How to Use the Sone HDR -SR1 camcorder as a webcam?

[EddieHyatt]

Can anyone tell me how to use the Sony HDR - SR1 camcorder as a webcam to stream live video on the Internet??? The USB connection automatically connects the camera hard drive to the computer and I have not been able to by-pass the hard drive and capture live video. Help!!

[Eye for Video]

To stream live video you'll need some special encoding software. Windows Media Encoder is free and gives you a place to start:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/default.mspx
Read through some of the help files to get a better idea of the process.
Second, you will have to use a special Web host that provides Live Streaming services. This is a specialized type of server, and is much, much more expensive than regular Web hosting. I use:
http://www.upstreamnetworks.com/
Again, go through their help pages to learn more about the process.
One last thing to mention, find out if your camera will stay on without recording for extended periods of time. Mine will power down after a couple of minutes so I have to keep the camera recording during a streaming event. Not a major problem but know the characteristics of your camera ahead of time so it doesn't shut down on you during an Live event.
Eye for Video
www.cidigitalmedia.com