Thalamus Video Compatible Mode

What is Compatible Mode?

Thalamus Video is equipped with a built-in Compatible Mode feature designed to optimize audio and video streaming for those users with non-compatible hardware or software or who experience suboptimal network or connection issues.

Any Thalamus Video user has the option to use Compatible Mode. When enabled, the user will experience an optimized, or “thinner”, version of Thalamus Video ensuring a smoother video experience by only presenting the necessary audio and video streams, and screens.

Why do I see the Thalamus Video Compatible Mode message when joining a Thalamus Video session?

When joining a Thalamus Video session, if you were prompted with the Compatible Mode message, this means that your device was detected for either outdated or incompatible hardware, software and/or browsers. While this mode is optional, we strongly suggest those users to enable Compatible Mode if prompted with the message or experience the following during your video session, including but limited to:

• video lagging or freezing
• inability to hear or see other attendees or others not able to hear or see you
• being abruptly kicked out of the video session
• limited audio or video stream quality
• inability to see screenshare, lagging, or dimming of screen

Note: For users detected with incompatible hardware or browser, if Compatible Mode is not enabled, you may experience one or more of the symptoms listed above. If at any time you experience this, Compatible Mode can be enabled easily by toggling the Compatible mode button ON.

Can anyone use Compatible Mode?

Compatible Mode can be used by anyone accessing Thalamus Video. It is particularly beneficial for users with older devices or operating systems.

Compatible mode can be enabled by one of two ways:

1. On the Join Thalamus Video Page
   • Upon navigating to the Join Meeting page, you may be enable Compatible Mode by selecting the corresponding check box. 
     

2. Within a Thalamus Video Session

   • Within a Thalamus Video Session, click settings button to open the corresponding menu.  Select the option for compatible mode. Once enabled, you will notice a change to the available participant and your personal video streams.

     Note: If you are screensharing, you will be unable to toggle Compatible Mode. Stop screenshare to turn Compatible Mode on or off.

What steps can I take to optimize my device, hardware, software and/or browsers ?

For the best virtual video experience, we suggest reviewing the below recommendations and the Thalamus Video Troubleshooting guide.

• Operating Systems:
  • Mac: macOS Sonoma (14) or Sequoia (15)
  • Windows: Windows 10 or 11
• Browsers:
  • Recommended: Chrome or Edge browser, using the most latest version
  • Compatible: Some older versions may work, but may experience connection issues
  • Less Recommended: Safari, Firefox, or Brave (may not have a full experience)
  • Incompatible: Internet Explorer
• Camera and Microphone:
  • Most integrated and external camera and microphones are compatible with Thalamus Video
• VPN:
  • Confirm you are not connected to VPN and is disabled in the background

What will I experience when using Compatible Mode?

Users can expect to see the following changes when Compatible Mode is ON:

Video Preview and Layouts

• The main video layout will display the users camera preview on the top, while the presenter video will be the main focus
• Video layouts button will be disabled and attendees will be unable to change the layout. Compatible Mode must be off to toggle video layouts

Screenshare

• Screenshare can be used and viewed while Compatible Mode is enabled. Only the presenter and own video preview will display when you screenshare.

• When you begin screen sharing, you can choose whether to include their device’s audio. The behavior differs depending on the sharing option selected:

  • Share Tab – Both device sound and the user’s microphone audio are shared with other participants.

  • Share Window – Device sound is shared; however, the user’s microphone is automatically muted during the share.

    • NOTE: If you share a window and enable device sound, your microphone will be muted for the duration of the share. This means other participants will hear only the shared device audio, not your microphone input.

Sharing device sound is available when using Chrome or Edge browser(s).

Other Participants

• When Compatible Mode is enabled, you will only be able to view video previews or yourself and the presenter. Other attendees video previews are unavailable and participants can be viewed by clicking the Participants icon in the navigation. The participant count badge will display and update as attendees join and leave the session.

When can Compatible Mode be enabled or disabled?

Compatible Mode can be toggled on or off at any time during the Thalamus Video session when you are not screensharing. If you decide to toggle Compatible Mode during screenshare, you must stop screenshare and toggle Compatible Mode, and return to screenshare.

Is there support available if I encounter issues with Compatible Mode?

Absolutely! If you encounter any issues or have questions about Compatible Mode, please contact us directly at customercare@thalamusgme.com or selecting the help button at the bottom-right-hand corner of any Thalamus screen.