifically what you want...

 

http://www.edugeek.net/forums/windows-10/224044-camera-app.html

 

EDIT: Just tested AMCAP and it throws a fit when the connection is interrupted...

Edited September 30, 2021 by Koldov

[dhicks]

Are there are any simple recommended alternatives we could use that would allow connecting to a specific capture device within shortcut parameters so it's just a case of clicking the shortcut and it will do the rest?

 

If "capture" just means "display the input from a camera", then a simple web page will do:

 

https://www.sansay.co.uk/pi-view/

 

The source code for the above is available (it's just one HTML file), it should be possible to make the web page take a parameter saying which camera device to use if there's a choice of several.

 

If you actually want to record the footage for playback later then Google Meet or similar might suite your needs.

 

For those Hue cameras, I find the baseplate sections that the flexible part of the camera plug into tend to be the weak link - the USB port seems a bit loose. If you can find some way of using the camera without the base that might give you a more reliable connection.

[SamanthaD]

Use the Win10 Camera app. Simple, reliable and you probably already have it.

[DrBeaker]

Use the Win10 Camera app. Simple, reliable and you probably already have it.

 

This is EXACTLY..... what we use.

 

It...just....WORKS!

[localzuk]

Most of our staff have been switching from the various random proprietary visualiser softwares to the Camera app too. Just less clunky all round.

 

Otherwise, IPEVO do a free piece of software that's my second go-to.

[dgsmith]

Thanks for the replies. I must say, it hadn't occurred that the Win10 camera app would work for this, especially as it's just for video stream only. Hopefully it doesn't indefinitely drop the feed at the slightest nudge of the USB connection. We do have a few IPEVO cameras too which are far superior and we use their own software for these, so the frustrations among those staff with the HUEs is quite well known.

[SamanthaD]

Also - I recommend using the Camera app for using Doc Cam's etc where the image needs to be large on the in-room displays as well as on a video call (Hybrid teaching). Open Camera app first and connect Doc Cam to that, join video call, share desktop then full screen Camera app. Stops any issues with multiple programs using the same USB device, or mirroring. Everyone gets the same experience.

[Oaktech]

OBS is an option...

[chazzy2501]

as @localzuk says I use the IPEVO app in the M$ store. it does not broadcast but shows any usb camera attached and has the important mirror and flip buttons. So the visualizer can be above the paper rather than below it.

[DrBeaker]

Most of our staff have been switching from the various random proprietary visualiser softwares to the Camera app too. Just less clunky all round.

 

Otherwise, IPEVO do a free piece of software that's my second go-to.

 

 

Used to use some others back in the days of Windows 7 and had to install their software from the manufacturer. Some of it was so clunky and horrible to use, some many dependencies etc.

 

Thanks for the replies. I must say, it hadn't occurred that the Win10 camera app would work for this, especially as it's just for video stream only. Hopefully it doesn't indefinitely drop the feed at the slightest nudge of the USB connection. We do have a few IPEVO cameras too which are far superior and we use their own software for these, so the frustrations among those staff with the HUEs is quite well known.

 

 

I think it just treats it as a webcam really. For what staff need it works really well. We brought enough for the whole school during 2020. The feedback has been really positive from staff as they just work. Don't need a separate PSU (unlike some other brands). All of our Hues are 720 HD which is good enough for a 1400x900 screen and even the full HD screens.

 

Would definitely buy more and in fact we did during the summer lol

 

Also - I recommend using the Camera app for using Doc Cam's etc where the image needs to be large on the in-room displays as well as on a video call (Hybrid teaching). Open Camera app first and connect Doc Cam to that, join video call, share desktop then full screen Camera app. Stops any issues with multiple programs using the same USB device, or mirroring. Everyone gets the same experience.

 

We found the same with Teams etc. Just reminded staff to plug it in THEN open the app OR close down any other apps and then load the camera. No issues since then.