Web cam and USB limitations

[jeepster485]

In light of some recent local events, I have been talking to my parents about trying to install a camera of some sort to monitor the driveway while we're out. I was thinking that a simple USB webcam would suit our purpose, as I have found some programs that can take video from webcams and compress and store it. I was wondering if anyone knew the distance limitations of USB. USB is cheaper than FireWire and I was thinking if I were lucky I could theoretically string a bunch of USB extension cables together and get 50 feet or so between the camera and the computer receiving the data. Would this be at all possible? Any ideas on a fairly inexpensive video monitoring system would be great, too. Thanks for your help!

 

[cogito]

The limitation that I know of is this. Logitech makes great cameras but has not released drivers for OSX and wont respond to me emails (assholes) But their cameras are great. You dont need firewire for a simple webcam. The bandwidth so to speak is just not nessicary. Dont bother with firewire webcams.

 

[hugheba]

IOExperts.com make drivers for USB and Firewire webcams that aren't available from their manufacturers yet.

I use it with a Logitech Quickcam 3000 and it works great!

They list compatible webcams on their site.

 

[bobw]

USB cable length max is approximately 16".