Webcams

By default, optimum webcam performance is provided by HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression. In some circumstances, however, you might require users to connect webcams using USB support. To connect webcams using USB support, disable HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression.

Webcam redirection

The following are a few points on webcam redirection:

• Webcam redirection is compatible with and without RTME.

• Webcam redirection works for 32-bit and 64-bit applications. For example, Skype, GoToMeeting. Use a 32-bit browser or 64-bit browser to verify webcam redirection online. For example, https://webcamtests.com/.

• Webcam usage is exclusive to applications. For example, when Skype is running with a webcam and you launch GoToMeeting, exit Skype to use the webcam with GoToMeeting.

Webcam redirection for 64-bit apps

Starting with the 2305 release, webcam redirection is supported for 64-bit applications.

System requirements

• GStreamer framework version 0.1.x or 1.x depending on the current version installed in the system.
• ICAClient version greater than 2106 in case it is using GStreamer 1.x
• Gstreamer version and plug-ins:
  • gstreamer1.0-plugins-base
  • gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad
  • gstreamer1.0-plugins-good
  • gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly
  • gstreamer1.0-vaapi plugin and libva library
  • x264 library

Note:

The version of the GStreamer plug-in must be consistent with the version of the GStreamer framework. For example, if you install the Gstreamer1.2.4, the version of all Gstreamer1.x plug-ins must be 1.2.4.

Webcam redirection configuration

Do the following steps to activate and configure the webcam redirection feature for 64-bit apps on Citrix Workspace app for Linux.

Step 1: Verify the ICAClient configuration

Set the AllowAudioInput value to True to enable the webcam redirection feature. By default, this value is set to True during the installation of ICAClient.

If the AllowAudioInput value is set to False, do the following to enable the webcam redirection feature:

1. Navigate to the ~/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini configuration file and edit it.

2. Set the AllowAudioInput value to True.

   AllowAudioInput=True

Step 2: Verify the Theora encoder configuration

After you have successfully installed the ICAClient and the AllowAudioInput value is set to True, by default the Theora encoder is configured. This encoder is a software-based encoder with acceptable performance. However, this encoder supports only 32-bit apps on a VDA.

Do the following to verify that the Theora encoder supports 32-bit apps:

1. Install Firefox 32-bit on a VDA.
2. Access the webcam test site at https://webcamtests.com/

The Theora encoder does not support the webcam redirection feature for 64-bit apps on a VDA. Configure the H264 encoder option to support the webcam redirection feature for 64-bit apps on VDA.

Step 3: Configure H264 encoder

H264 encoder supports the webcam redirection feature for 64-bit apps on the VDA. To enable the H264 encoder, you must do the following:

1. Navigate to the ~/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini configuration file and edit it.

2. Set the HDXH264InputEnabled value to True.

   HDXH264InputEnabled=True

Do the following to verify that the H264 encoder supports 64-bit apps:

1. Install Firefox 64-bit on a VDA.
2. Access the webcam test site at https://webcamtests.com/.

Step 4: Verify system dependencies

After configuring the H264 encoder, if the webcam redirection feature does not support 64-bit apps on the VDA verify the system dependencies.

The webcam redirection feature for the 64-bit app is based on the GStreamer framework. The ICAClient uses GStreamer framework version 0.1.x or 1.x depending on the current version installed in your system.

Step 4.1: Verify ICAClient version

Verify whether the ICAClient version is greater than 2106 in case it is using GStreamer 1.x. Previous versions of ICAClient might fail.

Do the following steps to verify the ICAClient version is based on the GStreamer framework installed in your system:

1. Enter the following commands in a command-line:

   cd /opt/Citrix/ICAClient/util
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   ls -alh
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2. Verify whether the gst_read symlink is linked to gst_read1.0 or gst_read0.1. as shown in the following image:

   

You can also run the workspaceappcheck.sh script in the util directory and verify the output of the section referring to GStreamer dependencies.

Citrix recommends using the ICAClient version greater than or equal to 2106 and GStreamer 1.x.

Step 4.2: Verify GStreamer version and plug-ins

Apart from the GStreamer 1.x framework, you must install the following required plug-ins:

• Gstreamer1.0-plugins-base
• Gstreamer1.0-plugins-bad
• Gstreamer1.0-plugins-good
• Gstreamer1.0-plugins-ugly
• Gstreamer1.0-vaapi plugin
• ibva library
• x264 library

For more information to install the preceding plugins, see the GStreamer installation guide.

Note:

The version of the GStreamer plug-in must be consistent with the version of the GStreamer framework. For example, if you install Gstreamer1.2.4, the version of all Gstreamer1.x plug-ins must be 1.2.4.

Run the following command to check the current version of the GStreamer framework:

gst-inspect-1.0 --gst-version
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For information about troubleshooting, see Webcam in the troubleshooting section.

Background blurring for webcam redirection

From the 2303 version and later, Citrix Workspace app for Linux supports background blurring for webcam redirection. To enable this feature, do the following:

1. Navigate to the ~/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini configuration file.

2. Add the following entry in the wfclient.ini file:

   HDXWebCamEnableBackgndEffect=True
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Note:

The configuration setting enables the background blurring for webcam redirection feature for UI and UI-less clients.

To disable background blurring inside the session for webcam redirection using the graphical user interface:

1. Click Preferences from the Desktop Viewer. The Citrix Workspace – Preferences dialog box appears.

2. Click the Webcam tab. The following dialog box appears.

   

3. Select the Disable Background Blur Effect check box to disable background blurring for webcam redirection.
4. Click OK.

Support for MJPEG webcams

Starting with the Citrix Workspace app for Linux 2308 version, MJPEG webcams are supported in the H264 stream. The Webcam performs MJEPG compression internally which provides better image quality and a higher frame rate. This feature is enabled by default. However, if Webcam doesn’t support MJPEG, this feature is disabled.

Multiple webcam resolutions support

Previously, only the VGA resolution was supported for webcam redirection.

Starting with the 2408 release, Citrix Workspace app for Linux supports high-definition webcam streaming for all webcam resolutions that are available on the client side. If media type negotiation fails, HDX now defaults back to the default VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels). For more information, see High-definition webcam streaming.

This feature is enabled by default. To disable this feature, do the following:

1. Navigate to the $HOME/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini file.
2. Go to the [WFClient] section and add the following entry:

    HDXWebCamEnablePnp=False
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