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:
- just a soundcard, 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
- just a soundcard, no BT exposed to computer
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
Free and open-source cross-platform streaming and recording program.
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