Many video call and conference apps and platforms now offer the ability to remove, replace or blur the background of your webcam. This feature has not yet been implemented on the Hopin video conferencing platform. However, since Hopin allows to choose which camera is used, the webcam image can be edited locally at the respective user and a so-called virtual camera can be selected in Hopin, which delivers an already edited image, i.e. without / with replaced background.
It should be noted that a software solution must always be a local process compared to a web-based application, since browsers can receive a webcam signal but cannot themselves generate a virtual camera towards other applications.
Many, especially high-priced webcams and capture cards for connecting professional cameras already offer corresponding, compatible software during installation.
There are many providers of software that creates virtual cameras. Ultimately, it is up to the user on Hopin which local software solution they want to use to deliver a processed image to Hopin. We recommend XSplit VCam due to its simplicity, professionalism and compliance with current data protection standards.
XSplit VCAM
XSplit VCam allows easy background removal and blurring with most webcams, without the need for a green screen.
To install, download the software from the website https://www.xsplit.com/de/vcam and follow the installation steps.
XSplit VCam requires registration with email & password or via Google / Facebook or many other platforms. The emails can be objected to in accordance with data protection regulations.
In the free version of XSplit VCam it creates a watermark on the produced image. This is similar with comparable free competitor solutions. To avoid the watermark, the only options are to switch to a non-free version or to use free but much more complex programs like OBS Open Broadcaster Software .
The handling of XSplit VCam is very simple. You should select your own connected webcam in the upper left part of the program. – As a rule, however, XSplit VCam already finds them on its own. In addition, XSplit VCam enables the use of cell phones as webcams. – To do this, follow the steps under “Use your cell phone as a webcam”.
In the right part of the program you can define the intensity of the blur, remove the background completely or select a background.
You can upload individual backgrounds by clicking the “New background” button in the lower part of the background panel.
Hopin Integration
After setting up XSplit VCam, the program already creates an in-system virtual camera. This can be selected very easily in Hopin in the camera settings. It is listed as “XSplit VCam” among the selectable webcams.
The audio/video settings open automatically as soon as you want to share audio and video in a meeting room for the first time, but can also be accessed at any time via the gear wheel below your own video image.
We wish you great success with your event!
