webcam (redirected from Video cam)

Webcam

(WEB CAMera) A front-facing video camera that attaches to a computer typically via USB or that is built into a laptop or desktop screen. It is widely used for Skype and other video calling software as well as to continuously monitor an activity and send it to a Web server for public or private viewing. Webcams purchased as separate peripherals generally have a microphone built into the unit, or an external mike comes in the package.

Webcams Vs. Network Cameras
A Webcam attaches to, or is built into, the computer, whereas a "network camera" is a stand-alone unit that connects to an Ethernet network. While the Webcam is commonly used for videophoning with another user, network cameras are used to monitor locations such as stores and offices (see network camera). See lifecasting and spycam.

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webcam

a camera that transmits still or moving images over the internet

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(World-Wide Web, hardware, video)

webcam - (World-Wide Web camera) Any video camera whose output is available for viewing via the Internet or an intranet. Typically a webcam would be a slow-scan CCD video camera connected to a video capture card in a computer. Images from the camera are captured periodically and made available on a web page. In 1999 there are hundreds of webcams in operation around the world showing everything from bedrooms to traffic.