All about live streaming.
Just some examples of converting or direct copy of input off a HD camcorder memory card - directly copied as a quicktime .mov file - a evaluation version of a static encoder was used. For home VOD - you don't need anything, but for live streaming you need a webcam or a video encoder card. Laptop live streaming is harder - because external video USB converters - all seem to have problems, especially if you are running Vista - lots of driver issues - many older webcams just don't work. - Also sound through typical webcams or encoders is poor - using a microphone with the internal sound hardware is usually better. A laptop with a built in Firewire connection might be better still for a portable streaming station, but I haven't researched this.