Tags: ubuntu | webcams

These cameras are a popular buy with a Dell system. This is a quick guide on how to get them running fully. There are several guides and tips out there that indicate they aren't supported in the current Karmic kernel. Suggestions range between installing an unstable kernel to waiting for Lucid. I don't think you need to do that...

Installing the Driver

cd /tmp
wget http://linuxtv.org/hg/v4l-dvb/archive/tip.tar.bz2
tar xvfj tip.tar.bz2
cd v4l*
make

Wait, until it is finished (it will finish with an error). Now, execute this command to open a file with a text editor:

gksudo gedit /tmp/v4l*/v4l/.config

Find:

CONFIG_DVB_FIREDTV=m

...and replace with:

CONFIG_DVB_FIREDTV=n

Now do this:

make
sudo make install

Now reboot. To check it is working, we will install "cheese", a webcam utility.

apt-get install cheese

This can then be run from either Applications -> Sound And Video. May need to change the web-cam focus, as well as brightness / contrast.

Google Talk

You will need to sign-in with you Google Account details. This is the same as your Google Account details.

Make sure WebCam is attached and working. Use "cheese" to double check video is working. Use the System -> Preferences -> Sound applet and double check sound input is working. Make sure the connector is "Microphone 2" if you want the front microphone on some Dells. Avoid using the LifeCam VX-3000 sound input unless you need to. In Pidgin, right-click on your Google Talk contact and place an Audio / Video Call.

Skype

Download the client from Skype : http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/download/skype/linux/choose/ Make sure you get the correct version for your computer, either 64-bit or 32-bit...!

Wait until the download completes and then open a Terminal and locate where you downloaded the .deb file. This is usually ~/Downloads/ . Install with:

sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu-intrepid_2.1.0.81-1_amd64.deb

or

sudo dpkg -i skype-ubuntu-intrepid_2.1.0.81-1_i386.deb

...depending whether you are on 64-bit or 32-bit Ubuntu.

Then create a short script called "skype_loader.sh". Again there two different versions:

For 64-bit machines use:

#!/bin/bash
LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib32/libv4l/v4l2convert.so skype

...and 32-bit is:

#!/bin/bash
LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/libv4l/v4l1compat.so skype

This pre-loads a compatibility library to convert the video from the web-cam.

Make sure the scripts are executable.

chmod 755 skype_loader.sh

And run the script. If you don't have a SkypeId you may need to make one while setting up. Double check your set-up is fine under options and Skype away...!

Taken from these links:

• UbuntuForums : Install Webcam Drivers
• UbuntuForums : Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 work in Ubuntu