Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Using Skype Web Camera as Home Security Monitor

Skype is great as is. It helps you to cut home phone bills, while establishing quality video communication with far away correspondents. As for every popular platform, there are tons of free and commercial applications available, enhancing the standard Skype capabilities. Review the listing of 74 freeware utilities and free services at RateItAll:

The following trick will require neither extra software, nor other online services. Just applying the embedded Skype functions unusual way, you can get the security observation camera capabilities.

You probably have webcam on your home computer, so the necessary hardware is already installed. What else you need for these arrangements?

  1. Computers - both with broadband - 'Home' and 'Away'.
  2. Skype software installed version 2.5 or later version on both computers.
  3. SkypeIDs - one for each computer. We recommend creating a separate ID for the security cam purposes. You will need to change the default settings, so that might be undesirable for your main account.
Procedure

  1. Install Skype: Install Skype 2.5 or later version on the Home and Away computers. (Get the latest Skype at the website http://www.skype.com).
  2. Check Webcam. Ensure a webcam installed on the “home” computer correctly, and pointed at the subject/area you want to monitor.
  3. Enable Skype Video: On the Home computer, go to Skype > Tools > Options > Video (BETA), enable Skype Video.
-        Turn On: Enable Skype Video
-        Turn On: When I’m calling, and activate the “start my video automatically” function (see image)

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

  1. Enable Skype to auto-pickup Incoming Calls: On the Home computer, go to Skype > Tools > Options > Advanced > Call, and activate the "Automatically answer incoming calls" function.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

  1. Setup Privacy: On the Home computer, go to Skype > Tools > Options > Privacy, and limit the people who can call in.

    Now, you can call the Home computer from Away location through Skype. The Skype program in the Home computer will pick up the call automatically, to start the video session. Just remember that the Home computer needs to remain on, while you are not at home. And, the webcam needs to be pointed to the location that you want to monitor.
By this point you might have this in mind: You want to have the Skype security cam always on. But, you still want to be able to receive other Skype incoming calls.

No problem. You can activate multiple Skype accounts or sessions at the same time on a Windows XP machine. See the instructions here. You can set up a new Skype account dedicated to working with the security application, and you can have your personal Skype account open to other incoming calls at the same time.

Important note: please keep your Skype ids for video security/observation limited to those Skype users you know. See below on how to limit calls in.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

But if you would like to make the security observation more automatic, you can find a different solution online. Using freeware Yawcam utility, you can turn the camera triggered by the motions nearby, converting webcam to motion sensing security camera. Software can be downloaded from the developers’ website: http://www.yawcam.com/

Sources and Additional Information:


13 comments:

Toowoomba Security said...

Toowoomba Security:- Thanks for the wonderful article. This Skype article explains how to setup a webcam security system.

Roller Shutters Australia said...

Very interesting! So you can use Skype and a webcam to watch to catch thieves. Good post!

Camera security system said...

That's so great! With the help of skype video, now, one can get cheap security system. Thanks for sharing.

James Martin said...

Seriously, who so ever has thought about this Skype webcam use for security purpose is simply brilliant. This is a great and quite easy way to monitor required security.

cheap home security systems said...

Hi, I'm Ralph from Indonesia.I have some problem with the configuration of my webcam Logitech E3500 in skype and I suppose the problem is my Alarm Extreme Security because I have two PC with the same webcam.

locksmith Brooklyn said...

Home security systems are extremely expensive. Thanks for sharing on how to use Skype and a webcam to catch thieves.

Adam Scott said...

you can say Eyes views rather than CCTV Image. CCTV Camera work as our third eye. CCTV can watch all things in office and home and at any public place.
Regards: CCTV Camera.

Best Home Security Camera System said...

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Michael Pekker said...

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Terry Dossantos said...

I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed reading through your site. It is refreshing to find quality home security advice such as yours readily available for people.

I find it hard to believe that in these modern times that people overlook and take for granted the security of their homes!

Home security is a serious business people.. Ensure you are safe!

Once again great site, keep up the good work!

Terry

Unknown said...

Thanks for the informative post.......
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Unknown said...

Using Skype web camera is one of the best way to secure your home. This is really Nice! Keep up the great work.
Castle Rock Security

Alarm Monitoring said...

Very nice post.really very very nice post.I liked this post.

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