Webcam streaming with Guvcview and QtCAM
Action!
If your new webcam doesn't work with the default software on your Linux system, try your luck with Guvcview or QtCAM.
Many webcam manufacturers still don't take Linux seriously, which means that kernel modules for many cameras are often created by freelance developers. In some cases, the manufacturer even changes the chipset during a production run without informing the Linux community. The result of all this uncertainty is that webcam operations in Linux are somewhat unpredictable. A specific system might work out-of-the-box for some cameras but have troubles with others. Users today, however, are accustomed to more seamless hardware configuration. If you, or anyone who depends on you for Linux advice, is having trouble with getting a webcam to work in Linux, one option is to replace the on-board webcam utility shipped with your distro with an alternative application. Guvcview and QtCAM are powerful alternative tools that are suitable for all desktops and support a wide range of cameras.
Tech Talk
On Linux systems, the UVC driver, or the GSPCA driver for older models, can talk to most webcams. The UVC module even supports cameras connected via USB, and it supports webcams built into laptops. A list of compatible webcams can be found on the UVC project's website [1].
The GSPCA driver is used for cameras that do not yet use the UVC driver but can be addressed via a special bridge chipset. A list of supported cameras can be found on the LinuxTV project website [2].
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Another New Linux Laptop has Arrived
Slimbook has released a monster of a Linux gaming laptop.
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.
-
CloudLinux Commits Over 1 Million Dollars to CentOS Replacement
An open source, drop-in replacement for CentOS is on its way.
-
Linux Mint 20.1 Beta has Been Released
The first beta of Linux Mint, Ulyssa, is now available for downloading.
-
Manjaro Linux 20.2 has Been Unleashed
The latest iteration of Manjaro Linux has been released with a few interesting new features.
-
Patreon Project Looks to Bring Linux to Apple Silicon
Developer Hector Martin has created a patreon page to fund his work on developing a port of Linux for Apple Silicon Macs.
-
A New Chrome OS-Like Ubuntu Remix is Now Available
Ubuntu Web looks to be your Chrome OS alternative.
-
System76 Refreshes the Galago Pro Laptop
Linux hardware maker has revamped one of their most popular laptops.