---
url: "https://docs.on-book.app/pro/user/features/video.md"
description: "Remote rehearsals and production meetings, built right into On Book Pro."
---

# Video Chat

> **Service dependency.** Video chat depends on network and Daily.co service availability.

> **Remote rehearsals and production meetings, built right into On Book Pro.**

***

![Video Chat — On Book Pro](../../assets/screenshots/video/video-hero.png)

## Overview

On Book Pro includes **embedded video conferencing** powered by Daily.co, designed specifically for theatrical workflows. Whether you're running a remote table read, conducting one-on-one actor coaching, or hosting a full production meeting, Video Chat provides specialized layouts optimized for each scenario.

### Key Features

* **Specialized Layouts**: Four distinct video modes tailored to theatrical needs
* **Lobby (Hair Check)**: Preview your camera and test your microphone before joining
* **Real-Time Mic Level**: Visual feedback to ensure you're being heard
* **Role-Based Permissions**: Stage Managers can start meetings; all members can join
* **Transcript Capture**: Planned future work; current video meetings do not save automatic transcripts

***

## Starting a Meeting

> **Permission Required**: Only Stage Managers, Production Managers, and Owners can start meetings.

1. Navigate to the **Video** tab in the sidebar
2. Click **Start Meeting** in the action toolbar
3. Select your preferred **layout** from the dropdown
4. Configure your camera and microphone in the lobby
5. Click **Join Call** to enter the meeting

The system automatically creates a secure, temporary room that expires after 2 hours of inactivity.

***

## Joining a Meeting

When a meeting is active, all project members can join:

1. Navigate to the **Video** tab
2. You'll see the **Join Meeting** button if a session is in progress
3. The lobby lets you preview your camera and select devices
4. Click **Join Call** to enter

***

## The Lobby (Hair Check)

Before joining any call, you'll enter the **lobby** where you can:

### Camera Preview

* See yourself exactly as others will see you
* Switch between multiple cameras using the dropdown

### Microphone Selection

* Choose from available microphones
* **Real-time level meter** shows your audio input visually
* Speak to verify the meter responds—if it moves, you're good!

### Layout Selection

* Choose your preferred layout before joining
* You can change layouts during the call as well

### Quick Toggles

* **Mute Audio**: Start with your microphone muted
* **Disable Video**: Join audio-only if needed

***

## Layout Modes

On Book Pro offers four specialized layouts for different production scenarios:

### Meeting Mode

**Best for**: Production meetings, design presentations, general discussions

* Large central area for screen sharing
* Participant videos appear as floating bubbles at the bottom
* Optimized for presentations and collaborative review

### One-on-One Mode

**Best for**: Director/actor sessions, private coaching, intimate conversations

* Two equal-sized panels side by side
* Creates a natural "face-to-face" feeling
* Perfect for focused two-person discussions

### Table Read Mode

**Best for**: Script reads, libretto sessions, text-based rehearsals

* **60/40 screen split**
* Left panel: Reserved for script/PDF viewing
* Right panel: Vertical video grid of participants
* Ideal for following along with text while seeing readers

### Rehearsal Mode

**Best for**: Blocking sessions, run-throughs, tool-focused work

* Minimal video strip at the top of the screen
* Maximum workspace below for Blocking Tracker, Run Sheet, etc.
* Video stays present but doesn't dominate the interface

***

## In-Call Controls

Once in a meeting, you have access to:

| Control | Action |
|---------|--------|
| Mute | Toggle your microphone on/off |
| Camera | Toggle your video on/off |
| Share Screen | Share your screen with participants |
| Leave | Exit the meeting |

### Active Speaker Highlight

The current speaker is highlighted with a subtle pulsing border, making it easy to follow the conversation in larger meetings.

***

## Permissions

| Action | Who Can Do It |
|--------|---------------|
| Start Meeting | Owner, Stage Manager, Production Manager |
| Join Meeting | All project members |
| Change Layout | Any participant (affects only their view) |

***

## Privacy & Recording

On Book Pro prioritizes your privacy:

* **No Automatic Recording**: Current video meetings do not save video, audio, or transcripts through On Book Pro
* **Session Metadata**: Room/session metadata may be retained for operation and troubleshooting
* **Automatic Cleanup**: Daily.co rooms expire after 2 hours of inactivity

For project deletion limits around video session metadata, see [Data Retention & Deletion](/pro/user/reference/data-retention).

***

## Troubleshooting

### Camera/Microphone Not Working

1. **Check browser permissions**: Ensure your browser has allowed camera/microphone access
2. **Close other apps**: Video apps like Zoom, Teams, or OBS may lock your hardware
3. **Try a different device**: Use the dropdown to switch to an alternative camera or mic
4. **Refresh the page**: Sometimes a simple refresh resolves hardware detection issues

### Device Not Appearing in Dropdown

1. Physically unplug and replug the USB device
2. Check your operating system's device manager
3. Verify the device works in another application (like webcamtests.com)

### Audio Level Meter Not Moving

1. Ensure your microphone is unmuted in the lobby
2. Check that the correct microphone is selected
3. Verify your OS-level microphone permissions include your browser

### Poor Video Quality

1. Check your internet connection speed
2. Close bandwidth-heavy applications
3. Consider switching to audio-only mode in low-bandwidth situations

***

## Tips for Great Remote Rehearsals

* **Use Table Read mode** for script work—the 60/40 split keeps text visible
* **Switch to Rehearsal mode** when blocking—maximize your workspace
* **Test your setup beforehand**—the lobby lets you verify everything works
* **Mute when not speaking**—reduces background noise for everyone
* **Use good lighting**—face a window or lamp for best visibility

***

*Video Chat is available on all subscription tiers.*