New version of SpotMe Studio - Host or speaker blurred background and noise removal

This article describes the new the blurred background and noise removal functionalities that speakers can apply as part of the new version of SpotMe Studio.

Speaker blurred backgrounds

As part of the settings for virtual or hybrid live session, moderators in Backstage can enable the use of blurred backgrounds for speakers for that specific live session.

This is done after creating the live session, by accessing the live session Settings > Video tab, and enabling the Blurred background option:

Enabling the Blurred background option here in the settings will allow each speaker in Studio to apply a blurred background to their camera, if needed.

Note: While moderators can enable or disable the blurred background feature for the entire live session via the settings, switching on and off the blurred background at the camera level can only done by the actual speakers for their own camera. Moderators cannot control the blurred background at the camera level for individual speakers.

Speakers can do this by opening the Video (camera) options underneath the stream preview, and enabling Blurred background:

Note: Using the blurred background may use additional CPU resources on the speaker's computer, so it is recommended that their computer meets the hardware requirements.

Recommendations when using blurred backgrounds

• Wear clothing that contrasts strongly against your background.
• If your video looks grainy, turn on or increase the amount of light around you. Most webcams, including those built into laptops, don't perform well in low light.
• Sit directly in front of the camera, with a distance of about three feet between you and the camera. Look directly towards the camera when speaking.
• The pre-trained model doesn't recognize hats and other headwear. They may be blurred during a meeting.

Speaker background noise removal

With the new version of SpotMe Studio, speakers can enable background noise cancelling in their audio settings.

This is done by opening the Mute (microphone) options and enabling the Background noise removal: 

This option, when enabled, will filter out environmental noise, ensuring crystal-clear audio delivery for that speaker during the live session.

Notes: Moderators cannot control the background noise removal at the microphone level for individual speakers. This can only be done by the speakers themselves. Using the background noise removal may use additional CPU resources on the speaker's computer, so it is recommended that their computer meets the hardware requirements.