WebCams

Webcams are small digital video cameras that can be connected to computers. These cameras can take digital images at a rapid rate, which can then be displayed over the Internet for use in teleconferencing or as part of a "live" content web page. In the past few years webcams have dramatically decreased in price (many are now under $100) and increased in terms of quality, ease of use, and integration with software. Image size is generally 640 by 480 pixels. Software for device operation, editing images, and teleconferencing is often bundled with webcams.

When evaluating webcams you should always weigh the tradeoffs between image size, image quality, and frame speed. More specifically, you should consider the following:

• Bandwidth: If you are sending your images over a phone line, or the intended viewers of your images are connected by modem over a standard phone line, you do not have a lot of bandwidth to work with. Large, high resolution images will simply not display very fast over a standard phone line. The transmission will cut in and out or be very jerky. (Remember that people are used to watching television and they generally have high expectations about video). Consequently, lower resolution may be preferable to higher resolution. And there's no point in paying extra for higher resolution if you aren't going to be able to use it.

• Connection: Most webcams connect to your personal computer through a USB port, so be sure your computer has one of these ports available. (If all your USB ports are currently being used, you may want to look into obtaining a USB hub as a means of increasing the number of available ports.)

• Software: Different types of software are bundled with different cameras. Some packages include photo editing software that allows you to tweak the contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue of an image. Teleconferencing software can also be included with webcams. Does the camera you are considering buying come with the software you need, or will you have to purchase additional software?

There may be other features that you also want to consider. For example, you can remove some webcams from the computer and use them to take a single picture -- in essence use them like inexpensive digital cameras. (Keep in mind, however, most digital cameras begin in the 1 megapixel resolution range, whereas a webcam operates in a .3 megapixel range -- so the quality of the webcam will be appreciably less.).

Webcam Caveat

Even though webcams can provide rudimentary teleconferencing capabilities, they still cannot be used to create full-scale meetings or a full-feature distance learning classroom. Due to bandwidth restrictions, webcams are best reserved for providing "talking head" video communications.