Hidden shooting with a web camera program. Useful utilities for webcam
In this short review we will look at several useful utilities for your webcam. We will figure out how to organize video surveillance, how to broadcast a webcam to the Internet, and even how to make an alarm system with your own hands.
We make a video surveillance system and broadcast video to the Internet
Let's pose a real problem. Let's imagine that there is a warehouse, office or some other production facility. You need to organize video surveillance of it and broadcast the video on the Internet so that you (let’s hope that it will only be you, and not everyone else) can monitor your business, even while at home. You can, of course, look at the problem from the other side. Do you have private house, and you want to know what's happening on different parts your hacienda, for example, in the courtyard, near the garage, at the entrance... Of course, you want to monitor your estate from an office or from a hotel somewhere in the Maldives. You can organize a video surveillance system using different programs. Indeed, there are quite a lot of such programs. Today we will look at webcam 7 and webcamXP: both programs can be used both for organizing video surveillance and for broadcasting video to the Internet. The only difference between them is webcamXP uses technology Windows Media, and webcam 7 - FLV Player, also in webcam 7 the ability to record MJPEG video with sound has been added, that is, now you can not only see, but also hear (if, of course, the camera is equipped with a high-quality microphone).
So, webcam 7 Pro is a lot functional program for working with web cameras. The strong point of the program is support for recording and streaming video from several cameras simultaneously, and the program supports both IP cameras and USB cameras. The program is shareware, you can find out about the cost on the developer’s website (see sidebar “Links”), but it can also work in free mode(Free). In Free mode, the program supports up to two video sources, that is, you can connect only two cameras. On the one hand, this is not enough. On the other hand (if you have an apartment) - it’s quite enough. You place one camera at front door, and the second will be external - it will monitor the parking lot so that you know what is happening with your car. If two cameras are not enough, then you will have to buy either a Private license (support for up to four sources) or a PRO license (unlimited number of sources). Also an unlimited number of sources is supported in PRO licenses Trial, but in this mode the program will work for only 21 days. When starting, the program prompts you to select a license (Fig. 1).
You can add a video source by right-clicking on its location and selecting the type of video source and the video source itself. In Fig. Figure 2 shows my PCI/USB video capture devices. In Fig. Figure 3 shows the program in action. The second source has not yet loaded, but it has already been added. By the way, the program has a Russian interface; you can select the language using the Language menu.
The program automatically launches the built-in web server on port 8080. This server is used to broadcast video to the Internet. Just enter http://IP-address:8080 in your browser and you will see the video broadcast from the first source (Fig. 4). The Source list allows you to select a source. Of course, you need to properly configure the firewall on your computer (to allow incoming connections on port 8080) and router.
In the “Web/Broadcast” section (Fig. 5) you can monitor the work of the built-in web server, you can also leave it to stop broadcasting online (Disable button).
Webcam 7 is also equipped with a motion sensor. When motion is detected in the controlled area, a sound will sound. beep, an alert will be sent by email or the application selected in the program settings will launch. Theoretically, this program can also be used to create an alarm, but for these purposes we will use another program.
DIY alarm system
iSpy is a very nice program for organizing alarms. The program can be used to protect any premises - apartment, warehouse, office... If activity is detected in the monitored premises, iSpy can send a message via email or SMS. This is the main difference from webcam 7, which can only send messages by email. Of course, some operators provide gateways that allow you to send an SMS by sending a regular email message, but this option is not suitable for everyone, and the efficiency of such gateways leaves much to be desired.
It will also be nice to know that iSpy is completely free and supports any number of sources (in any case, the developer’s website does not say anything about any restrictions, and I don’t have several dozen IP cameras to check if this is the case).
I also liked the iSpy program because it has a 64-bit version and it also supports video recording from cameras - this allows you to use it not only as an alarm (detected movement, sent a notification), but also as a full-fledged tracking tool/ video capture, although there are other programs for this. The only thing I didn’t like was the mediocre translation of the application interface into Russian, so the screenshots in the article will be in English.
So, to add a video capture source, use the Add command (Fig. 6).
Next, on the Motion Detection tab you need to set the motion detector parameters, and on the Alerts tab - notification parameters, where you can also enter the phone number to which SMS will be sent if motion is detected. Call up the window shown in Fig. 8, you can use the Edit command context menu source.
In Fig. Figure 9 shows my “surveillance system” - a view of the garage and office.
Gesture recognition
The startup Flutter's first and only product is an application that allows you to track and recognize gestures using devices equipped with a webcam. This startup was relatively recently acquired by Google.
The Flutter app is currently available in Mac App Store. For now it is only available for OS X users, but a version of the program for Windows is expected soon.
Tracking system and regular video capture
Sometimes there is a need not for an alarm, but simply for a tracking system and constant video capture of video from the camera. In this case, you can use either iSpy or any other video capture program, such as FrameCapture.
FrameCapture - simple program, which combines video surveillance and web chat functions. The program is very simple, so you may not like it. For those who like something more complicated, we can recommend AVS programs Video Recorder and Webcam Screen Video Capture.
The first program allows you to record video from webcams, DV, MiniDV, VHS and HD video cameras, TV tuners and other available video sources. The program can be used not only to record video from a webcam, but also to digitize video tapes. Certainly, full-fledged system You won’t get surveillance from it, unless you only have one camera and you need to constantly record video from it. But the program is absolutely free and now you know how you can digitize videotapes lying around. Just don't forget to buy a tuner! But the Webcam Screen Video Capture program is more functional. It allows you to record video with sound from web and IP cameras, digital cameras, capture cards and other video sources. The program has a large number settings and allows you to save videos in AVI, MP4, FLV, WMV, MKV formats. Capturing screenshots from the webcam is also supported, both in one-shot mode and in burst shooting. One more useful function The program is the ability to change brightness, contrast, saturation and add text to the video. The program has a lot of possibilities, and the best part is that it is free.
Authorization using a webcam
The built-in webcam of your laptop can be used not only for communicating on Skype, but also for authorization in the system. Quite convenient - you no longer need a password. All you need to do is sit comfortably in a chair in front of your webcam to log in. For authorization via webcam, you can use VeriFace software. This is a Lenovo development and is installed on laptops from this manufacturer. However, there are reports on the Internet that using this program is unsafe, since it can be deceived by providing your photo. A similar problem is reported to exist in the Luxand Blink! program, but the developers claim that all possible problems They fixed it and guarantee a refund within 90 days. If you don't like the program after three months of use, you can get your money back. A program from Lenovo was mentioned just above. Toshiba - Toshiba Face Recognition and Asus - Asus SmartLogon have similar programs. Essentially, all these programs are of the same type. They compare the face caught in the camera's focus with a previously taken photograph of the user. If the face is recognized, access to the system is granted. Unfortunately, all such programs have the same type of problems. They can't tell if it's the person in front of the camera or the photo of him.
It is worth noting that the VeriFace and SmartLogon programs work quite quickly - they recognize a face very quickly: even if you are in “focus” for a moment, you will be recognized immediately. The VeriFace program can also be installed on a laptop from any manufacturer, not just Lenovo. As for Toshiba Face Recognition, the program is terribly slow, but it is more secure - it performs recognition more biasedly, and sometimes even the user himself cannot log into the system. It is also the only program that creates a three-dimensional image of your face, which eliminates authorization using a photograph. Although she was also able to deceive her, she just had to tinker. But this was much more difficult to do than with programs from Lenovo and Asus. It’s a pity that this program cannot be installed on laptops from other manufacturers.
In this article we will try to install and configure room surveillance using a simple webcam. A web camera has long become an integral part of computer hardware, no matter whether it’s a laptop or desktop computer. Therefore, no one will pay attention to her, and even less will they suspect that someone is watching them through a webcam. "But why is this necessary?" – you may ask? I can give one example. If you live in a dorm and want to know if someone is rummaging through your things when you're not there? This is where the example below can come in handy: how to set up a webcam to record and save everything that happens to your computer’s hard drive.
Only you must remember that unlawful surveillance may result in liability.
What do we need to accomplish the task?
A laptop or desktop computer that can be left on in the room for recording.
A program that will record movements in the field of view of the webcam and automatically start recording everything that happens.
And now everything is more detailed. Let’s say you have a laptop turned on in a room in your dorm that you need to “look after.” You can configure it so that, for example, after five minutes the screen goes out, but the laptop itself remains on. Running program SecurityCam, which we will use to record movement in the field of view of the webcam, will constantly receive an image from the webcam and as soon as it changes (there is movement in the room), video recording will immediately begin. The computer will work almost like a DVR in a car. Once there is no movement in the room, the recording will also stop. This way, if an attacker starts rummaging through your personal belongings in the room, you will have a record of everything that happened. As has already been seen in practice, when the webcam is working, the LED next to it lights up. Thus, one can guess that recording in progress. For more discreet tracking, this problem needs to be solved.
How to set up a program and effectively monitor a room?
To do this, you need to install the program and make some settings.
If you have a working webcam, it will be identified as a “Video Capture Device”. Next, we need to determine what will happen after motion is detected. To do this, go to the “Actions” tab.
You can mark the actions that need to be done in your case. You can only take photos or videos. You can also sound an alarm when motion is detected. The program also has the ability to configure it so that after detecting movements, it will begin to photograph everything that happens at a given time interval and save the images or post them on the Internet. In general, it's up to you.
Next, you need to turn on the program and click the “track” button. You also need to adjust the “Tolerance and Sensitivity and Camera Settings” sliders for your specific room. The program is very easy to manage. There are other settings in the program - but this is no longer necessary. That's it! You will succeed! If you want to organize online broadcast everything that happens in the room and watch via the Internet - then you need to master the Ivideon Server program. The program is designed specifically for video surveillance via the Internet and allows you to view live video broadcast from a webcam and an archive of video recordings made from web cameras and IP cameras via local network and the Internet.
The programs listed below are primarily needed to operate webcams. The fact is that IP cameras, as a rule, have the necessary software as standard. However, some of the utilities discussed are multifunctional and can cope with a variety of sources.
Platforms
The main advantage of AtHome Video Streamer is its multi-platform functionality. Besides mobile applications for surveillance, it has full-length versions for Windows and macOS.
The program can record on a schedule, save video and send notifications to a smartphone when motion is detected. You can use as sources USB cameras, IP, Smart TV, iOS and Android devices.
Platforms: Windows.
EyeLine Video Surveillance can use up to 100 channels simultaneously. Allows you to use both web and IP cameras as sources.
The program is equipped with a motion detector, an archive recording manager and the ability to upload videos to an FTP server. Event notifications can be received via email or SMS.
EyeLine Video Surveillance is a great option for those who need a simple and effective video surveillance system. The program has a two-week trial period and offers several subscription options with enhanced functionality.
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android.
Netcam Studio was created by developers popular program for video surveillance WebcamXP. The multifunctional utility, like its predecessor, works with a large number of cameras.
Netcam Studio has a motion and sound sensor, can recognize license plates and upload recorded recordings to hard drive, FTP or cloud. Remote access cameras are accessed both through a browser and through special applications for iOS and Android.
The free version has many features, but you can only view two sources. Purchasing a license will allow you to use the program for commercial purposes, increase the number of available sources and remove the watermark from the video stream.
Platforms: Windows.
A simple and functional program for video surveillance. It has a sound and motion detector, can send notifications by mail and sound an alarm if an unfamiliar object comes into the camera’s field of view. Supported connecting four sources, recording at specified time intervals and broadcasting video.
5. iSpy
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android.
iSpy has open source code, which provides ample opportunities for its modernization and makes detailed setup very comfortable. You can expand the functionality using plugins for license plate recognition, text overlay, and barcode scanning.
You can connect an unlimited number of sources. There is a motion sensor, network broadcasting, notifications. Additionally, iSpy supports uploading to YouTube, Dropbox or FTP server.
You can use not only USB and IP cameras as a source, but also a desktop image.
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
This multi-platform program boasts smart sensor movement, which is able to distinguish a person from a car or a pet. Can work with IP and web cameras, but in free version You can stream video from only one source.
Sighthound Video can save videos to cloud services and has a lot useful features for those who are impressed by the concept of a smart home.
On the Sighthound website you can buy a kit that will ensure the security of, for example, a country house, and the program itself can work with the IFTTT automation service.
Platforms: macOS.
The program works with both IP and the computer's built-in camera. There is a function automatic download video in Dropbox, as well as triggering at a certain volume or intensity of movement in the camera’s field of view.
Periscope Pro can shoot video in a resolution of 1,600 × 1,200, using a small amount of space RAM and easy to set up. It is not designed to detect burglars (although it will work for this as well), but it will do an excellent job as a video baby monitor and help look after a pet or elderly relatives.
I recently watched a program in which the question of whether it is necessary to install video surveillance for a home or office was discussed. All participants came to a consensus: it is necessary. There are many reasons. The most common one is to look after a nanny hired for children or a housekeeper. In the same program they told interesting case. The man who installed surveillance cameras on the windows of the apartment, which is located on the first floor, was once looking through the video archive and noticed a strange man. He regularly walked under the windows and shone a flashlight through them, thus trying to discover whether the owners were at home and what he could grab from the apartment. Having discovered the strange subject in time, the owner managed to intimidate him, and he never appeared at the windows again.
Video surveillance of your office is also a useful thing, especially if you have several points in different parts of the city and you don’t have the opportunity to drive around them all day to check if everything is in order. If your office is located in a large office center in which strangers, then there is a danger of theft from your office. If something suddenly goes missing, you can always view the recording and identify the burglar.
The question arises: if video surveillance is an undeniably useful thing, then why are we not in a hurry to install video recording systems for ourselves? Answer: until recently, installing such a system was not at all easy. It was necessary to understand very specific issues: external IP address, port forwarding, dyndns, ftp services, and it was also necessary to buy additional equipment and software. Or you had to call a specialist to make the adjustment. In general, the process is long and expensive.
However, now it has been significantly simplified. Lifehacker came across the ivideon system, with which you can organize surveillance of your home or office within a few minutes. At the same time additional equipment no need, a regular webcam will do, and the software itself is free.
Step-by-step instructions for using the ivideon system
Do two! In the place we will be monitoring, install web cameras and free software (works only on Windows).
Do three! All! Pick up your iPad and watch. You can not only watch the video in real time - it is recorded in the archive, so at any time you can view the recordings for the past month if you need it.
If you don’t want to keep your computer turned on all day, then you can purchase special equipment with a camera and already built-in software from ivideon.
According to reviews from those who have already used the system, organizing a video surveillance system for several offices is very cheap, even if you use fairly high-quality web cameras.
And finally, I suggest you look at a few pictures from cameras recorded using the ivideon system.
Ivideon- universal program for remote monitoring with a webcam, compatible with all types of devices. You can create own system control by connecting:
- a regular computer webcam via USB;
- IP camera over the network (Ethernet, WiFi, 3G, 4G);
- analog or digital device for broadcasting and recording video.
By using our service for remote video surveillance via the Internet, you can protect yourself from unpleasant surprises in the apartment, country house and at work. It is possible to install a surveillance system at one or several sites. Access to data is carried out using a password that is known only to you.
Remote video surveillance via a webcam is a convenient service that can be used to prevent theft. A lens installed at the entrance to a house has an effective psychological effect on potential intruders. It has been proven that in facilities equipped with video equipment, the percentage of crimes committed is much lower than in those where it is not installed.
Company JSC "Mobile Video Solutions" guarantees your information security. When transmitting a signal within the network, video stream protection is used, which helps prevent data interception. We have a technical support service for our clients, by contacting which you can always get help, as well as consult on system maintenance issues.
Video surveillance via the Internet -
accessible service
Installing video surveillance using a web camera is quite simple. Connecting the camera to Internet networks carried out via a computer. Unlike other systems, Ivideon does not require a static IP address, which makes using the service somewhat easier for our clients.
Video surveillance via a webcam is more affordable than using security systems equipped with IP cameras. These models are simpler, so they can cost an order of magnitude less than more expensive IP devices.
Remote video surveillance via the Internet:
security systems
Online video surveillance has opened up new opportunities in ensuring the security of both private and commercial property. Using an inexpensive platform, you can organize a professional security system. Compared to analog devices, digital systems more convenient to use and provide higher quality video images.
Possible integration of cameras with tools remote control- rotating mechanisms and zoom lenses. More detailed information you can get from our specialists at