Remoto Playback: Guest Basics
Table of Contents
What is Remoto Playback?
Remoto Playback is a real-time audio and video streaming platform used for remote review, collaboration, and feedback. As a Guest, you don’t need to set anything up in advance. Join the session you’ve been invited to, then listen, watch, and participate in the video call.
How Do I Join a Session?
You can join a Playback session in a few different ways.
Ways to Join
You can join a Playback session in two main ways:
- From your email invitation: Click Join Session in the invitation email. You’ll be guided through account activation (if required) and your join options (Desktop Application, iOS app, or browser (if available), then redirected based on the option you choose.
- From the app dashboard: Sessions you’ve been invited to automatically appear in the dashboard of the Remoto Playback desktop app or iOS app, and can be joined directly from there.
Desktop or Laptop
- Mac users: For the most fully featured experience, join using the Remoto Playback desktop app.
- Web browser: If the host has enabled web joining, you can join using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
iPhone or iPad
- You can also join using the Remoto iOS app.
No matter how you join, everyone has access to video chat during the session.
First Time Joining
The first time you join a session, you’ll be prompted to:
- Allow microphone access
- Allow camera access
These permissions are required so you can participate in the video call. You will see these prompts regardless of which platform you use to join.
Pre-Session Joining A/V Setup
Choosing Devices
As part of joining, you’ll select:
- Microphone
- Camera
- Speaker output
By default, stream audio and call audio go to the same speakers, which is ideal when joining on the go with a laptop.
You can optionally enable Alternate Speakers during join to route:
- Stream audio to one output (for example, studio speakers)
- Call audio to a different output
Tips to avoid echo or feedback:
- Avoid using the same device for your microphone and speakers
- If you’re on a laptop, headphones are strongly recommended
Once your devices and audio settings are configured, click Ask to Join. You’ll be placed in a waiting room until the host admits you to the session.
As part of the join process, Remoto runs a quick network test to verify your system can properly receive the stream.
During the Session
Desktop App Features
The desktop app includes tools that the iOS and browser options do not include, such as:
- Timecoded markers
- On-screen annotation
- Multichannel audio
- Text chat
In the Studio view, the buttons on the right side are toggles. You can only have one function open at a time.
Audio Controls
No matter the join method used, use Audio Controls during the session to adjust the volume of:
- The conference call audio
- The stream audio
Set levels that are comfortable for your listening environment.
Sync and Playback Quality
Audio and video delay can happen due to local network conditions.
- Desktop: Use the A/V Sync control
- Web: Use the Audio Delay control
- iOS: No current adjustment available
If the stream appears choppy, it’s usually due to local bandwidth.
- Use the Reload Stream button to rebuffer (not currently available on iOS)
Remoto does not use adaptive bitrate streaming, so stream quality depends heavily on your available bandwidth.
For best results:
- Quit other bandwidth-intensive apps
- Avoid large downloads or video calls in the background
That’s it
Join, watch, listen, and collaborate.
For more detailed, step-by-step instructions, see How to Join a Remoto Playback Session.