Overview
This brief guide will provide information on how to self-check audio, video, or basic connection. To ensure the best possible experience with our web-based platform we recommend testing audio, video, and connection by completing a tech check by any one or combination of the following methods:
Join Your Personal Meeting Room
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Your PMR is located on the project's Overview page and it simulates the live meeting room environment. Click Join Room to enter:
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You will be met with the device settings page. On the left side of the modal is the video setting. Select your video device, if necessary. If you can see yourself, then your camera is working with our platform:
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On the right side of the modal is the audio setting. Select the microphone you wish to use. If you speak into your microphone and the triangle next to the device name lights up pink then your microphone is working with our platform:
If you're not convinced your devices are functional, you can ask a colleague to join you in the PMR to confirm they can hear and see you.
If you can't join a PMR, there are other methods of ensuring your devices are working.
Blurred Background Feature
Before joining a live session, you can select your video devices and opt to blur your background. This feature is essential for maintaining impartiality, objectivity, and privacy—especially crucial in healthcare research. This feature works for Chromium browsers (Chrome and Edge) and NOT with non-chromium-based browsers like Safari or on IOS.
Blurred backgrounds provide a customized interview experience that enables the privacy of any background content. Mitigate worries regarding personal identifying information (PII) in the background by easily concealing it with the click of a button. You can also access the blurred background feature through the settings cog during the session to make real-time adjustments. Every change is reflected in the recording, transparently showing when the background was blurred or revealed.
Conduct a WebRTC Check
You can do a pre-call test using a TokBox tool (TokBox is our video API). This tool can test connectivity, bitrate and packet loss, and your camera, mic, and browser. This tool also allows for audio only checks in case you want to double or triple check your microphone. If you pass this check, your devices will work with our platform
Diagnostics Tools
You can also use any of the following free web tools to help diagnose your tech issues:
Platform System Requirements Verification
You can visit app.discuss.io/tech on the same device and WiFi connection you will use for your actual session to get verification on audio, video, and connection. You will be taken to a screen with the message:
"Please wait while we verify your browser and network settings..."
Wait! The tech check takes about 30 seconds and will score your connection quality (We aim for scores of 3.0 and above for optimum performance). Pay attention! Once the check is complete you are immediately redirected to your dashboard. If you see all checks and a green rating (see image below), you are ok to join any live session.
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Ensuring your browser is the most up-to-date
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Removing any other devices from your wifi connection
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Closing any programs or apps that might be consuming valuable bandwidth
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Closing any programs or apps that might be monopolizing your audio/video device
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Switching from a Bluetooth device to a wired device
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Ensuring the correct device is selected in the device settings
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Plugging/unplugging and trying again
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Restarting your computer
You can also email helpdesk@discuss.io to reach out to our help desk technicians who may be able to set up a live tech check with you and confirm your devices.