Free webcam hosting for Aberdeenshire Cameras
We have the facility at Ardgrain to host a huge number of webcams, so if you are interested in showing the world the view from your house or garden, and if the view is interesting, please feel free to contact us. We can offer advice and guidance on the best cameras to buy, and can also offer support in setting it up. We don't charge to host Aberdeenshire based webcams on the Ardgrain site, so for the relatively small cost of a compatible IP camera and using your standard broadband connection we can help let the world see the view from your house.
For more information, please contact us.
Background on IP Cameras
At Ardgrain.com we use IP cameras to feed live images to the website. Unlike many other types of internet camera, IP cameras can function without the need to also have a dedicated computer running. This makes IP cameras ideal for websites, since they can run continuously, 24 hours a day. There is a growing range of IP cameras on the market today, and at Ardgrain we use the D-Link 2120 webcams. These have proved to be very reliable and have a high quality image. With an external weatherproof box, these IP cameras can function outside all year round. As with most IP cameras the D-Link 2120 can feed live video, motion jpeg (MJPEG) or snapshots at timed intervals, which is the preferred method on the Ardgrain site because it minimises bandwidth. An added benefit of the D-Link 2120 is the wireless connectivity, which removes the need to run a Lan network cable to the camera and allows you far more options in positioning your camera for the best view. The 2120 handles resolutions up to 640 x 480, although Axis now sell a megapixel wireless camera which offers a better image quality for a moderate increase in price. Going forward, we intend to replace the 2120 cameras with megapixel webcams on Ardgrain where possible.
What costs are involved?
A typical IP camera such as the D-Link 2120 can be found online for as little as £110, though the price of the very best professional security cameras can go over £1500 for units with pan tilt and zoom features. There is really no reason to go overboard though, as even some sub £100 cameras can rival units costing many times more. The other requirement if you want to host a webcam on the Ardgrain pages is a decent broadband connection. Speed isn't too important, but you will find that you are sending a lot of data over a month - so make sure your broadband plan allows this.
Why would I want a webcam?
You'd be surprised just how many of your friends and family would love to see your webcam. Perhaps you have relatives abroad or family away from home, or even want to check up on the weather back in Aberdeen while you are away on holiday. In winter the ability to check the weather from your desk at work is a real bonus, saving you heading home when it is clear, or getting stuck at work when it is a blizzard at home. But it is also fantastic showing Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland to the world, and what could be better than the view from your very own garden. Once you have a webcam online, you'll wonder how you ever survived without one.
