Below are step-by-step instructions for sharing your screen during a browser-based video call. This guide is designed for Konnekt Videophone users and their contacts, but it can also serve as a general guideline for setting up virtual cameras with other conference platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams).
For Konnekt Videophone users and their contacts, this is currently our recommended solution for using the screen-sharing features. To get started, please request a Browser-call link from us, before following the instructions below. Please note that the set-up requires basic digital skills. If you need assistance or troubleshooting, please contact us.
We are also planning future developments to bring these features directly back into your software portal (the CareWindow App). We look forward to sharing a simpler way of connecting with you soon.
Step 1: Please download and install OBS Studio. It is free, open-source software for live video broadcasting. We will be using the “Virtual Camera” feature it provides. Make sure you download the version that is compatible with your operating system.
Step2: Once installed, open OBS Studio. If you are prompted (on Mac), allow the software access to your camera extension. You might need to navigate to your system preferences for this.
Step 3: Set up your virtual camera.
3. 1. After allowing all relevant access, you will see the main user interface of OBS Studio, as shown below. Our main setups will be done in the “Sources” window.
3.1.1 Press the “+” icon at the bottom left.
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- Select “Display Capture” if you wish to share a whole screen.
- Or select “Window Capture” if you wish to share a specific window.
- If you can’t find these options, look within “Deprecated”.
3.1.2 Choose the specific window or display you would like to share.
For “Window Capture”, make sure you tick “Show windows with empty names” and keep the window open, so it appears and can be selected in the drop-down list.
3.1.3 If you wish to show your face during screen sharing, press “+” again, then select “Video Capture Device” (you might find this within the “Deprecated” menu) then select and add the system camera you want to use.
Or, if you are tech-savvy: You can set up the “Video Capture Device” in a separate “Scene”, and then switch between “Scenes” during the call to show one scene at a time.
3.2 Once set up, go back to the main interface.
You can adjust the size of each “capture” by dragging its edges (marked by red lines), so they are arranged the way you want on the main screen (inside the blue dashed box).
During the call, the other person(s) will see whatever is shown in that main screen area.
We recommend doing a few test calls and experimenting until you find your ideal setup. The configuration is saved automatically, so you only need to set it up once. Your settings should remain even if you quit and reopen OBS Studio or restart your computer.
Step 4: Enable your virtual camera.
Go to “Controls” window at the bottom right, select “Start Virtual Camera“. If you are on a Mac, you might need to follow the instructions to allow access and then restart the software.
Once successful, the button will turn blue and change to “Stop Virtual Camera”. This means you can now use the OBS output to replace your camera output. Anything shown on the main screen (inside the blue dashed box, as shown above) will become the video output when you use OBS Virtual Camera as your camera source.
Step 5: Select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera output for the browser-based video call.
To make a call, open your unique Browser-call link. If your Videophone only allows calls from known contacts, please make sure to enter the name exactly as it appears on the Videophone’s contact button, then select “Start Call.”
Then, your browser will prompt you to set up your camera and audio. At that point, choose OBS Virtual Camera as your video source.
Please note that sometimes the browser may not detect the virtual devices properly. If this happens, try refreshing the webpage, re-enabling the virtual camera, or restarting your PC before trying again.
If you wish to switch cameras during a call, click the second icon on the right (the one with three dots) to open and change your camera and audio settings.
When you are not on a call, you can click “Stop Virtual Camera” to disable it and return to using your system camera as usual. Or simply “Remove” the “Video Capture Device” source within OBS if you are having issues.
That’s all for now. Thanks for your patience. If you run into any issues, please feel free to reach out for support.
