Using Window Inputs to capture Google Chrome

With the Window Input sources, the output from applications that aren't Syphon enabled can still be used by VDMX as a video source for a layer. This is particularly useful with Google Chrome which can be used to playback specialized WebGL visualizations and other web pages that may not work in other browsers.

This same idea can be used with most any other application, but for this tutorial we'll focus on using Chrome.

Materials and Prerequisites:

  1. Download Google Chrome.
  2. Read the introduction tutorial on using built-in sources in VDMX.

Enabling Window Inputs in the Workspace Inspector, with Google Chrome visible in the background.

The Window Input from Chrome is set as the source for Layer 1 which inverts it before display in VDMX.

Step 1: Launch Chrome and load the webpage you wish to display. Switch to VDMX without hiding Chrome.

          Try searching online for "WebGL examples" or check out some of the online example Chrome Experiments.

          The window we are using as a source in VDMX must be visible on screen.

          Step 2: Under 'Workspace Inspector / VidIn' switch to the 'Windows In Other Applications' input type and click the 'Enable Window Video Inputs' toggle.

          Tip: Use the controls in the sub-inspector for each listed window to adjust the size, frame rate, and apply a crop to the window before it is displayed on a layer.

          Step 3: In the Layer Source pop-up menu choose the Window Input from the 'Google Chrome' sub-menu option.

          Tip: Window Inputs also can be added as clips on media bin pages.

          If Google Chrome is not in the list of sources, make sure the application is not hidden.