For software I like the following
 
Motion  http://www.lavrsen.dk/foswiki/bin/view/Motion/WebHome
 
Zoneminder http://www.zoneminder.com/
 
Both will stream from the laptop itself.
 
And both can record to file for playback later.
 
My thought is, if you are going to record, then get a better video camera
and then transfer video to the computer.
 
Video Cameras will produce a much better video than a webcam.
 
 

  _____  

From: plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us
[mailto:plug-discuss-bounces@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us] On Behalf Of Mark
Phillips
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 10:12 AM
To: Phoenix Linux Users
Subject: Looking For Advice on Web Cams and Streaming Video



I was sitting at my daughter's varsity softball game texting the play by
play to my wife who was on a business trip to LA. I began to wonder if there
were an inexpensive and easy way to setup a web cam at the game and
broadcast the game to her computer (or better yet, her Blackberry...now that
would be cool) in LA, as well as the parents who had to stay at work. I have
no experience with web cams or streaming video. I don't think the field has
WiFi, but there are some private residences about 1000' from home plate.
Perhaps I could talk one of them into letting me use their cable connection
to get access to the Internet.

Any suggestions on inexpensive web cams with a fairly wide field of view? 

What software will I need for my Debian testing laptop? Do I need a video
steaming server somewhere on the net?

How do I get the signal to the houses 1000' feet away....or is there a
better way?

How many laws am I breaking by doing this? :-)

Anyone have a better solution besides don't go to LA during a game?

Thanks!

Mark