How Web Cameras Work
A video camera is connected to a computer on the Internet. A frame of the video is sent to the computer at regular intervals. The pictures that are sent to the computer are attached to the Internet. A piece of hardware, such as a video capture board, captures the image and converts it into binary format. The picture is usually converted into the JPEG format because it is compressed, but it keeps a high level of detail.
The JPEG is linked to a URL on a Web page. Whenever someone clicks the link, they will see the most recent picture taken. Some Web cameras seem to send live video images, however, they are not moving at all. They are a series of pictures that are sent rapidly to make it look like the picture is moving. Your Web browser automatically updates the images as they are sent.