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Question

Some program to capture screenshots from IP Cam?

Jun 25, 2013 2:31PM PDT

What I need here is very specific. I've tried some software but still not found what I want.

I have a "generic" IP Cam. It works well but I want some software that capture the stream in images (jpg, png or whatever) every 10 or 20 or any number of seconds, storing them sequentially in any folder or FTP.

The problem is that if I use a screen recorder software, I can't work with the computer because my working windows sits above the IPCam Windows and prevent the software to capture it. So, it must "record" the images in the background.

Why images and not recording a video stream? Because if I record an image each n seconds, I can store them locally (dropbox, etc.) and check the last images in real time, not waiting for the program to stop the video recording and build the video file: let's say I'm out of my office and while I'm away I want to check the last 30 minutes of activity, I only have to see the last 180 pics.

In the other case, I have to return to my office, stop the recording and let the software build the video file, at least that's why I got with "MyScreenRecorder Pro".

If you know some program to suit my needs, please advice.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
So far there is no "generic" IP camera.
Jun 25, 2013 2:35PM PDT

I've worked in the design and more of such things and not one is "generic." That is, each had it's own software. Lately you find many offering an RTP stream but that really doesn't help as I find the owners screaming about the bandwidth hog.

My advice is to return this and get something with software that does what you want.
Bob

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Really?
Jun 25, 2013 3:21PM PDT

Well, the IP Cam box has no brand and a software only accepts it if I choose "generic IP cam". I could show you the box in a picture if needed. Anyway, maybe if I stream it to some service like "dyndns" and then got the captures from there... anyone understands my basic question or I am being confusing?

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Tipping my hand.
Jun 26, 2013 3:00AM PDT

I work in many fields but one of them is the design and manufacture of CCTV and the newer gear. I clearly understand what you want but it appears you put the horse before the cart here. That is, you bought a system that does not do what you want and as there is no standard in IP cameras (well I did meant RTP which didn't get any response from you) my guess is that you have only begun your study in this area.

My best advice is to return this and try again but be sure to tell them what you need.
Bob

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Software
Jun 26, 2013 5:31AM PDT

Well, I'm not talking about the software that comes bundled with the cam, that does what is intended for, thought is very simple. I'm asking for a program to download, as an example, MyScreenRecorder Pro captures any area of the screen but only renders video and does not generate pics. I bought the IP cam from Mercadolibre and I did know what are the limitations of a standard IP cam. The difference is in a third party software. I recall some program that catches screenshots every n seconds, but still the top window prevents the software to record the windows in the bottom.

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Good hunting
Jun 27, 2013 12:39AM PDT

There's a reason that app (software) did what it did. It can't directly get the pictures so it uses a common workaround. It appears I can't explain this well enough so I think I'll have to wish you good hunting.

Again, there is no app to record a window that is not on top. This would be hard for the everyone owner to wrap their head around so I understand that while we could write about a virtual machine to make an end run about that, I fear that it would be too much to ask anyone to try it. Even that may not work.
Bob