Multiple Webcams on one PC

Hello,

I am trying to setup a webcasting studio at home, where I'd like to have multiple webcams hooked into the same PC, that I can switch between as needed.

I've purchased 3 webcams, and have plugged them all into a USB hub. Some have USB extension cords so they can be positioned around the room. These cams are "no name" cameras. Just some cheap cams I picked up at the local computer store.

When I go to test the connections in my webcam capture software (Debut or ManyCam), I am able to see 2 USB Cameras showing up, but I can only get input from one - the other camera is just black.

I don't need all the cams to be "on" at the same time. My intent is to be able to switch between them as needed, so only one is ever taking input at one time.

What am I doing wrong? How can I get all my cameras to work in this kind of setup?

Commercially available camera systems, include multiple cameras and a central connection point which I can only assume is an electronic switch to allow the viewer to pick which camera to view.

I see these muli-camera systems on sale all the time at various electronics houses. That's probably what you should have purchased.
You have the cameras, but you don't have the electronic switch, to select which camera to output to your Monitor.

As I've said many times before, Google is your friend. If you just Google the topic you'll get over a million hits. Here is just one that I picked at random.
http://www.youdoitsecurity.com/

Good Luck,
The Doctor