---
title: Video Calling
slug: video-calling
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-07-26T14:38:51.171Z
---

# 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&#x20;**&#x63;all 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:**&#x20;
  - **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:**&#x20;
  - 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:**&#x20;
  - If enabled, the "Decline" button will be removed from the TV screen, ensuring the call connects regardless of user interaction.

:::ExpandableHeading
# Permissions

## Standard Video Calls

| **User**      | **Standard Video Call Permissions**                                                                                                                |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Primary Admin | <font color="#3b9f0f">No restrictions</font>                                                                                                       |
| Contact Admin | <font color="#3b9f0f">No restrictions</font>                                                                                                       |
| Contact       | <font color="#3b9f0f">Enabled by default</font>, but <font color="#ef4444">can be disabled for a specific Contact by any Admin </font>             |
| TV User       | <font color="#3b9f0f">Enabled by default</font>, but <font color="#ef4444">the ability to make outbound calls can be disabled by any Admin </font> |

## AutoConnect Video Calls

| **User**      | **AutoConnect Video Call Permissions**                                                                                                             |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Primary Admin | <font color="#3b9f0f">No restrictions</font>                                                                                                       |
| Contact Admin | <font color="#3b9f0f">No restrictions</font>                                                                                                       |
| Contact       | <font color="#ef4444">Disabled by default</font>, but <font color="#3b9f0f">can be enabled for a specific Contact by any admin</font>              |
| TV User       | <font color="#3b9f0f">Enabled by default</font>, but <font color="#ef4444">the ability to make outbound calls can be disabled by any Admin </font> |
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
# Making Standard Video Calls

## App User -> TV End User&#x20;

To start a video call, tap the **Video Call** button in the JubileeTV App. Once the call is initiated, the following will happen on the TV:

1. **Automatic Power-On:** If the TV is currently off, it will automatically turn on.
2. **Audio Notification:** The TV speakers will announce, *"You have a video call."*
3. **On-Screen Prompt:** A message will appear on the TV showing the name of the caller along with options to **Accept** or **Decline**.

**Call Outcomes:**

- **If the call is Declined:** The App User will receive a notification in the app stating that the call was declined.
- **If the call is Accepted:** The App User and TV User will be connected.
- **Note on Camera Privacy:&#x20;**&#x44;epending on the ["Camera Behavior" settings in Hub Settings](https://docs.getjubileetv.com/hub-settings#camera-behavior), the TV camera may be turned **ON** automatically or start with video **OFF**. If it is off, the TV User can manually enable the camera using their remote.

## TV End User -> App User&#x20;

The TV End User can start a video call directly from their television using the JubileeTV remote.

**Open the Menu:** Press the **blue "J" button** on the JubileeTV remote.

1. **Find Contacts:** Navigate to the **Contacts** menu on the screen.
2. **Start the Call:** Select the person you wish to reach and select **Call**.

- **Incoming Notification:** The App User's phone or tablet will ring exactly like a standard phone call, displaying "JubileeTV Video Call."
- **Connecting:** Once the App User answers, the JubileeTV app will open automatically, and the video connection will begin.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
# Making AutoConnect Video Calls

## App User -> TV End User&#x20;

To start a video call, tap the **AutoConnect Video Call** button in the JubileeTV App&#x20;

### 1. Configure the Call

Before the call begins, the app will ask you to set the call behavior:

- **Camera Status:** Choose whether the TV camera starts ON or OFF.
- **Connection Timing:** Choose whether to connect immediately or after a 15-second "ring" period.
- **Decline Permissions:** Choose whether the TV user has the option to decline the call.

### 2. What Happens on the TV

**Power-On:** The TV will turn on automatically if it is currently off.

**Voice Alert:** The TV will announce: *"You have an incoming video call."*

**On-Screen Alert:** A message displays showing who is calling.

### 3. How the Call Connects

- The connection logic depends on the settings you chose in **Step 1** and how the TV User reacts to the alert:
- **Automatic Connection:** If the TV User does not interact with the screen, the call will automatically connect once the 15-second timer expires (or immediately, depending on your choice).
- **Manual Acceptance:** If the TV User is ready, they can press **Accept** to connect the call instantly before the timer runs out.
- **Declined Calls:** If you enabled the "Decline" option in Step 1, the TV User can choose to dismiss the call. If they do, the App User will receive an immediate notification that the call was declined.

## TV End User -> App User&#x20;

The TV End User can not create an AutoConnect Call from their TV to an App User. &#x20;
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
# Group Video Calling&#x20;

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.

1. While on the call, tap the **More** menu -> **Add someone to this call**.
2. Select a name from your **Contacts** list.
3. 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.

1. While on the call, tap the **More** menu -> **Invite with GuestLink**.
2. 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.
3. **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?&#x20;

No, video calls are only supported between the JubileeTV App and a JubileeTV Console.&#x20;
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:::ExpandableHeading{isOpen="true"}
# Troubleshooting Video Calling

## Requirements

### Technical Requirements&#x20;

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.&#x20;

### 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](docId\:T0k7pvtz0-PjCZ79lNMXo).
- For troubleshooting App network issues, see [App has poor network quality](docId\:hMFGLYp07-SmJA91Wg7SM).

## 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/Dropping](docId\:LS6niukIfnucsH8YiBhqR) 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&#x20;

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.&#x20;

### As an app user, I can't hear the TV End User&#x20;

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&#x20;

Have the app user verify in their device settings that the JubileeTV App or their browser has permissions to use their device's camera.&#x20;

### As a TV End User, I can't hear the app user&#x20;

Have the app user verify in their device settings that the JubileeTV App or their browser has permissions to use their device's microphone.&#x20;


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