Does the output of a webcam have to be processed through a puter in order to show its output? ie could I just plug one into the USB socket on me posh new telly and see the image from it?
Yes it does. Drivers for the hardware and software to view the video.
But hey.... if you don't believe me, try it out .... can't do any harm.
N.B. You could always plug it in indirectly via a laptop of course.