WebcamStudio

I’ve heard about this app a while ago on Ubuntu forums. Back when I did, the installation process was really borked and to be honest, I don’t think I even tried it. Checking on it today though, there is a a nice and relatively easy guide on it, so I gave the program a try.

The function that the program does is a very useful one, and I admit, it does it rather well. You can have several video inputs, several outputs, and the program can ‘connect’ them for you. For example, you can use your desktop, or a movie, or some text as the video input – organize them how you want in the main screen of the program. Then you can either record a movie, stream it live or take a snapshot with what you got.

So the general concept is quite nice and in the interface implements it well, but it does limp in certain places. For one, the native Java look really doesn’t cut it with my nice GNOME desktop. It does use Tango icons, but I’d prefer a native look to go along with that. Some of the dialogs presented lack in usability too – either by design, layout, or even labelling.

Overall though, I was impressed with the app since the first time I heard about it. With a bit of work, I even got my stream on the internet via ustream.tv. (once. Can’t again.)

My rating: ★★★☆☆

Download: http://www.ws4gl.org/installing-on-ubuntu

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