Zoom Virtual Background Without Green Screen: Compatibility on macOS Catalina 10.15.4

Zoom's virtual background feature without the need for a green screen is a game-changer for many users. However, not all macOS versions support this feature effectively. In this article, we'll explore the compatibility of this feature on macOS Catalina 10.15.4, discuss how to use it, potential performance issues, and address the required permissions.

Compatibility and System Requirements

The ability to use a virtual background without a green screen was introduced in later versions of macOS Catalina, specifically starting from version 10.15.6. On macOS Catalina 10.15.4, you might face limitations due to the lack of these enhancements. If you are experiencing issues with the virtual background, consider upgrading your macOS to at least version 10.15.6 or later.

How to Use Virtual Background Without Green Screen

To set up and use the virtual background without a green screen, follow these steps:

Ensure you have the latest version of macOS Catalina installed. Download the virtual background package directly from Zoom during a meeting. During a meeting, click the ^ arrow next to Start/Stop Video. If prompted, download the package for the virtual background without a green screen.

Performance and Potential Issues

While the feature is technically available on macOS Catalina 10.15.4, its performance can be inconsistent. Depending on your device's capabilities, you might experience glitches or lag during the video call. Additionally, a busy background may cause odd artefacts to appear occasionally. These artefacts can be particularly evident in areas with high contrast, such as dark objects on a white background or the movement of objects in the backdrop, as illustrated in the following scenarios:

Home Setup: At home, with a relatively plain wall behind you, the feature works well, and you can lower the CPU stress by choosing the green screen option. Office Setup: At work, with vertical blinds, the feature may struggle when a car or truck drives past, causing image chopping and flickering. Alternative Backgrounds: You can create a roller blind from black fabric as an alternative background or use a plain area where your spouse can use a green screen effectively.

Some users also report issues with high contrast items in the background, such as dark pictures on a white wall, popping up erratically as artefacts.

Zoom Permissions and Access Control

To use the virtual background feature, you need to grant Zoom certain permissions on your macOS Catalina 10.15.4 device. The required permissions include:

Camera: For sharing video in a meeting or webinar. Microphone: For joining computer audio in a meeting or webinar. Screen Recording (Mac OS 10.15 Catalina only): For sharing your screen in a meeting or webinar. Files and Folders (Mac OS 10.15 Catalina only): For sharing and saving files from chat in a meeting or webinar as well as recording locally to your computer. Accessibility: For allowing remote control in a meeting.

If you do not authorize Zoom during the initial prompt, or the permissions become disabled, you need to go into your OS System Preferences to grant the required access.

In conclusion, while the feature is available on macOS Catalina 10.15.4, its effectiveness is limited. Upgrading to a newer version of macOS Catalina is recommended to ensure optimal performance and functionality.