Case 1. Using an existing PC.

It is very rare that we would recommend or offer this as a commercial solution. However, in cases where a specialist camera is needed, it is likely that the camera itself will not be "internet ready" and will need its video output capturing using a video card in a pc. If you already have a video camera and a pc, this is the lowest cost solution (next to using a usb or parallel port webcam). This solution is more flexible in that you can have long cable runs between the camera and the pc. You can also use specialist cameras or link any device with a "video-out" socket.

If you want to have sound accompanying your webcam image, this is the lowest cost solution. You could run software such as webcam 32 and be able to stream audio onto your website. (aq) will offer consultancy on such installations, but would recommend one of the more dedicated solutions for reliability.

In the diagram (above), the video camera sends images in normal video format to the video card in the pc. This converts the images into either a static picture or a video stream. This is send via the internet to the webserver (usually an (aq) server) where the website contents and the webcam images are served from. The customers/clients can then access your website and receive the content.

Case 2. Using a Network Camera

We supply and install several makes of network camera. The make/model of camera depends entirely on the specifications required and the budget for the installation. We tend to install slightly over-specification products to ensure reliability and scaleability.

A network camera is a true fit-and-forget solution. We can install them in the harshest of environments (even underwater!). They need very little maintenance and seldom give any trouble. You'll forget it's there... Just reliable, updated images on your website!

The units themselves are modern and neat. External installations require enclosures which range in price and size depending on the environment that they are intended for. Typically an external enclosure includes a low voltage heater to help to prevent the enclosure aperture from misting/frosting and to keep the camera within a safe operating temperature

We always install low voltage heater units, so there is never any significant voltage at the camera itself.

In the diagram (above) the local area network denotes your corporate or private LAN with it's own internet connection.

Case 3. Freestanding camera installation to phone / ISDN line

If you do not have a network in the location at which you want the camera, (aq) can either install a small LAN for you or set up the camera to access the internet via a telephone or ISDN socket.

The diagram (right) is very similar to the one in case 2 with the exception that the internet access is via a dialled connection, using an ISP.

With this option, there are additional costs relating to internet access (currently about £40 + vat per month for 24/7/365 access).

As with Case 2, the installation is very neat because there is no pc or other large hardware needed and the camera dials up to the internet automatically via an external modem or ISDN card. The system is also upgradeable and can be configured to access the internet via a LAN if your needs change in the future.

With all network / freestanding camera solutions, it is possible to access the camera via it's own password protected webpage and alter settings

The settings which can be altered include; Colour balance, brightness, auto-adaption, movement sensing (certain models only), image update frequency, image size and compression.

If the camera is for internal use, if you have your own on-site engineers, we can supply cameras pre-configured with all relevant dialup settings and network details so all you have to do is plug them in! This can provide a saving on the install costs. We would however, recommend that external cameras are supplied and fitted by (aq). This is because the installation is much more involved. An additional benefit is that many (aq) camera installations carry a six-month on-site warranty.