[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux as a video surveillance system...

[Richard Geoffrion]

Has anyone been successful in setting up video capturing and storage on 
their Linux box?  I don't know how to word what I'm looking for.   I've 
found  http://www.exploits.org/v4l/  with gobs of information... and 
I've found  the "Devolution Security System" ( 
http://devsec.sourceforge.net/ ) which seems to be geared toward 
security archival and retrieval of captured video..which is my aim.

I see all kinds of V4L devices where you attach the camera's output to 
the V4L device in the server -- but I can't seem to find the term to use 
for grabbing an existing stream (say from one of those 802.11[b|g] 
Linksys web cam jobbies) -OR- something where the wireless camera 
transmits to the receiving hardware that is in the server.
(I realize that using security + wireless camera = much 
laughter....still...for the sake of argument)

What am I looking for that I'm missing? On which terms do I need to search?

(for those of you wanting a better understanding of a practical 
approach...lets day that one of two cats has decided to shun the litter 
box...and let's say that someone is interested in finding out WHICH one 
is the culprit.  So...there is the need for the ability to a) put a 
camera on the spot in question b) have the stream viewable from remote 
(say...work) c) maybe only capture the motion as the image changes - 
thus saving on required disk space needed. d) playback controls to 
locate and view the 'blessed event'. e) an X10 controlled air horn to 
scare the living S*&$ out of...oh wait...that's what we're trying to 
prevent...)

other uses may include (but are not limited to)
*front door cams - see who visits you
*front door cams - see who visits your kids
*front door cams - see why it's taking your kid so long to return from 
that date.(another X10-controlled-airhorn application)
*mailbox cams - see who visits your mailbox
*baby Jesus theft cams - see who visits baby Jesus

-- 
Richard