Troubleshooting audio and video issues
Running into audio or video issues? Learn how to test your connection, troubleshoot minor problems, and change your input and output devices.
Overview
To access Breakroom's audio and video troubleshooting tools, click the Device Options button in the conference system controls. This will reveal a drop-down menu containing two buttons—Mic & Cam Test, and Change Devices.
In the sections that follow, we'll explore these tools and explain how they can be used to resolve issues and customize your media setup.
The Mic & Cam Test button
Clicking the Mic & Cam Test button will open a dedicated AV testing panel. The test panel UI will vary depending on whether you are accessing Breakroom through the desktop viewer or World Stream.
Desktop viewer Mic & Cam Test overview
To access the Audio Test panel through the Breakroom desktop viewer, follow these steps.
Click the Device Options button in the conference controls.
Click the Mic & Cam Test button.
You will then see the panel pictured above. Here's an overview of the key UI components.
| UI component | Function |
|---|---|
Audio Test Feed drop-down menu | Allows you to select the audio input device (e.g. microphone) to be tested. |
Audio Device check | Provides information on the selected audio input device. |
Audio Networking check | Provides information on the audio network connection. |
Audio Volume check | Provides information on audio volume. |
Speaker drop-down menu | Allows you to select the audio output device (e.g. speaker or headset) to be tested. |
"Click to test speaker" button | Plays a tone that allows you to test your speaker. |
Next button | Launches the Video Test panel. |
Skip All link | Closes the AV testing panel. |
Once the Audio Test panel is open, you can open the Video Test panel by clicking the Next button. Here's an overview of the key UI components.
| UI component | Function |
|---|---|
Video Test Feed drop-down menu | Allows you to select the video input device (e.g. camera) to be tested. |
Live video feed | Allows you to visually confirm that your camera is working. |
Video Device check | Provides information on the selected video input device. |
Video Networking check | Provides information on the video network connection. |
World Stream Mic & Cam Test UI overview
To access the AV testing panel through World Stream, follow these steps. The testing panel will open as a new tab in your browser.
Click the Device Options button in the conference controls.
Click the Mic & Cam Test button.
Functionally, the web-based testing panel contains all of the same UI elements described above.
Basic troubleshooting tips
If you're experiencing an issue related to voice chat or streaming media, please access the relevant AV testing panel as described above. You can then do a basic troubleshooting rundown.
As a first step, make sure that Breakroom can detect the input devices you want to use. All of the devices you've given Breakroom permission to access are listed in the relevant drop-down menus. If a device is working and detectable, its name will be listed under the Audio or Video Device Check section when you select it, and a green check mark will be displayed.
If your devices aren't working despite being selected, or you do not see them listed at all, you may need to troubleshoot your computer or AV equipment to learn more about the problem.
Next, make sure that the Audio and Video Networking checks are successful. If you do not see a green check mark confirming this, it means that your equipment is not currently connected to the Internet. This may indicate a device or networking problem.
You can also test your speaker by clicking on the test button at the bottom of the Audio Test panel. This will play a tone, allowing you to test your speaker volume or identify which audio output device is currently active.
If everything looks good, but you're still having issues, please verify that Breakroom is set up to use your preferred equipment by changing your device input and output settings.
Audio feedback
One common issue users encounter is audio feedback, or hearing themselves echo when they talk. This can happen if you're using a microphone to speak, but listening to audio through your computer speakers.
To solve this problem, you will need to use earbuds or a headset. Plug a headset into your computer, and then switch your audio output to the headset.
Important note concerning voice chat
Voice capabilities are currently restricted by login method. This means that if one user is logged in via the desktop viewer and another is logged in via World Stream, they will not be able to hear each other, even if they are standing in the same Region.
Users who log in via the same method can communicate freely over voice chat. Therefore, we strongly suggest that World Owners take this into consideration when planning events, and require all guests to use the same login method.
We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope to provide a solution soon.
The Change Devices button
Clicking on the Change Devices button allows you to select which audio and video devices you want Breakroom to access. The UI you see will vary depending on whether you are using the Breakroom desktop viewer or World Stream.
Changing devices in the Breakroom desktop app
Clicking the Change Devices button will open the Audio Settings panel. There you can use the drop-down menus to select the audio and video devices you want to use. You can also independently adjust the volume for different audio types.
UI component | Function |
Reset to Default button | Resets all volume and device settings to the default configuration. |
Audio Test button | Launches the Audio Test panel. |
Video Test button | Launches the Video Test panel. |
Master Volume slider | Adjusts the overall volume of the Breakroom application. |
Music Volume slider | Adjusts the volume of any music streamed on the Breakroom platform. |
UI Volume slider | Adjusts the volume of the UI interactivity sounds. |
SFX Volume slider | Adjusts the volume of any special effects sounds. |
Voice Volume slider | Adjusts the voice streaming volume. |
Mic Sensitivity slider | Adjusts your own microphone's sensitivity, impacting your voice volume. |
Microphone Device menu | Allows you to select which microphone you want to use on Breakroom. |
Playback Device menu | Allows you to select which speakers you want to use. |
Webcam Device menu | Allows you to select which camera you want to use. |
World Stream users can also access these audio settings by clicking the Settings button in the settings toolbar and then clicking the Audio tab on the left-hand side.
Changing devices in World Stream
Clicking the Change Devices button will launch the Device Management panel. There you can use the drop-down menus to select the audio and video devices you want to use. You can also refresh your connection and settings, or submit a report about your issue.
UI component | Function |
Audio input source menu | Allows you to select which microphone you want to use on Breakroom. |
Audio output source menu | Allows you to select which speakers you want to use. |
Video input source menu | Allows you to select which camera you want to use. |
Refresh button | Refreshes your media connection and pushes any changes forward. |
Report button | Allows you to log a report indicating that you're having issues with media. |
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