---
name: "dv4l"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "dv4l"
version: "1.0-5.2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/dv4l"
---

# dv4l(1)

make a dv1394 camcorder available for video4linux programs

## NAME

dv4l - make a dv1394 camcorder available for video4linux programs

## SYNOPSIS

**dv4l \[***options***\]**

options (shortest form): **\[-cdrsvh\]**

## DESCRIPTION

**dv4l** enables programs using the video4linux API to access a dv1394 (Firewire) camcorder. It pushes the video stream to an input device provided by the **vloopback** kernel module.

Before starting **dv4l** , make sure that the **vloopback** module is present in the kernel.

See http://www.lavrsen.dk/twiki/bin/view/Motion/VideoFourLinuxLoopbackDevice (without the dash) for information about this kernel module.

Check your 1394 driver config by starting

  $ gst-launch-0.10 dv1394src \\! dvdemux \\! dvdec \\!  xvimagesink

from your shell. After turning on your camera, a video window should appear. If this works, dv4l should work as well.

Make sure that your camera is on before starting a video4linux program.

## OPTIONS

- **-c, --color-correction**

  Set this option if red objects look blue.

- **-d, --device** *device-name*

  Use device-name as vloopback input device. If this option is omitted, **dv4l** will automatically look for an appropriate device.

- **-r, --rgb-only**

  Set this option to prevent V4L applications from choosing  YUV palettes. Try this option if you get low frame rates.

- **-s, --size** *WxH*

  Set capture size and use slower copy mode, only required for some V4L applications. When using this option, V4L applications can't change the capture size.

- **-v, --verbose** *level*

  Set the amount of debugging messages. A level of 0 means no output at all, 1 is the default, 3 enables all messages.

- **-h, --help**

  displays a help message

## EXAMPLES

In most cases, **dv4l** can be started without any options. Kopete, however needs the --size option, with a resolution of 320x240:

  dv4l -s 320x240

Like kopete, gqcam needs the --size option, but supports arbitrary resolutions:

  dv4l -s 635x360

**dv4l** will do the scaling.

## LIMITATIONS

**dv4l** does not support adjustment of color, brightness and similar parameters.

It supports only RGB24 and YUV420P palettes. Some V4L programs may not work as they require different palettes.

It supports only a single dv1394 camera.

Skype v2.0beta seems to have problems with vloopback and does NOT work with dv4l. Try *dv4lstart* instead.

## SEE ALSO

[dv4lstart(1)](/dv4lstart/1.md)