Capturing video automatically.

October 10, 2005 6:19 PM

I need to capture video from a webcam for 1 min. every 30 min, for a 24 hour period. I know I could do this with a python script but --as I have very little python experience-- I am looking for an easier, point-and-click method. Are there any programs that one can set to capture a specific amount of video every x minutes over a certain period? Is there some easier/better way to script this than with the python module?
posted by signal to computers & internet (7 comments total)

You didn't say what platform you're on or what camera, but if you're using Mac OS X with a Firewire or IIDC camera, you can use Applescript with Quicktime Broadcaster to easily script the control of your webcam.
posted by Rothko at 6:54 PM on October 10, 2005

Platform: Windows ME (I know, I know, it's not my laptop). Don't know about the webcam yet, we're probably buying one.
posted by signal at 6:59 PM on October 10, 2005

also for OSX: evocam but as this is of no help to you... i guess its here for someone else's benefit.
posted by joeblough at 7:01 PM on October 10, 2005

I'm interested in hearing the answer to this, too. I don't have a webcam either, and would love to hear what solution you end up with.
posted by odinsdream at 7:58 PM on October 10, 2005

I would do this like joeblough said. I use EvoCam with my Mac, but I believe you can use a program like WebCam32 to save an image every 30 seconds (for however long) to your local drive and/or (simultaneously) save a remote copy on a webserver. I haven't used Webcam32 in years, but I am almost positive you can do this with little effort. Good luck.
posted by terrapin at 8:11 PM on October 10, 2005

I don't know whether it will work on ME, but Microsoft have a powertoy that will do it: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
posted by Boobus Tuber at 10:40 AM on October 11, 2005

terrapin: WebCam32 looks like it will do what I need. Just have to run a few tests to make sure.
Boobus: the webcam powertoy seems to only save still images, whereas I'm lloking for video segments.

Thanks, al!
posted by signal at 1:47 PM on October 11, 2005