Wirecast Pro (Win 10) Can't Capture Web Browser
I have an issue that seems to have been reported a few times since the introduction of Windows 10 (I've seen people comment as early as Wirecast 8 on this)... and there hasn't been a resolution to this issue yet (other than blaming Microsoft).
PROBLEM: When I use the Screen Capture option (with the intent of capturing a web browser page) i have no problems capturing the "Monitor" -- but I don't want to capture the monitor (as I have Wirecast running on TOP of the web browser --- ie, it gets in the way)... but when I attempt to capture a specific web browser window I am told that Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox applications are "not supported" (they are grayed out in the list). Trying to capture Microsoft's Edge browser window results in a BLACK screen. This reminds me very much of DRM.
Before anyone tries to blame Microsoft, let me say this: I have a full license of XSplit (and some other broadcasters) and have NO ISSUES capturing a single "window" from ANY web browser -- so this IS NOT a "Microsoft issue" (otherwise XSplit, OBS, or any of the others wouldn't be able to capture the windows). This is a Wirecast-specific issue.
My current workaround is to open XSplit, capture the specific Web Browser window... and then open Wirecast and pull in XSplits "virtual output" into Wirecast. It works, and it works pretty well... but it's an embarrassing solution, especially since I'm essentially selling and training people on WIRECAST. In fact, they USED to use XSplit and I'm moving them over to Wirecast -- so telling them that they NEED to also have XSplit is not a very good option.
If anyone has experienced this issue -- where you can't capture a SINGLE, SPECIFIC WINDOW due to the application being grayed out in the list as "Not Compatible" or "No Available"... please let me know what your solution was.
Thanks!
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Hi David,
Having the same issues, opened another thread as I just found yours now, sry!
Tested around a bit, WC9 seems to work, it gets worse with version 10
https://telestreamforum.forumbee.com/t/83hhxvz/wirecast-13-screen-capture-window-not-working
hopefully, the developers will look into this asap!
Chris
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Chris R - I sent an eMail directly to the support team about this a couple months ago. They said that they are aware of the issue and are working on a fix. I'm not sure what that means, exactly, as this issue has been going on for a LONG time (I'm sure you've seen some other posts about this topic dating back a couple versions ago). Normally, I would suggest the use of a lower-version of Wirecast, or downgrade the Windows machine to Windows 7, or just get a Macintosh -- but in this specific instance I'm helping a church congregation and they don't have the budget to buy all new computers or make drastic changes to their limited workflow. Right now I have them pulling in the "full screen" footage of a web page from a second computer, going through a Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini (nice little unit, by the way). They also have a Magewell HDMI to USB 3.0 digitizer, which works great as well. Still... I'd rather get them on ONE computer rather than having to rely on extra computers just because Wirecast and Windows 10 can't 'get along.' Before the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini I simply installed XSplit and activated my license on the computer. XSplit had no issues seeing the web page, and since XSplit natively 'broadcasts' a virtual camera, Wirecast could pull in the XSplit output as a source. Sadly, doing this and pulling two Magewell feeds (this was prior to the ATEM mini), webcasting, AND recording locally... almost melted the poor laptop... which is why we went back to two computers. -sigh-
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David Good, I also just send a ticket to support using THIS form. I encourage all other affected users to do the same.
all those workarounds do not solve the problem for our usecase, so getting this problem fixed is crucial for us! hopefully they look into this asap...
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Please disable the hardware acceleration and you will be able to capture the browser window.
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Jens Jarke can you be more specific? disable the hardware acceleration where/for what/how?
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Jens is correct in that disabling hardware acceleration can help. I believe in FireFox this is a preference setting for example.
One of the challenges the developers face is that the user may need to understand such things in order to screen capture so if they allowing capturing it doesn't work to the user's satisfaction unless the user understands what the issue is and how to fix it. -
I work with chrome. In the setting the hardware acceleration is ON. You need to switch it OFF.
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I've read where this trick has worked for some people, but not everyone. The problem we're having is that Chrome WORKS with everything (XSplit, Open Broadcaster, etc.) EXCEPT for Wirecast. Hardware acceleration isn't the issue in this specific case, but helpful for those it works with. Thanks!
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hi all!
also in my case, disabling hardware acceleration in CHROME or FIREFOX has no effect.
however, i am getting positive results with the browsers OPERA and BRAVE.
will test some more and see if this is a stable workaround....
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Chris R David Good
Please include Browser version numbers as it may be a factor.
If you've filled out the support form (Chris linked to it) you should send that information in using the case number you received from us. -
CraigS - Thanks! I've tried with multiple versions of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge (so I don't know which version number to give you other than "every current version in the last year). This doesn't seem to be a version issue... seems to be a Windows 10/Wirecast 10-13 issue.
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Chris R - Thanks. I'll give those browsers a whirl as well. Are you able to get a single specific "window" in those browsers to capture, and not just the entire application?
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Checking with OBS which can Window Capture Firefox 73.01. Chrome 80.0 required hardware acceleration disabled.
Wirecast should be able to do the same but it doesn't. Do fill out the form and request Screen Capture feature parity with OBS. -
i have been using splitcam which allows streaming of all my running applications including chrome firefox tweetdeck, photoshop, infanview photo view/edit, windows control panel, and any other program or window that is open on my computer. Splitcam is a free prgrram. Its surprising that Wirecast does not offer the same capability. The latest beta version seems worse in this area of importance for anyone who wishes to uses installed ai have been using splitcam which allows streaming of all my running applications including chrome firefox tweetdeck, photoshop, infanview photo view/edit, windows control panel, and any other program or window that is open on my computer. Splitcam is a free prgrram. Its surprising that Wirecast does not offer the same capability. The latest beta version seems worse in this area of importance for anyone who wishes to uses installed applications to communicate. screen shot of splitcam https://i.imgur.com/2E4TWEf.png
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john Litwinetz said:
Its surprising that Wirecast does not offer the same capability.Wirecast is improving its app capture as per our beta.
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I downloaded the latest beta 13.2 but see no changes in applications supported. Maybe in the near future.
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Who can show me any alternatives to the Xsplit?
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Eric Monara Wirecast is an alternative so I don't understand your question. You're in a Wirecast specific product forum.
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Thanks a lot!
