Streaming surveillance camera video

[jeffx]

With 4-5 cameras using Active Webcam, I can't get more than 1-2 frames per second streaming all of them at once (AMD Athlon XP 3000 PC). Using my cheap little Linksys 802.11b camera, I have no problem streaming at 320x240 w/ 5-6 frames per second average (as an ASF stream).

Why is it so difficult for Active Webcam to stream at faster frame rates on fairly powerful PC?

I have read some posts that discuss using Windows Media encoder to stream live video, but have not been able to figure out how to do this.

Could someone give steps on streaming live video for multiple cameras (using Windows Media Encoder or another recommended program), looking for frame rates in the area of at least 5-10 frames per second, 5 cameras simultaneously.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I have read some posts that discuss using Windows Media encoder to stream live video, but have not been able to figure out how to do this.

Cue for our expert member Skibum to enter here!!

 

[Skibum]

Someone say Skibum????

I'm happy to help you get Windows Media Encoder running. I use it all the time.

Framerates up to 30 fps are possible with a fast machine at 320x240.
30FPS is also possible at 640x480 but you need a fast machine and BSR's horse.

 

[Skibum]

5 cameras simultaneously will not work very well....first you need a 16 channel processor (more than 4 needs 16)
The resultant images would be too small to be of any use.

 

[JohnBullard]

Ski,

How about doing a "How-To" on using Windows Media Encoder?

I'm sure Jeffx isn't the only one that would like to know this. I am also interested!

 

[independentpete]

jeffx: You didn't say how these cameras are connected, did you? Are you using a multi-port card? If so, is it one of the "less-expensive" ones that has only one chip? Could the bottleneck be in the hardware and not the software?

 

[Skibum]

A Media Encoder How-To has been posted...

I think an Admin needs to move it to the correct area.

 

[electron]

moved (and I updated the title as well, so it's easier to find). Thanks Ski!

 

[JohnBullard]

Yes,
Thanks Ski,

Wow that was fast, I really appreciate the How-To.

I'll play with it some this weekend. I have the X10 furnished video-USB thingy,
but I'll order the one you spec'd

Thanks again Ski

 

[jeffx]

jeffx: You didn't say how these cameras are connected, did you? Are you using a multi-port card? If so, is it one of the "less-expensive" ones that has only one chip? Could the bottleneck be in the hardware and not the software?

It's an 8 port/8 chip card. I'm going to move the card to my Dell PE 600SC server (P4 2.4 GHz) running Server 2003 and try using Skibums instructions. Thanks all for the assistance!