Video Calling

6 min

Overview

Video Calling with JubileeTV is a bi-directional call between the JubileeTV Console (the TV End User) and the JubileeTV App (the App User).

TV End User: The camera is embedded in the JubileeTV Console. For audio, the system can use either the microphone on the JubileeTV Remote or the built-in microphones on the Console itself. By default, the system is set to use the remote’s microphone.

App User: The camera and microphone used are the ones built into your mobile device (phone/tablet) or your computer.

Call Types

There are two types of video calls: Standard Video Calls and AutoConnect Video Calls. If you prefer audio only, video on both sides can be turned off during calls.

Standard Video Calls

When the app user calls the the TV End User, the TV End User must manually accept the call on their TV screen before the video or audio starts.

AutoConnect Video Calls

An AutoConnect call allows an App User to connect to the TV Console automatically, without requiring the TV End User to manually accept or press any buttons. This feature is only available for App Users to initiate.

Connection Options

When an App User starts an AutoConnect call, they can customize the following settings:

Connection Timing:

Connect Immediately: The call connects as soon as a connection is established.

15-Second Delay: The TV will "ring" for 15 seconds to alert the TV End User before the call connects.

Turn on TV Webcam:

If enabled, the camera on the JubileeTV Console will turn on as soon as the call connects. If disabled, the call will start as audio-only—both the App User and TV End User can turn the Console camera on and off during the call.

Hide Option to Decline:

If enabled, the "Decline" button will be removed from the TV screen, ensuring the call connects regardless of user interaction.

Standard Video Calls

User	Standard Video Call Permissions
Primary Admin	No restrictions
Contact Admin	No restrictions
Contact	Enabled by default, but can be disabled for a specific Contact by any Admin
TV User	Enabled by default, but the ability to make outbound calls can be disabled by any Admin

AutoConnect Video Calls

User	AutoConnect Video Call Permissions
Primary Admin	No restrictions
Contact Admin	No restrictions
Contact	Disabled by default, but can be enabled for a specific Contact by any admin
TV User	Enabled by default, but the ability to make outbound calls can be disabled by any Admin

JubileeTV supports multi-way video calls, allowing up to four people to be on the screen at the same time. This is perfect for bringing the whole family together on your loved one's big screen.

How Group Calls Work

Every group call begins as a standard one-on-one Video Call or AutoConnect Video Call between an App User and the TV End User. Once you have successfully connected to the TV, you can then invite additional participants to join.

Group Call Rules:

Participant Limit: A total of 4 people can be on a call (1 TV User + up to 3 others).

The App User Host: At least one person must be using the JubileeTV App to act as the "host"—starting the initial call and sending the invitations to others.

Expanding Your Group Call

Once you have started a video call with the TV End User, you can add up to two more participants using the steps below.

Adding Existing Contacts

Use this option for family members who already have the JubileeTV app installed.

While on the call, tap the More menu -> Add someone to this call.

Select a name from your Contacts list.

The person will receive an incoming call notification on any device where they have the JubileeTV app. Once they answer, they will be joined to the group.

Adding Guests (via GuestLink)

Use this option for friends or family who do not have the JubileeTV app. They can join directly from a web browser.

While on the call, tap the More menu -> Invite with GuestLink.

Choose how to share the link:

Email: Enter the person's email address to send an invitation.

Copy Link: Copy the unique URL to your clipboard and paste it into a text message or private chat.

Joining the Call: When your guest opens the link, they will be prompted to enter their name. Once they tap "Join Video Call," they will be connected to the video call.

Group Call Features & Logic

Call Management

Ad-Hoc Only: Group calls are designed for real-time connection and cannot be scheduled for a future date or time.

Host Controls: Any App User on the call can add or remove other participants (including the TV User).

Guest Limitations: GuestLink users can participate in the call but do not have the ability to add or remove other users.

Canceling Invites: If you invite someone by mistake, you can cancel the invitation at any point before they join the call.

One Console Limit: A group call can only include one JubileeTV Console.

The GuestLink Experience

Single-Use Links: A GuestLink invitation is only valid for the duration of the active call. Once the call ends, the link expires.

Identification: Guests are required to enter their name before joining so that other participants know who is entering the call.

App Invitation: After the call ends, the App User who sent the GuestLink will be prompted to invite that guest to become a permanent App User. This step is optional.

Display & Accessibility

Automatic Landscape Mode: To accommodate multiple video feeds, the JubileeTV App will automatically switch to landscape (horizontal) mode on mobile devices during group calls.

Live Captions: Captions are fully supported in group calls. If enabled, the TV User will see real-time captions for every participant, including both App Users and GuestLink users.

Can I make a Video Call from one JubileeTV Console to another?

No, video calls are only supported between the JubileeTV App and a JubileeTV Console.

Requirements

Technical Requirements

In order for a Video Call to work properly, the Smart Plug must be setup and operational. Additionally, the JubileeTV Console must be connected to the internet.

Network Requirements

"For the best experience, we recommend a connection with at least 5 Mbps upload/download speeds and minimal latency. These metrics ensure your video calls remain smooth and in sync."

For troubleshooting Console network issues, see Console has poor network quality.

For troubleshooting App network issues, see App has poor network quality.

Issues

My video calls are dropping or not connecting

This can be caused by poor network quality on both the App and TV side. If you suspect this is the issue, see the articles linked in the Network Requirements section above for troubleshooting steps.

Another culprit could be an issue with your system's TV Power State Monitoring. See Video Calls Not Connecting/Droppinga for troubleshooting.

My AutoConnect Calls are not connecting

If your AutoConnect calls aren't connecting, this is likely an issue with TV Power State Monitoring. See TV Power State Monitoring for guidance on configuring.

As an app user, I can't see the TV End User

The first thing to check is whether or not the camera privacy lens is closed. If it is closed, open it. Next, make sure that the TV End User has turned on their camera (if this is a normal Video Call). You can press a button in your app to prompt the TV End User to turn on their camera.

As an app user, I can't hear the TV End User

Verify that the JubileeTV Remote is located near the TV End User — ideally in their hand or anywhere within 2-3 feet. Attempt to change the microphone being used from the JubileeTV Remote to the Console mic.

As a TV End User, I can't see the app user

Have the app user verify in their device settings that the JubileeTV App or their browser has permissions to use their device's camera.

As a TV End User, I can't hear the app user

Have the app user verify in their device settings that the JubileeTV App or their browser has permissions to use their device's microphone.

Video Calling

Overview

Call Types

Standard Video Calls

AutoConnect Video Calls

Connection Options

Permissions

Standard Video Calls

AutoConnect Video Calls

Making Standard Video Calls

App User -> TV End User

TV End User -> App User

Making AutoConnect Video Calls

App User -> TV End User

1. Configure the Call

2. What Happens on the TV

3. How the Call Connects

TV End User -> App User

Group Video Calling

How Group Calls Work

Group Call Rules:

Expanding Your Group Call

Adding Existing Contacts

Adding Guests (via GuestLink)

Group Call Features & Logic

Call Management

The GuestLink Experience

Display & Accessibility

Can I make a Video Call from one JubileeTV Console to another?

Troubleshooting Video Calling

Requirements

Technical Requirements

Network Requirements

Issues

My video calls are dropping or not connecting

My AutoConnect Calls are not connecting

As an app user, I can't see the TV End User

As an app user, I can't hear the TV End User

As a TV End User, I can't see the app user

As a TV End User, I can't hear the app user