This project provides background blur and other filters for webcams on Linux, addressing the limited video effect support in many conferencing applications on the platform. It targets Linux users seeking to enhance their video call experience by creating a virtual webcam with customizable filters.

How It Works

The tool leverages the v4l2loopback kernel module to create a virtual webcam device. It then processes the input from a physical webcam, applies filters (like background blur), and outputs the processed stream to the virtual device. This virtual device can then be selected by any video conferencing application, effectively injecting the filters system-wide. Hardware acceleration via VAAPI is supported for improved performance.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install: Nix (recommended), pipx, pip, or Docker.
• Prerequisites: v4l2loopback kernel module, GStreamer (gst-python, gst-plugins-base, gst-plugins-good), and optionally gstreamer-vaapi for hardware acceleration.
• Setup: Nix installation bundles dependencies. Pip/pipx require manual GStreamer installation. Docker provides a self-contained environment.
• Links: v4l2loopback, Nix, nixGL.

Highlighted Details

• Supports background blur and hardware acceleration via VAAPI.
• Offers installation via Nix, pipx, pip, and Docker.
• Provides a virtual webcam interface compatible with most Linux applications.

Maintenance & Community

The project is actively maintained, with CI badges indicating automated checks. Community engagement channels are not explicitly mentioned in the README.

Licensing & Compatibility

The project does not explicitly state a license in the provided README. Compatibility for commercial use or closed-source linking would require clarification.

Limitations & Caveats

The README does not specify the exact filters available beyond background blur. Hardware acceleration setup might require specific GPU driver configurations. The project is Linux-specific.