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The term webcam was originally used in the late 1980's to refer to any television camera attached to the World Wide Web.
This might still be a good general way to understand what a webcam is.
An IP camera is a webcam that uses Internet protocol to transmit it's image through and to any internet connection available such as a computer or 3G phone. An IP camera has it's own web address and a built in server to deliver the streaming images, or video.
Today the term webcam usually describes the small, inexpensive cameras that are attached to home computers and used for "video chatting". These cameras do not have their own address on the web and do not stand alone to transmit an image. If the computer goes off ~ the camera goes off too.
The first IP camera was released in 1996 by Axis Communications. It used a custom web server internal to the camera.
In late 1999, they started using embedded Linux to operate their cameras. Axis also released documentation for their
low-level API called "VAPIX" which builds on the open standards of HTTP and RTSP. This open architecture was intended
to encourage third-party software manufacturers to develop compatible management and recording software.
Today several manufacturers offer cameras based on this configuration. Most IP cameras are similar in their function but differ widely in their quality and versatility.
It's possible to purchase an IP camera priced from $25 to $4,000. The features and capabilities of these cameras are widely divergent, as is the image quality. We choose our cameras to suit the applications intended by our clients.
Security cameras often require greater resolution than scenic cameras. Activity cameras require different specifications
than scenic cameras. The cameras we use come from several manufacturers and are selected with the client requirements
and consultations in mind.
Many of our cameras are placed inside buildings. This allows us to choose cameras with high resolution and economical construction. Our outdoor cameras are selected with a view toward the extreme weather and temperature conditions of the Yellowstone area. Most will withstand temperatures to 50 below and function perfectly.
The preferred mode of connection is through a CAT 6 cable directly to an internet router. However we have cameras that can be used in a wireless mode, We even have available, weather shielded, solar powered cameras with internal servers that can be mounted in remote locations and deliver up to 10 mile, line of sight, signals to the dedicated router.
Give us a call to discuss your requirements. We specialize in affordable solutions delivered in a timely manner.
West Yellowstone Web Cams
