AlterCam

AlterCam, developed by Bolide Software, is a feature-rich webcam software that caters to both professional and personal needs. The latest version, 6.4, allows users to modify their webcam stream by adding various effects in real-time, such as logos, mosaics to hide faces, background changes, image overlays, and more. Additionally, AlterCam can record webcam videos and share a single webcam with multiple programs, making it highly versatile for both work and fun.

Weighing in at 57.2 MB, the program file, AlterCam.exe, is relatively lightweight despite its robust features. Users can broadcast pre-recorded video or a live desktop feed to a virtual web camera, providing a customizable streaming experience. It's compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows XP/XP Professional, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, ensuring that almost any Windows user can benefit from its functionalities.

For those interested in historical versions, AlterCam has seen several updates over the years, with earlier versions such as 5.3, 5.2, and 5.0. Sitting in the Multimedia category under the Streaming Media subcategory, the software offers users a broad array of options for enhancing their webcam presence.

The user interface is straightforward, with essential command buttons placed at the top of the screen and filters and decorations accessible from the side menu, making it user-friendly even for beginners. Despite these excellent features, the program does have its drawbacks. The installation process can be cumbersome, leading to system lags and initial slow performance, which might signal future issues. While the usage performance is somewhat better, the software can still slow down the system, making multitasking difficult.

On the upside, AlterCam’s ability to apply overlays, filters, and other real-time modifications may outweigh these performance drawbacks for some users. Those looking for extensive customization in their webcam software might find the free download of AlterCam worth exploring, although its performance hiccups could be a potential dealbreaker for others.

Pros:

• Extensive real-time effect and filter options
• User-friendly interface
• Ability to share a single webcam with multiple programs

Cons:

• Installation might slow down the system
• Ongoing performance issues affecting multitasking

You may want to check out more software, such as MediaPortal, Zattoo or Last.fm, which might be similar to AlterCam.