Problems with webcam

[nixus]

I have a fully upgraded KDE Desktop 4.8.3 and problems with the inbuilt webcam. When I recall it correctly, the cam was working in that Laptop before, but I couldn't exactly say when that changed. When I for example check with skype, the light of the cam indicates that the program tries to access it, but it doesn't show any picture. Linphone simply crashes, when I try to deactivate the cam in the settings. The cam is not working with any software be it skype, linphone, kopete or any other picture taking application. I tried them all.

Here are the hardware spects of the cam from PCC:

Hersteller: ‎Generic
Beschreibung: ‎USB2.0-Camera
Medienklasse: ‎Video|Video Control
Verbindung
Bus: ‎USB
Bus PCI #: ‎1
PCI-Gerät #: ‎4
Hersteller ID: ‎0x0bda
Geräte-ID: ‎0x5801
Sonstiges
Modul: ‎uvcvideo

Thanks,
nixus

[nixus]

Is there some sort of CL command I can use to check the configuration or hardware settings of the webcam? Just to see whether or not they are correct.

nixus

[Just17]

All UVC compliant cameras should work without hassle.

I have problems trying to associate the device ID with a camera .....  mostly, when I checked, it seemed to return a card reader of some sort 

Hersteller ID: ‎0x0bda
Geräte-ID: ‎0x5801
Sonstiges
Modul: ‎uvcvideo

Is it possible that the camera is disabled? .......  either in BIOS or by user interface ....  keys or switch?

[nixus]

Thanks for your response. I checked the cam under windoze (dualboot) and it is not working either. In BIOS the cam is enabled. I wouldn't be aware of any hardware switch to turn the cam on and off. The funny thing is, that the light beside the cam indicates that the program tries to access it, but non of the apps shows an image. So maybe it is an hardware issue.

nixus

[Just17]

I would check the manual for the laptop .......  there is often a switch for the camera which is not immediately obvious ..... 

[nixus]

There is no switch, but I checked the HP Forum and obviously this is a common problem with HP Probook 6450b notebooks. Either BIOS, driver or hardware related.

Here is the http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-Notebook-PC-Questions/HP-Probook-6450b-Webcam/td-p/482257 for further reference from HP support site. It all refers to windoze installations, though.
So I am not sure how and if this can be translated to Linux. I will check if I can make it work under windoze and report, otherwise the cam might have gone bad.

nixus

[Just17]

From that link the problem is a hardware failure of the webcam ......  and is a common occurrence.

There are part numbers for replacements ...... if the laptop is out of warranty I would be inclined to use a USB connected webcam.

So it seems you also have a failed webcam and it won't work in either Windows or Linux because of that.

If it works in one, it should work in the other 

[nixus]

Thanks for your help!! I guess I will go for an USB connected webcam, since my laptop is out of warranty

nixus.

[Just17]

Thanks for your help!! I guess I will go for an USB connected webcam, since my laptop is out of warranty

nixus.

When selecting your new webcam, try to ensure it is UVC compliant ..... it may take a little research, but is worth it in the end to ensure you get a webcam that is properly supported in Linux.