To ensure a smooth experience when using Heidi alongside your telehealth platform, it's essential to optimize your setup. This guide provides tips on how to manage browser configurations, handle potential conflicts, and troubleshoot common issues, helping you achieve the best performance during your sessions. Below we explore 3 methods of using Heidi in Telehealth.
1. Use Separate Browsers for Heidi and Telehealth
2. Use Heidi on Mobile to record while you play consult out loud on your computer.
3. Using Heidi and Telehealth in the Same Browser
1. Use Separate Browsers for Heidi and Telehealth
For optimal performance, open Heidi in a different browser or app from your teleconferencing platform. This approach minimizes potential conflicts and makes troubleshooting easier.
Split-Window Setup on Mac and Windows:
Follow the steps below for creating a split-window environment using multiple browsers or apps:
On Mac:
Open Two Browser Windows: Launch your two browser windows (e.g., Chrome and Safari).
Use Mission Control: Swipe up with three fingers on the trackpad or press F3.
Drag a Window to the Screen's Top: Drag one of the browser windows to the top of the screen until it snaps to a side.
Select the Second Window: Click on the second browser window to snap it to the other half.
You can also hover over the green expand screen to "tile to right" then select the other window in the left.
On Windows:
Open Two Browser Windows: Start both browsers (e.g., Chrome and Edge).
Snap the First Window: Click the title bar of the first window, drag it to the left or right edge of the screen, and release when a highlight appears.
Snap the Second Window: Click the other window in the available half-screen space to snap it into place.
2. Use Heidi on Mobile to record while you play consult out loud on your computer.
You can also open Heidi in your mobile browser and place your device beside your desk while playing your Telehealth consult out loud on your computer.
This setup allows you to use Heidi for recording and note-taking without switching between tabs or windows on your desktop.
Additionally, using Heidi on your mobile device can help reduce the strain on your computer, leading to better overall performance during your session.
3. Using Heidi and Telehealth in the Same Browser
If you prefer running Heidi and your teleconferencing platform in the same browser (e.g., both in Chrome), be aware of the following risks:
Increased Load: Running both applications in the same browser can slow down performance, leading to potential lag or audio issues.
Audio Conflicts: Shared browser resources can cause audio conflicts, especially if both applications attempt to use the microphone simultaneously.
Minimize Risks:
Close Unnecessary Tabs: Reduce browser load by keeping only essential tabs open.
Check Permissions: Ensure both Heidi and your teleconferencing platform have the correct microphone and camera permissions set up.
Using Headphones with Heidi on macOS (via Loopback)
Currently, Heidi does not natively support headphones, but Mac users can use Loopback as a workaround:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Loopback - 18 July 2024 - Watch Video
Open Loopback: Launch the Loopback app on your Mac.
Create a New Virtual Device: Click "+" in Loopback to create a new virtual device. Name it "Heidi Mic."
Add Sources:
Add your microphone as a source.
Add the browser or telehealth app as another source.
Set Output: Route audio to your headphones.
Select "Heidi Mic" in Heidi: In Heidi’s settings, choose "Heidi Mic" as the microphone input.
Test the Setup: Make a test call to ensure everything is working smoothly.
Pre-Recording Troubleshooting
Before starting your telehealth session, refer to the “Getting Set Up for Heidi” guide in the Heidi Health Help Center for a comprehensive list of troubleshooting steps. This guide includes essential tips on:
Checking Audio and Video Settings: Ensure your devices are properly configured.
Testing Internet Connection: Verify that your connection is stable enough for video calls.
5. Additional Tips for Best Performance
Regular Updates: Keep both your browser and teleconferencing app up to date.
Adjusting Browser Settings: Disable unnecessary extensions that might interfere with Heidi.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection
Allow Heidi as much RAM as it needs, close any unnecessary tabs or apps on your devices
Make sure your device does not go to sleep
Allow Heidi to load entirely before pressing any other buttons, if you have hit stop recording let the screen produce the note before trying anything else. Similarly when you open up let the page fully load before you hit start recording.
Do a test consult before each by just recording a minute or so of conversation you can delete this after you have seen all is working, then start a new session.