Cam Wizard

Pros

• Program is easy to use and intuitive
• All cameras can be customized
• Comprehensive security features

Cons

• Requires other media players to operate
• Motion detection can be processor intensive

CAM Wizard is an application designed to manage and process the footage from video cameras for security purposes. The program can interface with a number of different cameras. It can be used with a single camera plugged directly into the computer. It can also be used with cameras that have been networked within a home or office. CAM Wizard can connect to devices remotely across the Internet as well. CAM Wizard is a commercial application although it comes with a fully functional 30-day trial period for free.

One of the nice things about CAM Wizard is that the interface is uncluttered and simple. It is really designed for viewing more than monitoring metrics or constantly adjusting different options. The center of the screen is reserved for the output from whatever camera is attached. The view is divided when multiple or networked cameras are attached to the computer. The controls consist of simple icons along the right and left edges of the screen. Individual controls appear in a horizontal bar when there are multiple views active. A long button along the side can be clicked to collapse the visible controls and make more space for the camera images.

CAM Wizard is intended to be a security application to monitor cameras. It is not designed to be a casual program that is used to capture video of friends or family. Each of the cameras that are connected can be customized. They can be set to activate only when there is motion. The motion detection system can have the sensitivity altered. It is also possible to define specific regions of the camera view that are tracked for motion. This makes it possible to avoid ceiling fans or other items that might lead to a false reading. Each camera can have the brightness, contrast and other settings adjusted to match the conditions.

CAM Wizard has a wealth of features for keeping people informed about what is going on with the cameras. The program can record footage and send it through email to the owner. This includes audio footage. The program can connect to a server through the file transfer protocol and upload recorded footage. It can be set to send alerts if any of the cameras are activated. The application could even be programmed to simply start recording and sending footage during the day constantly.

CAM Wizard can be set to activate or deactivate automatically according to a schedule. It can run easily from the system tray although some options are processor intensive and could affect the rest of the computer. Users have the option of connecting CAM Wizard to the Internet where the current camera footage can be watched live from a unique Internet address. The intuitive menus in the program allow anyone to use the interface without problems. CAM Wizard is a complete package for turning a simple computer into an advanced security station for monitoring cameras.

Pros

• Program is easy to use and intuitive
• All cameras can be customized
• Comprehensive security features

Cons

• Requires other media players to operate
• Motion detection can be processor intensive