In message <3A828071.3FD2679E@zianet.com>you write:
>
>Given those setbacks, I suggested to John that his computer could be
>fitted with a web cam for not much money, and that I could simply bring
>a laptop with a cam to the event (determined that John should appear,
>virtually or otherwise <smile>), and on an afternoon with no crucial
>events, I could simply invite list members up to the room, where they
>could chat with John and ask him any questions they might have in mind,
>or just trade tall tales and lies, as circumstance dictated. <smile>
>While the video would be slow through the phone lines, it would be
>better than nothing.
>
>The current problem with this proposal is that John did some
>investigation into what it would require to install video on his
>existing computer, and the cost is probably excessive. So, if any UK
>members have some suggestions for John along the lines of low-cost,
>efficacious equipment, or other possibilities, please respond to him and
>to me.
>
I have an Agfa CL20 digital camera that can also be use as a web cam.
They go for less than $200CAN (that is less than 90 pounds sterling).
All you need is a computer with USB port and if want sound, a microphone.
I was able to run NetMeeting and have video and sound with a friend
over a 33.6K modem.
It comes with software where you can save video clips with resolution
up to 640X480 but you'll have to have a big hard disk for this option.
The draw backs are in video mode you need a bright light source (atleast
a 100W light), it does not have white balance mode build in to the camera,
the onboard flash has a very short range for indoor pictures, it does
not come with a USB cable, and no LCD for previewing pictures. Other than
that it is great mega pixel camera for under $200CAN.
You can find more info on the camera from here:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/2000/49/ns-19655.html
For sample pictures taken with the CL20, here is the link of my work
Xmas lunch:
http://www.ece.concordia.ca/~dave/xmas
>John also suggested that he might be able to provide a home-made video,
>of the old and current factory sites, a little of the exteriors of
>Coventry and, perhaps, some idle ramblings and some views of his current
>object of desire, Canley Girl, so long as he could recoup some or most
>of the costs of production and editing through sales of videos; John
>says he knows someone who might be willing to help with editing if the
>time involved is not too dear, so the cost for each copy would not be
>extravagant.
>
>Having said all this, I suppose I'm querying the various lists for
>suggestions, technical and otherwise, and for support. John and I have
>had many email conversations on the means by which individuals and
>groups in the UK, the US and the rest of the world can communicate more
>fully with each other, and establish stronger ties, and I feel that
>John's presence (whether virtually, or in person) at a national US
>Triumph event, would greatly strengthen those ties.
>
>Cheers, all.
>
>--
>
>Michael D. Porter
>Roswell, NM
>[mailto: mporter@zianet.com]
>
>`70 GT6+ (being refurbished, slowly)
>`71 GT6 Mk. III (organ donor)
>`72 GT6 Mk. III (daily driver)
>`64 TR4 (awaiting intensive care)
>`80 TR7 (3.8 liter Buick-powered)
Dave |\ | | |
_______________________________________/\ /\ /\_____| \|_____| |____________
Dave Chu \/ \/ | /| | |
Dept. of Elec. & Comp. Eng. |/ | | |
Concordia University Voice:(514)848-3115 Fax:(514)848-2802
1455 de Maisonneuve W. H961 Email:dave@ece.concordia.ca
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8 http://www.ece.concordia.ca/~dave/addr.html
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