If you’re running Ubuntu 20.04 and hoping to utilize a 1080p 60fps webcam, you may have encountered some issues. The challenge lies in the fact that the newest Ubuntu 20.04, even with the kernel lifted to 5.6, does not have full UVC 1.5 support. This article will guide you through the nuances of UVC 1.5 support and provide potential solutions to achieve the desired webcam performance.
UVC 1.5 support for 1080p 60fps webcams on Ubuntu 20.04 is not fully available. However, you can achieve 1080p resolution at 60fps using workarounds such as using MJPEG payloads or considering webcam models like the Logitech Brio Stream.
Understanding UVC 1.5
The Universal Video Class (UVC) is a standard for video devices like webcams, digital camcorders, and analog video converters. UVC 1.5 is the latest version of this standard, which includes support for advanced features such as H.264 video encoding. However, Linux, the underlying system for Ubuntu, still detects UVC 1.5 devices without providing full capabilities and tries to fall back to UVC 1.0 or 1.1.
Workarounds for 1080p 60fps Support
Despite the lack of full UVC 1.5 support, it is possible to achieve 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) using workarounds.
Using MJPEG Payloads
One workaround is to use MJPEG payloads, which are already supported by the current UVC implementation. MJPEG, or Motion JPEG, is a video compression format that compresses each video frame separately as a JPEG image.
For instance, the Logitech StreamCam supports MJPEG, so it may not be necessary to insist on UVC 1.5. However, some configuration adjustments may be required to enable the desired resolution and frame rate.
To check if your webcam supports MJPEG, you can use the v4l2-ctl command:
v4l2-ctl --list-formats-extThis command lists all formats supported by the webcam. If MJPEG is listed, you can use it to achieve 1080p at 60 fps.
Considering Other Webcam Models
Another point to consider is the choice of webcam. The Logitech Brio Stream, an older model than the StreamCam, has been reported to support all advertised resolutions and frame rates out of the box, including 1080p at 60 fps or even 4K at 30 fps. This camera can be a good option for achieving the desired specifications without requiring additional patches or modifications.
Conclusion
While full UVC 1.5 support may not be available in the newest Ubuntu 20.04, it is possible to achieve 1080p resolution at 60 fps using MJPEG payloads and some configuration adjustments. The Logitech Brio Stream is a recommended camera that provides the desired capabilities without requiring additional patches or modifications.
Understanding the limitations and potential workarounds can help you make the most of your webcam on Ubuntu 20.04. As the Linux community continues to evolve, we can hope for full UVC 1.5 support in future releases. Until then, these workarounds should help you achieve the desired webcam performance.
UVC 1.5 stands for Universal Video Class 1.5, which is a standard for video devices like webcams. It is the latest version of the UVC standard and includes support for advanced features such as H.264 video encoding.
No, Ubuntu 20.04 does not have full UVC 1.5 support. Even with the kernel lifted to 5.6, Linux, the underlying system for Ubuntu, still detects UVC 1.5 devices without providing full capabilities and tries to fall back to UVC 1.0 or 1.1.
Yes, it is possible to achieve 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) using workarounds. One workaround is to use MJPEG payloads, which are already supported by the current UVC implementation. MJPEG is a video compression format that compresses each video frame separately as a JPEG image.
To check if your webcam supports MJPEG, you can use the v4l2-ctl command in the terminal. Run the following command:
v4l2-ctl --list-formats-extThis command will list all formats supported by the webcam. If MJPEG is listed, you can use it to achieve 1080p at 60 fps.
Yes, the Logitech Brio Stream is a recommended webcam model that has been reported to support all advertised resolutions and frame rates out of the box, including 1080p at 60 fps or even 4K at 30 fps. This camera can be a good option for achieving the desired specifications without requiring additional patches or modifications.
