Webcam Simulator XP Edition 3.986

Webcam Simulator adds a virtual web cam to your system, which you can use for broadcasting your movies for your friends that use IM software, like Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Windows Messenger, etc.

This program handles .avi, .mpeg, .mpg, and .wmv files. I must say that the quality of the broadcast depends on the quality of the movie. The higher the resolution of the movie, the lower the frame rates and vice versa. Of course there is also a matter of Internet bandwidth, but I guess you already know that.

The interface is very simple, and has limited functionality. There are only a few buttons available (add, remove, play, pause, stop, rewind, forward, and preview), and I don't like it hasn't got at least a volume slider, for some videos can be very noisy.

You have to appreciate the help page though, which displays screenshots of how to configure different IM software, for Webcam Simulator to run.

Pluses: It supports the most used IM programs.

Drawbacks / flaws: It has limited functionality.

In conclusion: I like the broadcasting part of this software, but there is room for improvements.

version reviewed: 1.015