Accessing a webcam - anyone heard this story?

[BradQue]

Here's one that simply doesn't make any sense.

I have an IP webcam at my home, connected to a wireless router. It's on 24/7 and available over the Internet for viewing when I want to see what's going on in the neighborhood.

My Sidekick II via TMobile receives it's pages just fine. My Verizon phones (v710 and RAZR) don't, producing a variety of error messages when I attempt access the camera's URL.

Calling Verizon, I get the response that their system blocks webcam access for security reasons and also since it may "overload" their towers.

What's the deal here and am I getting a bogus response? (If TMobile can do it, and a friend on Sprint can too, why would Verizon be any different?)

Any insights would be most appreciated.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Here's one that simply doesn't make any sense.

I have an IP webcam at my home, connected to a wireless router. It's on 24/7 and available over the Internet for viewing when I want to see what's going on in the neighborhood.

My Sidekick II via TMobile receives it's pages just fine. My Verizon phones (v710 and RAZR) don't, producing a variety of error messages when I attempt access the camera's URL.

Calling Verizon, I get the response that their system blocks webcam access for security reasons and also since it may "overload" their towers.

What's the deal here and am I getting a bogus response? (If TMobile can do it, and a friend on Sprint can too, why would Verizon be any different?)

Any insights would be most appreciated.

A webcam also may be too complicated of a webpage for a V710 or V3 to display. A sidekick is more of a mini-computer. The only other thing I can think of is to try the Opera browser on the V3 & V710, and see if that improves your results.

-Jay

[BradQue]

Thanks Jay...I don't think I know how to put another browser (Opera) on either cell phone. Maybe I'll look at other providers. Cingular has an E62 and a 3125, both of which look interesting.

Brad

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Thanks Jay...I don't think I know how to put another browser (Opera) on either cell phone. Maybe I'll look at other providers. Cingular has an E62 and a 3125, both of which look interesting.

Brad

You would just download it just like a ringtone or game, that would be the easiest way.

-Jay

[BradQue]

Thanks. I will check on the Verizon "Get it Now" site. I am thining that this may be possible on the GSM phones but not on Verizon's CDMA. Although Verizon does have pretty solid coverage, they seem to be more than willing to take customers, and their respective issues, for granted. Witness their crippling of Bluetooth features on some phones, etc.

I've been looking into Cingular specifically the 3125 and the E62 and may take the plunge if VZW doesn't come through.

Brad

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Thanks. I will check on the Verizon "Get it Now" site. I am thining that this may be possible on the GSM phones but not on Verizon's CDMA. Although Verizon does have pretty solid coverage, they seem to be more than willing to take customers, and their respective issues, for granted. Witness their crippling of Bluetooth features on some phones, etc.

I've been looking into Cingular specifically the 3125 and the E62 and may take the plunge if VZW doesn't come through.

Brad

You probably won't find it on Verizon's site, but I do believe it is on motomodders.net 's WAP page.

-Jay

[BradQue]

Thanks Jay. I hope Verizon hasn't crippled my ability to download and install such as that. Prevention of functionality seems to be a big part of their business model.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Thanks Jay. I hope Verizon hasn't crippled my ability to download and install such as that. Prevention of functionality seems to be a big part of their business model.

That is very unfortunate that they try to force you to buy only their content. I know of several people who won't subscribe to their service because of it.

-Jay

[BradQue]

Yep, I'm beginning to think the same way. I went to the trouble of installing and configuring an IP Webcam and while my friends using Sprint and TMobile can access it fine, my Verizon service doesn't allow it...even on the Razr with the extra monthly payment for their VCast Service, web, etc.

I've stuck with VZW based on what I perceive to be their better coverage but I suspect that's not the case either and others are equally competitive.

[phreddie]

You cannot use Opera Mini on a Verizon phone. Their phones use BREW, not java. Because of the way BREW works (code has to be 'signed' by the carrier -Verzion) the ONLY way to download an app to a Verizon phone is through GIN.

Yes, it does suck.

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Yep, I'm beginning to think the same way. I went to the trouble of installing and configuring an IP Webcam and while my friends using Sprint and TMobile can access it fine, my Verizon service doesn't allow it...even on the Razr with the extra monthly payment for their VCast Service, web, etc.

I've stuck with VZW based on what I perceive to be their better coverage but I suspect that's not the case either and others are equally competitive.

you can go to opera's page (www.opera.com) and get it for any piece of hardware, the problem I'm thinking is that Get It Now (Branded verision of Qualcomm's BREW) will block it, as that's what it's designed to do. I agree on the reasoning behind not chosing VZW for this reason, I hate to be told what I can and cannot do with hardware I purchase that's "mine."

Be weary that if you switch to the 3125 or for that matter any smartphone, that you don't neccessarily lose any functionality, but things become a bit more difficult until you get used to the phone. Also you will not be able to get the usual list of applications that you can for a normal phone (I greatly miss My-Cast weather.)

[phreddie]

From the opera website:

"Please note that Opera Mini is not currently supported on the Verizon Wireless network"

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by phreddie

You cannot use Opera Mini on a Verizon phone. Their phones use BREW, not java. Because of the way BREW works (code has to be 'signed' by the carrier -Verzion) the ONLY way to download an app to a Verizon phone is through GIN.

Yes, it does suck.

Originally Posted by phreddie

From the opera website:

"Please note that Opera Mini is not currently supported on the Verizon Wireless network"

That really sucks. I was not aware of this. Looks like I have yet another reason to not like VZW.

This is what we offer, you must buy all content from us... and you will like it. Sounds a lot like communist Russia.

-Jay

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by phreddie

From the opera website:

"Please note that Opera Mini is not currently supported on the Verizon Wireless network"

As I stated above, it's probably blocked by BREW. Very unfortunate to have that confirmed. For what it counts, very very sorry to hear.

[BradQue]

Thanks for all the replies and inputs. The more I get into it, the more I come to realize that, while Verizon does have solid coverage, they are a bit dictatorial to their customers.

I suppose my choices are: a) continue the otherwise unneeded Sidekick II service with TMobile so I can actually access real web pages, including my security camera; b) suck it up and let other people use their [non-Verizon] phones to access it and tell me what's going on; and c) find a service and a phone that will do everything I need done, which is: make calls, browse the net, serve as a basic (or not so basic) personal information manager.

[BradQue]

Finally, the apparent answer is: Verizon blocks streaming video [from all sources other than it's own that is]. So, my little webcam, sending pictures of my house and the neighborhood, can't be accessed through a Verizon phone. However, Sprint, TMobile, and I suspect other services, allow it with no problem.

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by BradQue

So, my little webcam, sending pictures of my house and the neighborhood, can't be accessed through a Verizon phone. However,

Maybe you can take another approach. A friend of mine has a cabin in the mountains and wanted a webcam for security. But he's too far from the real world so all he has is slow dialup. So his camera takes a shot every so many minutes, the modem dials up, delivers the picture to web page, and hangs up.

See if you can view his "cabin cam". Most of his logistical problems come from using solar power, not the webcam system itself.

[BradQue]

Yep, that did work. Good suggestion. Now I have to figure out how to make my personal webpage ready to accept an emailed picture.

Thanks,

Brad

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by BradQue

Now I have to figure out how to make my personal webpage ready to accept an emailed picture.

Would it be easier to just FTP it?

[walkguru]

Originally Posted by BillRadio

Maybe you can take another approach. A friend of mine has a cabin in the mountains and wanted a webcam for security. But he's too far from the real world so all he has is slow dialup. So his camera takes a shot every so many minutes, the modem dials up, delivers the picture to web page, and hangs up.

See if you can view his "cabin cam". Most of his logistical problems come from using solar power, not the webcam system itself.

hey, hey billradio, thats pretty cool.
dan.