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In this Discussion
- tim_pulver June 2014
4 (preferably identical) webcams on one Macbook Pro?
Hi,
I am planning on using four (preferably identical) webcams (Logitech QuickCam 9000 Pro) on one laptop (Macbook Pro). All information I found about this a quite old. Did anyone successfully manage to run multiple webcams of the same kind on one computer? I am currently testing with a Logitech QuickCam 9000 Pro and a Philips Notebook-Webcam SPC530NC Easy and a 3-Port USB-3 Hub (Transcend TS-HUB3K), here are my results so far:
I am using the basic Capture-Example and Processing 2.2.1. For testing if the cam is recognized by the operating system I use FaceTime.
Philips + Logitech on USB-Ports:
- FaceTime ✓
- Processing ✓
Philips on USB-Port, Logitech on USB-Hub (powered):
- FaceTime ✓
- Processing ✓
Both on USB-Hub (powered):
- FaceTime ✓
- Processing X – Depends on the frame rate. At 800x600 1fps both images are displayed, at 30 frames only webcam is showing, program runs fine, no errors, just no image.
Some other things I noticed:
When pluging the USB-cables in/out or switching ports, it may happen that the camera name changes – name=USB-Kamera #3,size=1600x1200,fps=30 – »#3«, »#4«, … This will result in a NullPointerException in cam1.start();.
So, seems like two cameras on one USB 2.0 Port is not working at 30fps. There are several options now – Trying on a computer with four USB-ports, using two laptops (each capturing 2 webcams) and sending the image-data over network to another computer (master).
Any ideas on how to get around the USB-bandwidth limitations? Similar projects? I thought this would be very easy, but seems like it is not…
I’m thankful for every suggestion!
Other helpful discussion: Multi-Webcam Woes (USB Hubs)
Answers
Anyone?
So, here are some more things: Using a USB-Hub on a faster port may probably work. As there does not seem to be a Firewire USB-Hub, the only option left (when using a Macbook Pro) is some kind of Thunderbolt-Hub. They are sold as docking stations and are currently very expensive. Some monitors (like the Apple Thunderbolt Display) have this built-in, so they might work for this. Anybody tried something like that?
I really would like not to have to use a Desktop-PC for this setup because of mobility.