The Webcam HOWTO - The Linux Documentation Project
The Webcam HOWTO - The Linux Documentation Project
The Webcam HOWTO - The Linux Documentation Project
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1. Introduction<br />
This document was written to assist the reader in setting up and configuring a webcam, digital camera, or<br />
other video device in the <strong>Linux</strong> operating system. It outlines how to enable the necessary kernel and/or<br />
software support and various frame−grabber applications that can be used to access your device. It does not<br />
discuss the differences in graphic and video formats, the features and/or capabilities of particular devices, or<br />
the encoding or conversion of video formats.<br />
1.1. Copyright Information<br />
This document is Copyright 2004−2005, by Howard Shane.<br />
Permission is granted to copy, distribute, and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free<br />
<strong>Documentation</strong> License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation with no<br />
Invariant Sections, no Front−Cover Texts, and no Back−Cover Texts. A copy of the license can be found in<br />
Appendix A.<br />
1.2. Disclaimer<br />
No liability for the contents of this document can be accepted. Use the concepts, examples and other content<br />
entirely at your own risk. As this is a new edition, there may be technical or other inaccuracies that may result<br />
in the loss of irreplaceable data. In any case, proceed with caution, and realize that although errors are highly<br />
unlikely, the author can accept no responsibility for them.<br />
All copyrights are held by their respective owners, unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this<br />
document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.<br />
Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.<br />
1.3. New Versions<br />
This is the fourth release.<br />
<strong>The</strong> latest version number of this document can be found here.<br />
1.4. Credits<br />
I would like to thank all of the individuals that have pioneered video support for <strong>Linux</strong>, in particular the v4l<br />
and v4l2 teams, Gerd Knorr, and the Metzler Brothers among others.<br />
Also, I would like to thank Marla, who has the grace to accept my imperfections and idiosyncrasies<br />
unconditionally, including my obsession with projects such as this.<br />
1. Introduction 1