Remote webcam/pet cam solutions?

[thatguyant]

So my in laws are taking a vacation and they are really into their dogs. I thought it would be a nice surprise if I set up a home webcam system so they can watch their pets when they are away.

I was wondering if anyone could give any advice on an affordable setup. The only issue is that they have their computer in only one room so I guess I would need something remote, unless anyone else has a creative idea. Also they are left mostly in the kitchen, but if anyone has an idea for multiple camera setups, that would be cool too.

Also if I wanted to stream the video live to them, would I have to sign up for a hosting site? or can I just use their current internet connection to broadcast it?

Thanks,

Ant

 

[Kaido]

It all depends on your budget. The low-end models require a computer to run and a hosting site to stream. The high-end models can be run off Ethernet or wifi and have their own built-in web server for streaming.

How much are you willing to spend?

 

[thatguyant]

What your defintition of high budget? I was thinking along the lines of a few hundred at most. If it's not wireless, I can run it through a router I guess (using really long cables?)

 

[thatguyant]

does anyone have any experience with this one?

panasonic bl-c10a

the only thing with this I guess is it's wired so I'd have to run a pretty long cord, but I think it might be worth it so they can see the dogs.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: thatguyant
What your defintition of high budget? I was thinking along the lines of a few hundred at most. If it's not wireless, I can run it through a router I guess (using really long cables?)

It looks like wired webcams run about $100 a pop. The Linksys WVC54GC is a wireless webcam that also runs about $100 and has a resolution of 320x240, perfect for streaming well over the Internet.

 

[bctbct]

in-laws are going to think you are a nut.

 

[MustISO]

I used the panasonic camera before. It's not bad for low-res video. They do make a wireless version of it as well as the wired version. It has it's own web server so you can just connect via IP.

 

[thatguyant]

Originally posted by: bctbct
in-laws are going to think you are a nut.

Well I'm helping watch the dogs while they're away so I figure this would be a nice gift.

 

[thatguyant]

Originally posted by: Kaido
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: thatguyant
What your defintition of high budget? I was thinking along the lines of a few hundred at most. If it's not wireless, I can run it through a router I guess (using really long cables?)</end quote></div>

It looks like wired webcams run about $100 a pop. The Linksys WVC54GC is a wireless webcam that also runs about $100 and has a resolution of 320x240, perfect for streaming well over the Internet.

The Linksys looks interesting. I also found this trendnet one which will let users pan and tilt the camera.

trendnet tv-ip400w

anyone with experience on this?

 

[syee]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: thatguyant
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bctbct
in-laws are going to think you are a nut.</end quote></div>

Well I'm helping watch the dogs while they're away so I figure this would be a nice gift.</end quote></div>

haha...just point a webcam at their feed bowl and just go over when it's empty.

No need to actually see the animal

EDIT: Check out this page and see if it's any help.

 

[RKS]

free host ?

 

[Shadowknight]

There was one guy awhile back on this forum who made a "kitty-cam" for the bored that showed his cat sleeping on the deck. It periodically uploaded a new picture instead of streaming video, but still, it might serve.

 

[Kelemvor]

Can just move the PC for while they are away. There's enough Free webcams from Logitech floating around with rebates you could rig something up for free pretty easily.

 

[mooglemania85]

why would u need a multiple camera setup? this just seems a little extravagant, unless you already have some ideas for the equipment after they return from vacation......

 

[Busie23]

I have the linksys and it works nicely. PM me I have an extra one that is still new in the sealed package. I can send you a link to check out the feed too.

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: RKS
free host ?

neat