Rocket.chat.electron: Camera Permission for Jitsi Video Conference

[user1233445]

Hey,

we want to use the integrated video chat solution in RocketChat (macOS) via Jitsi. Unfortunately the sub program has no access to the internal camera. I don't know if this is a bug or if the program was distributed wrong from our side.

Information about the system:
macOS Version: 10.14.6
RocketChat Version: 2.17.9
RocketChat Server Version: 2.1.0

It seems that RocketChat does not get the Privacy Preference Policy Control for the Camera App. Do you have a tip for me on how to solve the problem?

[gabriellsh]

Usually who asks for permission is jitsi. If you're using chrome, check your URL bar to the right and see if there isn't a camera symbol.

I found this tutorial too, it might help. Please, let us know if you can make it work.

If you can too, open Rocket.Chat in an anonymous window and see if it prompts for permission there. Thanks in advance.

[danielfariati]

It works on chrome, but it does not work inside the MacOS app.

[sysfu]

I can reproduce this problem on macOS 10.15.3 with Rocket.chat desktop app 2.17.9.

Going to try a PRAM reset as per this article and see if that resolves. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/251161369

[sysfu]

PRAM reset did not resolve. Right now I have Rocket.chat configured to launch Jitsi conference in a new window. I am able to get the camera working with Jitsi calls when using Rocket.chat in the Vivaldi browser, but not Safari.

[Pjirlip]

I can also reproduce this bug inside the MacOS app. (Current Version from AppStore / MacOS Mojave). Native Rocket.Chat WebRTC Audio/Video functions also doesn't work.

Rocket.Chat App is not listed in "System Settings > Security > camera/microphon" (Like it should) and doesn't ask for permission.

[borzaka]

I'am experiencing the same on Ubuntu with the native desktop app as well:

Client Setup Information

• Desktop App: 2.17.9
• Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04.4 LTS (5.3.0-42-generic)
• Dell Latitude 5480 (webcam working in any other app)

[gabriellsh]

This seems to be a Electron problem, I'll transfer this

[ramrami]

Also video messages are not working, so I don't think it's related to jitsi

[ramrami]

Trying to send a video message throws an error NotReadableError: Could not start video source. This error comes from the web app code in app/ui/client/lib/recorderjs/videoRecorder.js when calling navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia

[abhigyank]

@gabriellsh Would it better to open all Jitsi links in the browser instead?

[tobzsc]

I do not think that this is the way to go. jitsi works best with chrome and firefox and safari seem to have issues. This way some users would still have issues. This is something which has to be fixed for the desktop app itself.

[gabriellsh]

@gabriellsh Would it better to open all Jitsi links in the browser instead?

That's an admin option already.

I do not think that this is the way to go. jitsi works best with chrome and firefox and safari seem to have issues. This way some users would still have issues. This is something which has to be fixed for the desktop app itself.

You're right. Also because this is a shared feature, and makes way more sense for it to be used on the desktop app than in the web app (which works btw).

[autoize]

@gabriellsh Would it better to open all Jitsi links in the browser instead?

That's an admin option already.

Unless mistaken the "open in new window" option only applies to users using Rocket Chat from a browser window. The Electron app does pop up a separate window for Jitsi, but using a WebView in Electron rather than a standard browser window.

Because the Electron app does not prompt for Camera or Microphone permission in Mac OS X Catalina, no audio or video is functioning. @abhigyank's suggestion was to open the Jitsi window in a standard Chrome window not within the Electron app.

[abhigyank]

@gabriellsh Would it better to open all Jitsi links in the browser instead?

That's an admin option already.

But we do open it in an Electron Browser Window than in a browser? It is simpler for us to directly open in the browser rather than in electron window, this also ensures that it works all the time.
However, if we want to continue open in the electron window, that is also possible, we just have to prompt for camera and microphone permissions in the new window.

[gabriellsh]

I actually assumed it opened in a new window. @tassoevan can we have your opinion here please?

[lightweight]

This is affecting me, too, in the desktop app, but for mike and video camera permissions for the BigBlueButton integration...

[sgrosse]

@user1233445

It seems that RocketChat does not get the Privacy Preference Policy Control for the Camera App. Do you have a tip for me on how to solve the problem?

FYI: For me it was solved by installing the Rocket Chat app via App Store instead of using the dmg.

[autoize]

Can confirm that installing RocketChat from the App Store makes camera and audio permissions work. Wondering if it can be resolved for the DMG if the developers sign the build with their key?

[tobzsc]

Currently the Desktop app does not really seem to be maintained. There is no development going on since several weeks.

[bluealpha-dev]

We've the same problem with the webcam problem. Our Workaround is to use Rocket.Chat 2.17.7:
works under

• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
• Windows 10

[ankar84]

We've the same problem with the webcam problem. Our Workaround is to use Rocket.Chat 2.17.7:
works under

• Ubuntu 18.04 LTS
• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
• Windows 10

Today one user come to me with mic issue on Windows 10 1709 and desktop version 2.17.7

In Chrome - all fine.
How can I fix that?

[ankar84]

In Chrome - all fine.
How can I fix that?

It appeared to be some issue with antivirus software. When I unloaded antivirus - microphone was accessible to Rocket.Chat Electron application.

[BenelliFurtado]

For me it worked under Ubuntu 20.04 (KDE Plasma 5) when installing it via Snap Store and then changing the permissions (Use camera) in snap store: