Webcam Streaming
If you have ever wanted to your own TV show, webcam streaming can make your dream a reality. With a broadband Internet connection, anyone can stream live video from their home computer.
The only thing you need for web cam live streaming video (besides a webcam and a computer) is encoding software which converts the video image into a streaming format.
There are several choices for encoders, but this tutorial will show you how to use Windows Media Encoder - a free download from Microsoft.
With your webcam attached to the computer, open up Windows Media Encoder. To begin webcam streaming select "New Session" and then "Broadcast a live event."
The wizard will guide you through the setup process so that you can select the appropriate audio and video devices for webcam streaming. Even if you have never done web cam live streaming video before, most of the choices in the wizard are clearly explained and easily understood.
Pull or Push the Video Stream
One of the less intuitive options is whether to "push" or "pull" the video stream. Pushing the video stream means that the encoding software will automatically connect to a streaming server. The client does not have to make a request for the streaming video - it is automatically delivered.
Pulling the video stream means that the client must make a request for the web cam live streaming video. Besides these distinctions in delivery methods, some situations are better suited for pulling than pushing.
Pushing a video stream from the Windows Media Encoder is useful if the encoder is behind a firewall. It is also the best choice for large numbers of viewers, because the webcam streaming video will be delivered by a dedicated streaming server.
Pulling a video stream allows a small number of clients (a maximum of five) to view the web cam live streaming video. It allows you to stream the video directly from your home computer without using a streaming server.
Video Stream Port
If you have chosen the pull option, you must specify the IP address and port number of your Internet connection. The Windows Media Encoder can automatically find a free port.
Anyone who wishes to view your streaming video must know your IP address and the port number, so if you have a dynamic Internet connection you must provide the current IP address to your viewers.
Before beginning your webcam streaming, you must specify the encoding options for video and audio quality. These can be set independently, so if the audio portion is more important than the video portion, you can encode the audio stream at a higher bit rate (or vice versa).
Your web cam live streaming video is now ready to broadcast. Click the "test" button to make sure everything is working properly, and then you are set to go.