1. Introduction
This document was written to assist the reader in setting up and
configuring a webcam, digital camera, or other video device in the Linux
operating system.
It outlines how to enable the necessary kernel and/or software support and
various frame-grabber applications that can be used to access your device.
It does not discuss the differences in graphic and video formats, the
features and/or capabilities of particular devices, or the encoding or
conversion of video formats.
1.1. Copyright Information
This document is Copyright 2004-2005, by Howard Shane.
Permission is granted to copy, distribute, and/or modify this
document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version
1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation with
no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts.
A copy of the license can be found in Appendix A.
1.2. Disclaimer
No liability for the contents of this document can be accepted.
Use the concepts, examples and other content entirely at your own risk.
As this is a new edition, there may be technical or other inaccuracies
that may result in the loss of irreplaceable data.
In any case, proceed with caution, and realize that although errors
are highly unlikely, the author can accept no responsibility for them.
All copyrights are held by their respective owners, unless
specifically noted otherwise.
Use of a term in this document should not be regarded as affecting the
validity of any trademark or service mark.
Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as
endorsements.
1.3. New Versions
This is the fourth release.
The latest version number of this document can be found here.
1.4. Credits
I would like to thank all of the individuals that have pioneered
video support for Linux, in particular the v4l and v4l2 teams, Gerd Knorr,
and the Metzler Brothers among others.
Also, I would like to thank Marla, who has the grace to accept my
imperfections and idiosyncrasies unconditionally, including my obsession
with projects such as this.
1.5. Feedback
Please send any
additions or comments pertaining to this document to the following email
address: <hshane[AT]austin.rr.com>.
In particular, if you have information about new devices or interfaces
supported or errata, please contact me so we can keep this document
up-to-date!
1.6. Conventions Used in this Document
The following conventions are used in this document and are
outlined here for those who may not yet have a complete understanding
of how to access and control the underlying operating system in Linux,
which is usually via the Bash shell.
First, filenames are referenced in a paragraph like so:
/path/file
Commands in Linux are executed (or 'called') at the command prompt,
otherwise known as the 'command line.'
If you are in the non-graphical (text-based) environment, you will usually
be presented with the Bash shell prompt which is a dollar sign:
...or the hash mark:
...if you have logged in as root or have otherwise acquired root, or
'superuser' privileges.
You can also access the Bash shell in the X window
system, otherwise known as X or X11, with an xterm or similar
X-terminal-emulator.
Commands to be performed at the Bash prompt, but referenced in a paragraph
of this document, usually look like this: do this now
Commands and/or the resulting output of commands may also be
outlined with screen output in their own paragraph or heading:
$ date
Sun Jul 27 22:37:11 CDT 2003 |
When a command is written in front of the Bash prompt (e.g.,
$ date above), it is assumed the [Return]
or [Enter] key has been pressed after the command, possibly
followed by the output on a new line (e.g., as in the date in
the above example).