webcam

Webcam

(WEB CAMera) A video camera that attaches to a computer typically via USB or that is built into a laptop or desktop screen. It is used mostly for videophoning over networks such as Skype as well as to continuously monitor an activity and deliver the video to a Web server for public or private viewing. Webcams have been set up that stream video continuously to a Web site, capturing virtually anything, including a dorm room, a street corner, an interesting outdoor view and, of course, pornography, the latter inspiring programmers in the 1990s to greatly improve Webcam software.

Webcam Vs. Network Camera
A Webcam attaches to a computer, whereas a "network camera" hooks into an Ethernet network. The network camera offers higher resolutions for the same applications as a Webcam, but tends to be more costly (see network camera). See lifecasting.

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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.