Release notes for bttv-0.7.x ============================ This version is based on Ralphs 0.6.4 release. There are alot of changes. Bugfixes, merged patches from other people, merged fixes from the kernel version, port to the new i2c stack, removed support for 2.0.x, code cleanups, ... To compile this bttv version, you'll the new i2c stack. Kernels newer than 2.3.34 have this already included. If you have a older kernel, download it from: http://www2.lm-sensors.nu/~lm78/download.html You'll need at least these i2c config options for bttv: CONFIG_I2C=m CONFIG_I2C_ALGOBIT=m The latest bttv version is available here: http://me.in-berlin.de/~kraxel/bttv.html You'll find Ralphs original (mostly outdated) documentation in the ralphs-doc subdirectory. Compile bttv ------------ If you are compiling the kernel version, just say 'm' if you are asked for bttv. I /strongly/ suggest to compile bttv as module, because there are some insmod options for configuring the driver. If you downloaded the separate bttv bundle: You need configured kernel sources to compile the bttv driver. The driver uses some Makefile magic to compile the modules with your kernel's configuration (wrt. module-versions, SMP, ...). If you already have compiled the kernel at least once, you probably don't have do worry about this. If not, go to /usr/src/linux and run at least "make config". Even better, compile your own kernel, you'll never become a real hacker else ;-) Make bttv work with your card ----------------------------- Of course you have to load the modules as very first thing. The separate bttv bundle comes with a script called "update". I use this one to load a new version while doing driver hacking. You can use it too, but check the module arguments first. They work for my setup, and probably do *not* for yours. Another way is to setup your /etc/modules.conf file and let kmod load the modules. See also: Modules.conf: some sample entries for /etc/modules.conf Insmod-options: list of all insmod options available for bttv and the helper modules. MAKEDEV: a script to create the special files for v4l CARDLIST: List of all supported cards Loading just the bttv modules isn't enouth for most cards. The drivers for the i2c tuner/sound chips must also be loaded. bttv tries to load them automagically by calling request_module() now, but this obviously works only with kmod enabled. The most important insmod option for bttv is "card=n" to select the correct card type. If you get video but no sound you've very likely specified the wrong (or no) card type. A list of supported cards is in CARDLIST. If your card isn't listed in CARDLIST, you should read the Sound-FAQ. Still doesn't work? ------------------- I do NOT have a lab with 30+ different grabber boards and a PAL/NTSC/SECAM test signal generator at home, so I often can't reproduce your problems. This makes debugging very difficult for me. If you have some knowledge and spare time, please try to fix this yourself (patches very welcome of course...) You know: The linux slogan is "Do it yourself". There is a mailing list: video4linux-list@redhat.com. If you have trouble with some specific TV card, try to ask there instead of mailing me directly. The chance that someone with the same card listens there is much higher... Finally: If you mail some patches for bttv around the world (to linux-kernel/Alan/Linus/...), please Cc: me. Have fun with bttv, Gerd -- Gerd Knorr