Webcam-based surveillance systems are relatively simple, inexpensive alternatives to professional security camera setups. Apart from a webcam, you'll need an application to control how surveillance video is captured and where it is sent or stored. A number of applications for computers, smartphones and tablets have been designed for this purpose.
iSpy
ISpy is a robust, open-source security application that lets you use your webcam for home security, office surveillance, a nanny cam or pet monitor. Its features include remote video and microphone support, automatic YouTube upload, motion activation and face detection alerts. ISpy lets you view video captured by your webcam on your smartphone or on a computer via a live Internet feed. The application is compatible with computers running Microsoft Windows 7, and Windows XP. Computers require at least a 1-GHz processor and a broadband Internet connection, if you plan to access your camera remotely.
iCam
ICam is a webcam surveillance application for Apple's iPhone smartphone. Its features include motion detection, Push notifications and live video and audio streaming over 3G, Wi-Fi and EDGE connections. In order to use iCam, you'll need an iPhone running iOS 3.0 or later, a webcam installed in the location you want to monitor, an Internet or LAN connection, and a computer running Microsoft Windows Vista or later, or Mac OS X 10.4 or later. ICam costs around $5 and is available for download from Apple's iTunes Store.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D lets you set up a webcam-based video surveillance system in your home or office. Its features include movement detection, webcam and IP camera support, real-time alerts and an advanced rule creation tool that lets you begin recording if someone comes through a door, crosses a boundary or enters or exits another predefined region. Vitamin D is compatible with PCs running Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. It is also compatible with Macs running OS X 10.5 or higher. PCs and Macs both require at least 2-GHz processors and 1GB of RAM.
AtHome Camera
AtHome Camera lets you monitor a home-based webcam security setup on Android-powered smartphones and tablet computers. Its features include remote webcam control, motion-triggered recording, video capture scheduling, encrypted connections, audio recording, email notifications and additional event logging. AtHome Camera records to the H.264 video file format. The application is 2.3MB, costs around $8 and requires that you have Android 1.6 or later installed on your smartphone or tablet computer.
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