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Webcam Forwarding

Citrix

Citrix offers various options for forwarding a webcam. These are described in detail in the following sections.

HDX Webcam Video Compression

HDX webcam video compression is a special virtual channel used exclusively for webcam forwarding. Citrix recommends using this method whenever possible.

Settings in the openthinclient Manager

In the HDX and Multimedia Settings section, enable Audio Input and set Webcam Forwarding to HDX.

Settings in Citrix Studio

Enable the following policies:

  • Multimedia Conferencing
  • Windows Media redirection

Generic USB redirection (recommend for specific use cases only)

Forward the webcam as a USB device to the Citrix session only in exceptional cases, as it'll generate high network load and is acceptable only in stable LAN environments.

Nevertheless, it can offer advantages in certain scenarios:

  • Compatible with nearly all applications within the Citrix session

  • Adjust the resolution directly within the application

  • Use special webcam functions, e.g., autofocus or zoom, via the driver.

Note: Use generic USB redirection only over LAN links, as it's less efficient.

Settings in the openthinclient Manager
  • Set the webcam forwarding to Generic USB Forwarding.
  • In the Expert Settings section, enable Desktop Appliance Mode.
Settings in Citrix Studio

Enable the following policies:

  • Client USB Device Forwarding
  • Client USB Plug and Play Device Redirection

Ensure that policies for client USB device redirection allow the webcam.

Zoom Plugin

This plugin provides special optimization for Zoom. Ensure the VDI version of the Zoom client is installed on the Citrix session host. If Zoom's used for video conferencing, this solution is the recommended option.

Settings in the openthinclient Manager
  • In the HDX and Multimedia Settings section, enable Audio Input
  • Set webcam forwarding to Zoom Plugin.
Settings/Installation on the Citrix Server

Install the VDI version of the Zoom client on the Citrix session host.

Locate the download link here.

To ensure the plugin is active, check in the Zoom client under Settings → Statistics → Overall and verify that the value "Connected" is displayed under VDI Connect Status.

Teams Plugin

The Teams plugin functions similarly to the Zoom plugin and offers specific optimization for Microsoft Teams. For video conferencing in Teams, it's the recommended solution.

Settings in the openthinclient Manager
  • In the HDX and Multimedia Settings section, enable audio input
  • Set Webcam Forwarding to HDX

    The Teams plugin starts automatically as soon as the Teams client runs in the Citrix Session Host.

Settings/Installation on the Citrix Server

Install the Teams client on the Citrix Session Host and ensure that the corresponding Teams policy is enabled in Citrix Studio.

To verify, in the Teams client, open the About → Version menu item. If "Citrix HDX optimized" is displayed there, the plugin is active.

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