Ubuntu MATE 20.04: Videodev Module Not Working - Shell/Bash

Description

When using Ubuntu MATE 20.04, users may encounter issues with the videodev module not working as expected. This can result in problems with accessing video devices such as webcams or other cameras.

Cause

The cause of this issue is typically a misconfiguration or missing driver for the video device in question. This may be due to a bug in the Linux kernel, issues with the device driver, or conflicts with other software or hardware.

Solution

To resolve this issue, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Check the kernel version: The videodev module is part of the Linux kernel, so it's important to ensure that you have the latest version installed. You can check the kernel version by typing the following command in a terminal:

   uname -r
   

   If you're running an older version of the kernel, you may need to update your system before continuing.

2. Check the device configuration: Make sure that your video device is properly configured and recognized by the system. You can check this by typing the following command in a terminal:

   ls -l /dev/video*
   

   This should display a list of available video devices. If you don't see your device listed, there may be an issue with the device driver or configuration.

3. Install the v4l-utils package: The v4l-utils package includes tools for working with video devices, and may help resolve issues with the videodev module. You can install it by typing the following command in a terminal:

   sudo apt install v4l-utils
   

   Once installed, you can use the v4l2-ctl command to troubleshoot and configure your video devices.

4. Check for conflicts: If you're still having issues, it's possible that there may be conflicts with other software or hardware on your system. You can use the lsmod command to check for loaded kernel modules that may be affecting the videodev module:

   lsmod | grep videodev
   

   This will display any modules that are currently loaded that reference the videodev module. If you see any conflicting modules, you may need to unload them or adjust their configuration.

Conclusion

In summary, if you're encountering issues with the videodev module not working on Ubuntu MATE 20.04, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. By checking your kernel version, device configuration, and installing the v4l-utils package, you can help ensure that your video devices are working properly.