videoCam

Messenger applications that support webcams can be used to do more than just stream a webcam feed, with the right support, users can stream videos and images through a webcam. videoCam is a program that acts as a virtual video capture device, allowing users to stream video files and images through a messenger with webcam support.

videoCam is not an easy program to get working, users will struggling getting it to work properly and have other applications to detect it. The basic principle of videoCam is that it works in conjunction with programs like Skype, if it is not properly installed then messenger applications will not detect videoCam  and be enabled.

Once it is installed, users need to go to the webcam options of an existing messenger program and select videoCam. Once there, it will function as the primary webcam and users will need to go to the videoCam property window that is accessed separately, from there a compatible media file can be selected. During a regular interaction with other messenger contacts, the webcam is selected normally and instead of streaming a webcam image, the media file will either play or be displayed.

Unfortunately, playing media files through the webcam feed is the limit of videoCam. There are no additional options or effects that can be implemented, no filters, cropping, magnification and no special effects.

The lack of support and documentation is a problem throughout videoCam as it will impede how videoCam functions. Information such as what media formats are supported is missing and needs to be looked up individually, with BMP and JPG images supported, and whatever videos Directshow can play.

The ability to play media to other messenger contacts through a webcam is an useful addition to most communication based applications and one people would embrace. Unfortunately, it is not easy to install or configure, which holds back the program and how many users will be comfortable using it. VideoCam offers a useful service, yet provides a poor way of delivering it.