Here are some of the findings in the webconferencing openspace session and #av-clubroom discord discussion at EuroPython 2020.

Hardware

Webcams

Aukey PC-LM1E Webcam SKU ITAN1014662

Function:

• standard webcam for PC

Pros:

• just works with linux, e.g. with guvcview on ubuntu 20.04
• available, ca. 49 EUR

Cons:

• 65 degress wide angle (so little of "you" in lots of "room around you")
• default settings seem to be too white, can be adjusted via sw

Headsets (Headphones with Microphone)

MPOW HC5 Bluetooth Headset X0016X73LR

Function:

• over-the-ears BT5 headphones
• Microphone

Pros:

• works as headset with Android phone (speakers+mic)
• works as headphones with PC (speakers only)

Cons:

• does not work as headset (speakers+mic) with BT4 USB adapter at computer

• does not work as headset (speakers+mic) via 1Mii B10 at computer (not able to switch to "call" mode)

Bluetooth Adapters

1Mii USB Bluetooth Audio Transmitter B10 EAN X0014UJEH3

Function:

• for computer it is just a USB "sound card"
• internally, it transmits sound output via BT5 to headphones speakers
• internally, it receives sound input via BT5 from headset microphone
• 2 modes, switch by hw button:
  • music - high quality (aptX) - output only
  • call - lower quality - input/output

Pros:

• keeps all the BT stuff away from computer
• nice for Qubes OS (just forward USB device to VM with teleconf sw)
• nice for Linux and BT5 (not [m]any working BT5 adapters yet)
• some stuff "just works"

Cons:

• lots of states signalled via single multicolor LED
• misc. state changing inputs via a single hw button
• no "debugging" possible if something BT does not work

plugable Bluetooth USB Adaptor USB-BT4LE X0004WCG5T

• BT 4.0 LE + classic BT
• just works with Linux (Ubuntu 20.04)

Software

Linux Webcam Software

guvcview

• quite to adjust camera parameters
• good video quality
• just works on Ubuntu 20.04

OBS Studio

Pro:

• packages for Linux, old .deb package + recent snap for Ubuntu 20.04
• powerful processing / mixing / assembling of video output signal from misc sources

Con:

• to emulate a virtual webcam (which then can be used by your video conf software)
  • you need an extra plugin and a kernel module and you might need to compile some stuff.

Online Services

Other stuff