topic Re: HP Webcam (RZ406AA) under Linux? in Operating System - Linux

HP Webcam (RZ406AA) under Linux?

Jim Hogan — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 11:02:21 GMT

This 2 megapixel Webcam looks pretty solid, but I don't find any information about whether it runs under Linux of what the chipset is. We are starting a desktop video conferencing initiative and I am trying to identify a couple of newer-generation USB 2.0 cameras that would on at least 2 OS (out of Windows, OS X and Linux).

Has any camera? Any luck?

Also, does that webcam have a standard camera-type threaded base?

Re: HP Webcam (RZ406AA) under Linux?

Steven E. Protter — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 13:45:32 GMT

Shalom,

Hardware support varies widely under Linux. Some distros pick up the hardware out of the box, some do not.

Project to create drivers:
http://qce-ga.sourceforge.net/
Bad sign that means they may be scarce.

http://www.linux.com/base/ldp/howto/Webcam-HOWTO/index.html

I would recommend choosing the camera based on the OS support, not the OS based on the camera. That way you pick a camera with a penguin on the box, you know it works with Linux. It may not be with every feature, but it will work.

The universe of hardware support for units usually increases with sales volume and time on the market.

SEP

Re: HP Webcam (RZ406AA) under Linux?

Jim Hogan — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:01:40 GMT

Hi, Steven,

We have all 3 OS I mention in production and that will not change in foreseeable future. In past month I have purchased probably 7 different cameras for testing, some of which run under Linux or might run using modules like pwc and Spca5xx-LE.

Rather than buy an example of *every* webcam in the world, though, I figured I would ask if anybody plugged this particular cam in and "got lucky". Or maybe somebody from HP can say what chipset it uses.

Our Windows and Mac users outnumber greatly outnumber Linux users right now, but I'm interested in acquiring peripherals that will run under more than one OS as our mix may change over time.

Vista: Why seven versions when I only need to not buy one? :)

Re: HP Webcam (RZ406AA) under Linux?

Steven E. Protter — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 01:57:20 GMT

Well Jim I understand your situation.

I'm not into cameras and don't use them. My Cannon Digital Rebel works with my Ubuntu laptop and I'm happy for that.

My suggestion in the original answer stands. Your OS is fixed, you say you can't change it. So try this camera model out and see if it works, one copy. Or pick your hardware based on OS support. You don't say what version of Linux you use so I can't really be more specific.

As to your Vista comment, I can merely chuckle and be happy I don't have to use it.

SEP