[SOLVED] Sharing webcam across PC and Laptop (not at same time)

[Stephen Cecil]

Hi. I have a Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Webcam that I use at home either connected to my home PC or work Laptop via separate USB cables.

Webcam [USB C] ------------ PC [USB A]
Webcam [USB C] ------------ Laptop [USB C]

At the moment I am physically unplugging the Webcam from one cable and plugging in the other

Is there a switch that I can buy to avoid unplugging ? I've been looking at USB/KVM switches on various sites but they all seem to take a keyboard/mouse type input - or dual PC inputs - and share to a single screen. I'm after something the other way round - i.e. a single webcam as input to either of my two machines. I would also need to be able to support USB C at the webcam end and USB C at my works laptop

Many thanks if you can help

S.

 

[kerberos_20]

funny thing about usb-c switches is they pretty much allows u to use single monitor for 2+ systems...hence higher price than for USB-A connection
https://www.kvm-switches-online.com/us3310.html

 

[kerberos_20]

cheaper solution would be:
run rtsp server on one pc where camera is connected
on second pc run rtsp client which converts network video stream to virtual camera, which can be used in skype etc

this will eat your network a little bit, but can be used over internet aswell as a spy cam

https://www.camera-sdk.com/p_6579-how-to-turn-your-usb-camera-into-an-onvif-ip-webcam-in-c-.html

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[Stephen Cecil]

Hi both - many thanks for the replies. I'll definitely look at RTSP which sounds great - my work laptop is locked down so I have no (or limited) ability to install stuff - so fingers crossed.

S.

 

[kerberos_20]

Hi both - many thanks for the replies. I'll definitely look at RTSP which sounds great - my work laptop is locked down so I have no (or limited) ability to install stuff - so fingers crossed.

S.

well tbh, if its work computer, then u wont be able to perma stream yor camera, u will need to run service for video encoding/streaming which requires elevated rights to install such service (including firewall), no sane IT person would put this CCTV "feature" on work computer, tho u can try ur luck

 

[Stephen Cecil]

yup - wont let me.

Looks like its back to some form of mechanical switch

I wonder whether a simple USB splitter would work ?

 

[kerberos_20]

yup - wont let me.

Looks like its back to some form of mechanical switch

I wonder whether a simple USB splitter would work ?

just looked at data sheet for your camera, and it doesnt need USB C at all
it runs usb 2.0 in HD or USB 3.0 for 4K
so any USB switch will work
thats around 20$ for 3.0 kvm switch
https://www.amazon.com/Selector-ABLEWE-Switcher-Peripheral-One-Button/dp/B07TS5JNT3
then u will just need cables/adapters, which is still cheap 4~10$ per cable/adapter?

 

[Stephen Cecil]

That is awesome - many many thanks. I'll give it a go

S.