How to use the host or speaker virtual backgrounds and noise removal in Studio

Speaker blurred backgrounds

As part of the settings for virtual or hybrid live sessions in Studio, 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.

Notes: 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. Also, please be aware that the blurred background setting can only be enabled after the live session room is open (in preview mode before live).

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 virtual backgrounds (experimental feature)

The speaker virtual backgrounds functionality is an experimental feature that is only available if it is enabled at the organization level. Please note that the feature’s performance can very significantly depending on the speaker’s hardware and setup. Before using this feature, we highly recommend that, prior to the event taking place, your speakers test it thoroughly using the exact same setup and network conditions as those planned for the live event.

To enable the experimental speaker virtual backgrounds, go to live session Settings > Video tab, and enable the Virtual background (Experimental) option:

Enabling the Virtual background option here in the settings will allow the host or moderator in Studio to then upload background image files, which in turn can be selected by the host or speakers for their camera's video background:

Uploading the backgrounds is done by clicking on the Backgrounds "BG" tab in Studio, on Upload backgrounds, and then by selecting the image files to upload. Once processed and uploaded, the files will appear in the Camera background side panel:

The accepted background image file types are PNG, JPG, JPEG, JPG or JPE.
The maximum file size is 3.0 MiB. Recommended resolution is 1280 x 720px.

The uploaded backgrounds visible here will be the images that are available for the remote host or speakers to select as their camera backgrounds for the live session. The moderator can therefore manage the files that are available for use as virtual backgrounds by deleting any images that should not be used or by uploading new ones.

Once enabled and made available, speakers (including the host and moderators) will be able to select a virtual background in the studio.

This is done by selecting the Background button underneath the stream preview, then allowing the speaker to choose between one of the uploaded available virtual background images:

The selected background is applied to the preview in the modal to help the user make their choice.

Clicking on Apply will confirm the selection and apply the selection to the speaker's camera background in Studio. If the speaker's camera is off, it will be turned on automatically:

Speakers can change their selection at any time, while in the green room, on stage, whether the stream in preview or live. This is simply via the Background button located beneath the preview.

Recommendations when using virtual backgrounds

• Wear clothing that contrasts strongly against your background.
• Make sure that the visible area behind you is not too cluttered or crowded. The virtual background will look better if you are sitting or standing in front of a blank wall for example.
• 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.