Webcam basics — how do they work?

Learn how to send messages to family and friends

By Marc Saltzman

Let’s face it — communicating over the Internet with text and emoticons to show your feelings isn’t quite as exciting as showing your pearly whites for real.

“Instead of just typing words, Canadians are beginning to realize just how easy and fun it is to send video clips through cyberspace,” says Chantal Payette, a Toronto-based tech expert and writer. “Imagine showing off an engagement ring to your best friend in Dallas or holding up a newborn baby for your grandmother in Europe — sometimes words just aren’t enough.”

You can spice up your online communication by selecting from a handful of powerful yet relatively inexpensive webcams. These tiny cameras can be used for

• sending video e-mail to family and friends
• videoconferencing with co-workers, clients or customers
• chatting in real-time with other webcam users in Windows Live Messenger or specialty chat rooms
• broadcasting your very own TV-like “channel” over the Net

How does a webcam work?

There are two different ways to use a webcam at home — through e-mail and with instant messaging programs.

E-mail your video files

To use a webcam with e-mail, first launch the software that comes with the camera. Depending on the model, the process of e-mailing and recording your video messages may vary. Press Start or Record to begin the video message. Click Stop and then preview the video. You can then click E-mail or Send, which will automatically open your default e-mail program (Outlook 2007).

When sending a video e-mail, the longer the video message recorded, the bigger the attachment will be, so make sure the recipient’s computer can handle the size. The recipient of the e-mail does not need special software to see your video message; he or she simply chooses to open the attachment and the mini-movie will play.

Instant Messaging

A popular way to chat with webcams is in “real-time” with instant messaging programs such as Windows Live Messenger. Note that both ends must have a webcam to chat visually.

During a chat, there will be an option to start the webcam right on the screen, or under the Options or Tools pull-down menu. In Windows Live Messenger, click Actions > Video > Start a video chat. If you happen to have a Microsoft LifeCam, starting a video chat is even easier.

The Windows Live Call button is similar to speed-dialing on your phone. Pressing the Call Button — located at the top of the LifeCam — will automatically bring up your buddy list, showing you which contacts are online. Simply pick one and start your video chat.

You can also blog your webcam photos. For example, the LifeCam one-touch blogging feature allows you to take a still photograph with your LifeCam and post it directly to your Windows Live Space blog. Instant show and tell, if you will.

To show off your favourite webcam pics, head to the Windows Live Spaces homepage, click Create your space, and start expressing yourself!

Helpful hints

Before you start using your webcam, follow these tips on security, operation and webcam etiquette.

• It’s highly unlikely — but not impossible — that someone would try to hack into your webcam to tap into the conversation or use the webcam to spy on you, says Payette. Sending recorded video messages via e-mail is more secure than real-time Internet chatting.
• Here’s a little-known fact about some webcams: the user has the option to turn on a motion sensor function that transforms the device into a “nanny cam” so it’ll begin recording once it senses movement.
• Don’t expect terrific video quality. It’s often possible to adjust the resolution by toying with the webcam’s software settings. But the higher the quality, the choppier the video frame rates.
• Some webcams require an additional microphone to record audio, so check before buying.
• Adjust your camera’s focus, point it towards your face and, most importantly, look right into the “eye” of the webcam so your friends on the other end see more than just your forehead.
• Webcam netiquette and dress are just like real-life: be polite, be courteous, and wear something casual but presentable.