Using StudioPro it is possible to introduce FaceTime callers using either the Display or Window capture sources. Please note, that your remote guest must be using iOS 15 (General release on 20th September 2021) or later.
To initiate a FaceTime call, you must first ask your remote guest to generate a FaceTime Link. To achieve this, prompt your guest to open the FaceTime application on their iOS or macOS device. Once the application is open, click Create Link.
A FaceTime Link will be generated for sharing. Ask your remote guest to share this link to you through your preferred medium such as SMS, Mail or other messaging application.
Once you have received the generated link from your guest, open the link in a web browser on your StudioPro system. When prompted, enter a name then click Continue.
You will now enter video/audio options. From here you can configure your video and audio settings. See later in the article for how to send a return from StudioPro.
From here you can also enter full screen mode. When you are ready to join the FaceTime call, click Join. A 'Waiting to be let in...' message will appear.
Your remote guest will now need to approve you to join the call. They will be prompted of this through a iOS or macOS notification. They can also access the call by loading the FaceTime application and selecting the FaceTime Link they have generated.
A prompt will appear of your request to join the FaceTime call. You contributor will need to approve your entry by selecting the green tick button.
You now have an active FaceTime call that you can utilise in your production.
The FaceTime call is ready to be brought in as a Source on StudioPro. Within StudioPro, select the scene you would like to add the caller to, then select the within Sources to add a source.
Select Browser source, then click Add Source.
Enter a friendly name for your source (e.g. Facetime Call 1), then click OK.
Next paste in the Hyperlink for the call into the URL box. Click OK.
Your FaceTime call will now appear within your production. You just need to join the call as StudioPro. Click Interact.
Type in a name to join the call eg: StudioPro. Click Continue.
Click Join. You will need to let this caller in from the device used to set up the call.
Once StudioPro is allowed into the call, you should see the whole call and all callers in it (if you have more than 1).
If you want to focus on 1 caller in particular, you can use the transform settings to get the image looking just as you would like it.
You can repeat this process for all the callers in your call or alternatively, set up separate Facetime calls and bring them all in by using the individual Facetime call Hyperlinks.
To send return video and audio from StudioPro back to your Facetime call, open the settings window and navigate to the advanced tab.
Scroll down to Return Output Configuration. Set an output to Virtual Camera then select the video and audio you want to send back to your Facetime guest. Click Start.
To pick these up in Facetime, go back to the call and click More...
Select StudioPro VCam_1 as your camera device.
Then select VB Audio Cable A as your microphone device.
Click Done.
You are now successfully sending video and audio from StudioPro back to your Facetime call.