system that has just been launched.

Www.livebermuda.com enables anyone with Internet access to be their own camera operator and move a close circuit lens up and down Front Street, even close up on all the action -- day or night.

Company president Joe Tee said the idea had already hooked cruise lines, which saw the camera as a way of keeping tabs on their ships berthed in the city.

He said he also believed Front Street businesses could get in on the plan and rent their own cameras to allow visitors and customers to have a look at their shop or restaurant.

"It is a marketing tool,'' he said. "The idea is that people in the US may want to look at Bermuda, either before they come over or after they have been.

"Cruise lines are also interested in keeping an eye on their ships whilst they are in port.

"The unique thing about it is that one person at a time can move the camera 180 degrees and you can also zoom in -- we are hoping to get very close to the tall ships.'' Users have to log on to the website and join a queue to use the camera. Once on, they have a few minutes each to operate it -- other viewers can watch while they wait.

The camera can be panned from east to west, or zoom 12 times -- and operators can download a shot and save it.

The company is also hoping to sell banner advertising on the site, which is available 24 hours a day.