About the Web Cam
What are you using to stream the building site?
An Axis 211 network camera is the video source. An mpeg-4 stream from the camera is sent to our backup OS X server where it is reflected to users as a Quicktime movie stream.
Why are you using Quicktime for streaming?
Because it's there... really! The Axis web cam provides a mpeg-4 stream (H.263) that we can reflect from our backup OS X server using Quicktime Streaming Server. This reduces the load on the camera and allows our server to handle client connections.
Is there a Flash version of this stream?
Not yet, but we're looking into converting the mpeg stream and broadcasting it using Flash.
I'm getting warnings about ActiveX controls and firewalls
This problem will affect many Windows users. Quicktime is an ActiveX control, and you will need to allow this plug-in to function in your web browser when prompted. In addition, you may receive a message that Windows Firewall is wanting to block a connection to the camera stream - you will need to unblock this connection when prompted.
Why do I see blocks when I first start the stream or during playback?
The stream uses an IP GOV structure with a length of 8 - this means it sends the changed pixels between each frame for 7 frames, and a complete image on the 8th frame. Until you receive the full image on the 8th frame, or can assemble the full image from the fragments, you will see undrawn or non-refreshed blocks. You may not receive the 8th frame if you don't have sufficient bandwidth and this frame is dropped before reaching you. Users on DSL or cable connections of limited bandwidth or under heavy traffic may also notice a degradation of image quality and frame rate. Dial-up users, there really isn't much hope this will work for you...
I can't get the live video stream to work!
First, you have Quicktime, right? If so, and if you've just installed the plug-in, have you closed and reopened the browser (entirely closed - no open browser windows, anywhere!)? And you've restarted your computer at least three times? Just kidding - we're new to this, and sometimes these things just don't work right... if you can't get the stream to work, let us know (rcoeweb@appstate.edu) and maybe we can work together to fix this...If it was working earlier but has stopped working recently, check back later - we may be working on the camera or server.
Where is the camera?
The camera is located on the second floor of the Student Health Services building in the University Pharmacy looking north over Howard St at the building site. We appreciate Health Services allowing us to place a camera in their building during the construction of our new building.
I want to put this stream on my web site... Can I do that, and where's the code?
We don't officially support this stream outside of our implementation. If you can figure it out, we probably won't stop you until it causes us a problem.... We have no sample code we can provide you. It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway: don't use our stream for commercial profit or in a commercial setting. You should probably ask us before using anything from our site...
I have other questions about the camera not answered here...
You can email us at rcoeweb@appstate.edu with your questions or comments.
