In Linux plugins, the Smart Virtual Background feature can be forced enabled by account owners and admins by setting the proper permissions. With Smart VB, the mask chosen to composite the background image behind a participant can be created by recognizing the face of the participant in order to create the mask.
This article covers:
- How to enable Smart Virtual Backgrounds
- Edit the ZoomMedia.ini file
- Configuration file locations for VDI Release Version 5.8.0 and higher
- New file locations
- Additional requirements for Smart Virtual Backgrounds
How to enable Smart Virtual Backgrounds
If the VDI client being used does not appear on the allowed list, you can override the Smart VB feature to force the feature to be enabled even if the VDI client is not listed. Please keep in mind that the results may vary from one person to another. It is only recommended to use the override option for testing purposes, as it requires editing the ZoomMedia.ini file.
Depending on the operating system you are using, you may have to find the ZoomMedia.ini file in a different place. For information on where to find the ZoomMedia.ini file for your installation, please refer to the section below that describes the locations of Configuration files.
Edit the ZoomMedia.ini file
In order to enable Smart Virtual Backgrounds, you must edit and save the following changes in the ZoomMedia.ini file:
- Open the ZoomMedia.ini file.
- Locate the section marked
[FEATURE]. - Find the entry for
SMARTVB. - The default value is
SMARTVB=0. - Change that entry to
SMARTVB=1. - Save the file and restart to pick up the changes.
Configuration file locations for VDI Release Version 5.8.0 and higher
There was a change in the location of ZoomMedia.ini file in version 5.8.0 of the ZoomMedia.ini file. The following information provides you with the new platforms and the path information for each plugin if you have edited the ZoomMedia.ini file in the past.
In the event that you are using a version older than 5.8.0 and are having trouble configuring the Zoom VDI Linux plugin with ZoomMedia.ini, please refer to this Support article about configuring Zoom VDI Linux plugin with ZoomMedia.ini, since there is an issue with the directory path.
New file locations
Ubuntu
Citrix/VMware/AVD plugin: /etc/zoomvdi/ZoomMedia.ini
Centos
Citrix/VMware plugin: /etc/zoomvdi/ZoomMedia.ini
ThinPro
Citrix/VMware/AVD plugin: /etc/zoomvdi/ZoomMedia.ini
IGEL
Citrix/VMware/AVD plugin: /etc/zoomvdi/ZoomMedia.ini
Elux
Citrix/VMware plugin: /setup/elux/.config/ZoomMedia.ini
Additional requirements for Smart Virtual Backgrounds
For more information, please visit the support article on requirements for Smart Virtual Backgrounds for Linux.
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Frequently Asked Questions
[su_spoiler title=”How do I enable smart virtual background Zoom?” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron” class=”style=’color:red’;”]In order to use Virtual Backgrounds on Zoom, you simply have to sign into the Zoom web portal and follow the instructions there to get started. On the navigation menu, there is a link called Settings that can be clicked on. In the Meeting tab, you’ll find a setting called Virtual Background under the In Meeting (Advanced) section of the Meeting tab. The Virtual Background option under the meeting tab should be enabled under the Virtual Background option so that you can use this setting.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Why doesn’t my device support Zoom virtual backgrounds?” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron” class=”style=’color:red’;”]The desktop client should not be used in a virtual environment without a green screen since the desktop client does not support a virtual background without a green screen, so it cannot be used in a virtual environment without a green screen. It is necessary to meet the requirements for images without a green screen in order to be able to use the blur background feature on a desktop computer. On mobile devices, however, there are requirements for virtual backgrounds for you to use this feature.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”How do I change the background on Zoom on Ubuntu?” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron” class=”style=’color:red’;”]The easiest way to enable virtual backgrounds in a meeting is to go to the Settings menu, then to the General section and then to View Advanced Features, then you need to go to Settings > In Meeting (advanced), then Enable Virtual Background and you’ll be prompted to log in. Normally, it is disabled by default in the Ubuntu Zoom Client, which behaves differently from other Zoom Clients for some reason and is disabled by default in other Zoom Clients as well.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Why do I look like a ghost on Zoom?” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron” class=”style=’color:red’;”]A simple solution to this problem would be to place the light source in front of you and the camera, if you are using a computer camera. The best thing you can do when you are sitting down is to stay away from giant windows, or any other significant source of light. Due to this, the face will have a lower exposure than it would otherwise be as a result of this.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”How do you Zoom in on Linux?” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron” class=”style=’color:red’;”]If all you want is to magnify your web pages, then you can press the keys Ctrl and + on your keyboard in most web browsers which support this feature. There is also an integrated magnifier in Ubuntu that can be used to magnify your screen. Fedora Workstation and other Linux desktops also work with this GNOME feature.[/su_spoiler]
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All content and images credit goes to https://support.zoom.us