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[Bug]: Picture-in-Picture cannot be disabled on Linux when no webcam is available #376

Description

@Krisueu

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Describe the bug

Version

  • OpenScreen 1.9.2
  • Installation: .deb
  • Operating system: Linux Mint

Description

When no webcam is available or detected on Linux, OpenScreen automatically enables Picture-in-Picture (PiP).

The problem is that Picture-in-Picture cannot be disabled through the user interface. The relevant layout/camera options are disabled or cannot be interacted with.

As a result, it is not possible to create a screen recording without the PiP overlay.

Expected behavior

If no webcam is available, OpenScreen should automatically use "No Webcam".

Alternatively, the user should always be able to disable Picture-in-Picture completely, regardless of whether a webcam is detected.

Actual behavior

  • No webcam is available.
  • OpenScreen automatically enables Picture-in-Picture.
  • The layout/camera selection cannot be changed or disabled.
  • The PiP overlay therefore remains present during the screen recording.

Environment

OpenScreen: 1.9.2
OS: Linux Mint
Installation: .deb

Related issue

This appears to be related to the already reported issue #248:

#248

That issue also describes the situation where Picture-in-Picture is enabled by default when no webcam is available, while the layout selection is disabled.

Suggested solution

When no webcam is detected, the default state should be something like:

Webcam: No Webcam
Layout: No Webcam
Picture-in-Picture: Disabled

More generally, the user should not be forced to use a PiP layout when no webcam is available.

Steps to reproduce

  1. Install OpenScreen 1.9.2 on Linux Mint.
  2. Make sure no webcam is available or detected.
  3. Start OpenScreen.
  4. Configure a screen recording.
  5. Try to disable Picture-in-Picture or change the camera/layout setting.
  6. The corresponding controls are unavailable, and PiP remains enabled.

Thank you for looking into this issue.

Expected behavior

  • No webcam is available.
  • OpenScreen automatically enables Picture-in-Picture.
  • The layout/camera selection cannot be changed or disabled.
  • The PiP overlay therefore remains present during the screen recording.

To Reproduce

  1. Install OpenScreen 1.9.2 on Linux Mint.
  2. Make sure no webcam is available or detected.
  3. Start OpenScreen.
  4. Configure a screen recording.
  5. Try to disable Picture-in-Picture or change the camera/layout setting.
  6. The corresponding controls are unavailable, and PiP remains enabled.

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OS

Linux

OS Version

22.3 - Cinnamon

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Device Type

Laptop

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