Virtual Webcam (Linux)

Why?

To have fun, stream a movie to your buddies using a VC or just attend a meeting while streaming a previous recorded video showing me as attentive as possible. I'm such a nice subordinate…

HowTo

Installation

# zypper install v4l2loopback-utils v4l2loopback-autoload v4l2loopback-kmp-default

Creating a devices

The kernel module does that per default:

# v4l2-ctl --list-devices
OBS Virtual Camera (platform:v4l2loopback-000):
        /dev/video0

Integrated Camera: Integrated C (usb-0000:06:00.4-3):
        /dev/video1
        /dev/video2
        /dev/video3
        /dev/video4
        /dev/media0
        /dev/media1
#

Streaming

 ffmpeg -re -i VIDEO_TO_SHOW.m4v -vf format=yuv420p -f v4l2 /dev/video0

Testing the stream

Using VLC

Capture from a video camera

Media→ Open Capture Device…

• Select your camera
• Choose

Stream instead of Play (Button)

• …(use the wizard)…

Footer

• Links
  • https://software.opensuse.org/package/v4l2loopback
  • https://github.com/umlaeute/v4l2loopback
  • https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/V4l2loopback#:~:text=v4l2loopback%20%2D%20a%20kernel%20module%20to,is%20generated%20by%20another%20application.
• Fußnoten: