Newbie user questions

[Jody]

Just started using the iCam app with iPhone & other than having a cheapo USB camera with fuzzy video I love it.  I was going to upgrade the camera & go with an IP camera but I believe I saw in another post that to have access on an iPhone, I would still need to leave a computer running at home? My primary intent for the Ip camera was to avoid leaving a computer on for extended period of time, so no way around that?

Also, If I am stuck leaving a computer on, can I use one USB camera - near the computer & add an IP camera in another area to same computer as long as still have a wifi connection at the Ip camera? If so, would appreciate any advice on brand/model for good inexpensive to mid price USB & IP cameras that will work with the iCam app, will work together connected to same computer & are easy to set up.

Thanks in advance for help/ advice.   

[Jay]

The iCamSource program does need to be running on your computer in order for iCam on your iPhone to connect to it, even for IP cameras.  This is due to the firewall/NAT piercing techniques used by iCam.   Also, the motion detection features of iCam (push notifications and motion recording) require iCamSource to be running in order to perform the motion detection processing.

iCamSource supports video and audio for USB and built-in webcams.  In general, we've had good luck with Logitech Quickcam webcams.

iCamSource also has video-only support for Wi-Fi cameras that output MJPEG or JPEG formatted data over HTTP.  We currently own and use the following Wi-Fi cameras which are compatible with the iCamSource:

Linksys WVC54GCA - http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/products/WVC54GCA
AirLink101 SkyIPCam500W - http://www.airlink101.com/products/aicn500w.php
AirLink101 SkyIPCam747W - http://www.airlink101.com/products/aicn747w.php

[Jody]

Thank you Jay !
Just to make sure I understand correctly, I could keep the USB camera I already have set up & add an IP camera & have both types working at the same time?  Thanks!

By the way, great app - I've got a puppy recovering after surgery that I am supposed to be keeping "quiet".  Before I would go check on her, find her sleeping & end up unintentionally waking her up.  Keeping an eye on her at home (& when away) with iPhone & iCam has been a huge help.  Even my husband who originally didn't seem all that impressed with my iPhone thinks its pretty cool & wants to add more cameras for security.  I tried another webcam app originally & spent a whole day trying to get it to work with only intermittent success.  It took me about 10 min to set up your app. 

[Jay]

I'm glad you like iCam

Yes, you can have both cameras working at the same time.  If you want to view them simultaneously in iCam on your iPhone, make sure that both iCamSources for both cameras are using the exact same login and password.

[peterlkelley]

I've downloaded your App to my iPhone and am about to buy a webcam. I'm looking for two-way audio on our network, and at least a video feed (if not audio) on the iPhone so I can check on unexpected alerts at my small business at night and on weekends.

Would you mind verifying that the following MJPEG camera will work? And, will it too just show video but no audio on the iPhone?
Cisco WVC210 Wireless-G PTZ Internet Security Video Camera -w/2-Way Audio
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L8XENA/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Also, do you have any new favorites since this post -- either for your favorite freestanding camera (ie one that does not have to have a computer running for it to work)?  Or, your favorite if we do decide to keep a computer running and attach this by USB?

[Jay]

peterlkelley - Other users have reported success with the WVC210, but we haven't tested it ourselved.

Currently, iCam doesn't support audio for IP cameras.

Also, the iCamSource program does need to be running on your computer in order for iCam on your iPhone to connect to it, even for IP cameras.  This is due to the firewall/NAT piercing techniques used by iCam.   Also, the motion detection features of iCam (push notifications and motion recording) require iCamSource to be running in order to perform the motion detection processing.

The Logitech, Linksys, and Airlink cameras that were mentioned earlier in the thread have worked well for us.

[peterlkelley]

Thanks, Jay!

Since posting that, I've realized that with an acoustic drop ceiling and a wiring closet here, we really don't need a wifi, and possibly not even an IP camera, since connecting directly to a computer would get us audio like you say.

If we do go IP "wired" to any extent, then what do you think about this product:
Defender SN502-4CH-002 Feature-Rich 4-Channel H.264 DVR Security System with Smartphone Access and 4 Indoor/Outdoor Hi-Res CCD Night Vision Cameras
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BYRO2Y/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Note: I know, this is a lot of questions for a newbie, but we're a PR firm and I promise to tell friends/Twitter/blog/Facebook about your product once we get it set up!

[Jay]

From the specifications of that product, it appears that it outputs H.264 formatted data only (as opposed to MJPEG). The iCamSource currently only supports MJPEG, so unfortunately that device is not supported at this time.

iCamSource should work with any IP camera that outputs MJPEG or JPEG data over HTTP.