Mark A Cobb wrote
> Final note has anyone had experience with using a WEB cam? One of those
> inexpensive cameras you hook to your computer for use with a video
> conference? I was wondering how well they would work making your computer
> function as a CCTV like some scanners will?

Webcams typically offer a rather low resolution. I have developed
an application which translates webcam images into sounds for use
by the totally blind, so this may not be particularly useful for you.
However, in case you are nevertheless interested, you can obtain
the software from

   http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Peter_Meijer/winvoice.htm

You need a webcam to use it.

Best wishes,

Peter Meijer