Using an analog camcorder to stream live?

[JDCAM]

Can I use an analog camcorder to stream live? Basically use my camcorder as a web cam?

Thanks,
JD

[edDV]

You would need a capture card that supports "video for windows". The other spec clue that works is "netmeeting compatible". Few cards or adapters do this, never assume it will work unless stated in the specs.

"video for windows" is now a legacy technology. Older cards are more likely to work. WDM is the new model but support for webcam mode was left out.

> tech answer http://www.nomadelectronics.com/VidCap/Capture%20using%20VFW/captureVFW.htm
http://www.ati.com/support/infobase/3749.html

[JDCAM]

Thanks! Any particular card that you would recommend?

Also, if I have a s-video port on my camcorder and one on my video card would that work the same as a capture card?

[edDV]

Thanks! Any particular card that you would recommend?

Also, if I have a s-video port on my camcorder and one on my video card would that work the same as a capture card?

I have several old obsolete cards and adapters that do it

Pinnacle DC-30plus
Osprey 50
etc.


Webcam use is not about hardware inputs, although you do need S-Video in, it is about the capture card drivers and how the card talks to Windows.

I should have answered, unless you are willing to get into the driver tech, the anwser is no. Fewer and fewer carture cards support VFW.

[edDV]

I forgot to mention the other way to do it is to buy a webcam (Like the Intel Webcam pro) that have switchable video inputs on the webcam. These will interface your analog camcorder into VFW.

http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-Webcams-All-Intel



one like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4616&item=5165363245&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
you can get Windows XP update software from Intel for about $6


All of the above is about using your camcorder as a webcam or for streaming from webcam apps.

You can also use standard capture cards with software like Windows Media Encoder 9 to stream video either to a LAN or over the net.