Whatsapp/Zoom video calls on a TV
Jul 6, 21, 10:20 pm
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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Whatsapp/Zoom video calls on a TV
Would like to know if there is a way to do these without casting from phone/laptop to TV. I don't prefer casting as other people cannot see you properly due to the poor angle. Willing to add a webcam to the TV and some speakers where I am sitting so people can hear me well. Is there some to do this?
Jul 7, 21, 4:54 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
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Posts: 686
what's your current TV setup? Smart TV or not? Which operating system?
My setup for a non-smart TV:
Android box (€40 IIRC), plug the webcam into the box and the box to the HDMI cable. Install Skype/Zoom/whatever
For a smart TV
n Android OS
Connect webcam to the smart TV, download the apps, log in and you can see Bob your uncle! :-)
Please note that some apps will not work on smart TVs so it really depends on the make and model. Whatsapp, for instance, did not work on my smart TV
However, no issues with Google Duo, Skype, MS TEams and Zoom
My setup for a non-smart TV:
Android box (€40 IIRC), plug the webcam into the box and the box to the HDMI cable. Install Skype/Zoom/whatever
For a smart TV
n Android OSConnect webcam to the smart TV, download the apps, log in and you can see Bob your uncle! :-)
Please note that some apps will not work on smart TVs so it really depends on the make and model. Whatsapp, for instance, did not work on my smart TV
However, no issues with Google Duo, Skype, MS TEams and Zoom
Jul 7, 21, 6:01 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,818
I connect a laptop to a TV via HDMI. Then I use my phone as a camera connected to the laptop. I have one of those gooseneck phone holders on Amazon to hold the phone where i want it so it will look close to as right as is possible.
Last edited by DeafFlyer; Jul 8, 21 at 6:39 am
Jul 7, 21, 7:13 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,295
what's your current TV setup? Smart TV or not? Which operating system?
My setup for a non-smart TV:
Android box (€40 IIRC), plug the webcam into the box and the box to the HDMI cable. Install Skype/Zoom/whatever
For a smart TVn Android OS
Connect webcam to the smart TV, download the apps, log in and you can see Bob your uncle! :-)
Please note that some apps will not work on smart TVs so it really depends on the make and model. Whatsapp, for instance, did not work on my smart TV
However, no issues with Google Duo, Skype, MS TEams and Zoom
My setup for a non-smart TV:
Android box (€40 IIRC), plug the webcam into the box and the box to the HDMI cable. Install Skype/Zoom/whatever
For a smart TV
n Android OSConnect webcam to the smart TV, download the apps, log in and you can see Bob your uncle! :-)
Please note that some apps will not work on smart TVs so it really depends on the make and model. Whatsapp, for instance, did not work on my smart TV
However, no issues with Google Duo, Skype, MS TEams and Zoom
Jul 7, 21, 8:03 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
Thanks, one thing about old TVs is I don't know whether Samsung still supports the firmware on those, and which ecosystem you have (a quick Google search returned different results).
Thus, I'd recommend either:
Android box: Easy to set up, no need to unplug anything BUT unsure whether WhatsApp/Facetime would work
Laptop: plug a HDMI cable from the TV to the laptop, plug the webcam to the laptop. This implies you have a wireless keyboard to manage the laptop from the couch. This would work on 90% of the communication apps (I don't know about web-based Whatsapp calls as I have never tried it myself, hence the 10% uncertainty)
Webcam-wise, I've got the Logitech C920 webcam
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/produ...4.html?crid=34
Worked like a charm, excellent sound quality, it's in HD so renders perfectly on my 43" TV. No need to invest in something more expensive (had it for the equivalent of $50 on sale)
I could not find the reference for the android box I mentioned earlier (I bought mine in 2018), but it's something like
So, for less than $100 you have a setup that can work on both TVs (provided you have an available HDMI port on your TV of course)
Thus, I'd recommend either:
Android box: Easy to set up, no need to unplug anything BUT unsure whether WhatsApp/Facetime would work
Laptop: plug a HDMI cable from the TV to the laptop, plug the webcam to the laptop. This implies you have a wireless keyboard to manage the laptop from the couch. This would work on 90% of the communication apps (I don't know about web-based Whatsapp calls as I have never tried it myself, hence the 10% uncertainty)
Webcam-wise, I've got the Logitech C920 webcam
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/produ...4.html?crid=34
Worked like a charm, excellent sound quality, it's in HD so renders perfectly on my 43" TV. No need to invest in something more expensive (had it for the equivalent of $50 on sale)
I could not find the reference for the android box I mentioned earlier (I bought mine in 2018), but it's something like
So, for less than $100 you have a setup that can work on both TVs (provided you have an available HDMI port on your TV of course)
Jul 7, 21, 3:40 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,777
I guess depends on how close you sit to the TV, but a webcam on or by the TV would make you too small on other people's screen. Most people sit 8 feet or more away from the TV. A mic that far will also not picking up the sound well. The best solution really is to have your phone or laptop on a stool in front of you just below your head level. That way you get the optimal distance for the video and mic and you just look over the device to the TV for the video cast. Since it is directly in front of you, the angle should be fine.
Jul 7, 21, 5:11 pm
#10
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I guess depends on how close you sit to the TV, but a webcam on or by the TV would make you too small on other people's screen. Most people sit 8 feet or more away from the TV. A mic that far will also not picking up the sound well. The best solution really is to have your phone or laptop on a stool in front of you just below your head level. That way you get the optimal distance for the video and mic and you just look over the device to the TV for the video cast. Since it is directly in front of you, the angle should be fine.
Jul 8, 21, 7:04 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: France
Programs: too many
Posts: 686
Nope, as you'd need to plug the webcam into a USB port, and from the specs I've read, the fire stick does not have one.
I have also searched for ways to use the fire stick while having the webcam plugged to a smart TV, and so far came up empty.
I have also searched for ways to use the fire stick while having the webcam plugged to a smart TV, and so far came up empty.
Jul 8, 21, 11:09 am
#13
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Is Zoom an Whatsapp one of the available apps on Chromecast? Cannot find anything about this with a quick search. Do you have such a set up or do you have a recommendation for USB-C hub and power supply?
Jul 8, 21, 2:41 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: DAL
Posts: 1,222
https://www.androidauthority.com/goo...le-tv-1161516/
Jul 8, 21, 4:09 pm
#15
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Yes, you can download Google Play Store apps to the Chromecast with Google TV. I have a device provided by YouTube TV which was free. I have no experience connecting with a video camera.
https://www.androidauthority.com/goo...le-tv-1161516/
https://www.androidauthority.com/goo...le-tv-1161516/
