[Discuss] Webcam for LINUX advice

[Steve Epp]

On 12/17/06, Murray Strome <wmstrome at shaw.ca> wrote:
>
> My sons have recently purchased webcams (for Windows XP, naturally).  I
> was wondering if anyone on the list has any positive experience with
> connecting webcams to his/her LINUX box and how to effectively use it.
> One I am thinking about is:
>
> Logitech Quickcam Messenger Webcam (Future shop #961460-0215)  $29.99
> after $20 instant savings.
>

I purchased a Logitech Quickcam 4000 in 2004.  I use it for video chat on
XP.  I managed to get video working on FC4 (or was it FC3) although took a
lot of effort to find and install the drivers.  I just did a fresh install
of FC6 and the video works on Ekiga (Gnome chat program).  I just ran the
Ekiga setup wizard and I had video.

Although the problem that I continue to have with the webcam on linux is the
microphone.  In fact, FC6 seems to get confused by USB audio.  Sometimes FC6
will recognize the microphone as a sound card and then my computer will have
no audio.  And I even if the audio is working, I have never been able to get
the webcam microphone to work.

I don't know if the Logitech Quickcam Messenger Webcam is supported on
Linux.  Google it a few times and you should find the answer.

As far as video chat goes on XP, I just switched from Eyeball Chat to
Skype.  Skype is awesome... good video and even better audio.  I hope Skype
will add video chat to the Linux version... and I get the usb audio problem
sorted out on FC6... one less reason to use XP. ;-)

Steve
-- 
Steve Epp
Victoria,  BC
spepp at telus dot net

"It's practically impossible to look at a penguin and feel angry."- Joe
Moore