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Video SDK Linux

AnthropicOfficialCreated by ZoomDistributed by Anthropic

  • Skill
  • Tool integration
  • Software development
  • MIT
  • No issues found

From the author

Zoom Video SDK for Linux - C++ headless bots, raw audio/video capture/injection, Qt/GTK integration, Docker support
— the description by Zoom

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

This skill provides comprehensive documentation and architectural patterns for developing with the Zoom Video SDK on Linux. It covers the specific requirements for Linux environments, such as the mandatory use of raw data pipes instead of a Canvas API, PulseAudio configuration for audio, and integration with UI frameworks like Qt and GTK. The documentation includes setup guides, API references, and best practices for building headless bots, virtual devices, and custom media processing pipelines.

What it does

  • Provides architectural patterns for Zoom Video SDK integration on Linux.
  • Explains how to implement raw video and audio capture/injection.
  • Offers guidance on building headless bots for Docker environments.
  • Details integration steps for Qt and GTK UI frameworks.
  • Includes troubleshooting guides for common Linux-specific build and runtime issues.
  • Provides API references for session management, raw data pipes, and virtual devices.

When to use it

  • When developing C++ applications using the Zoom Video SDK on Linux.
  • When building headless Zoom bots that require virtual audio/video devices.
  • When implementing custom video rendering or audio processing pipelines.
  • When integrating Zoom video capabilities into Qt or GTK-based desktop applications.
  • When troubleshooting audio or build issues specific to the Linux SDK implementation.

Advantages

  • Enables headless operation for server-side automation.
  • Provides low-level access to raw media streams (YUV420/PCM).
  • Supports custom UI integration via Qt/GTK.
  • Includes clear guidance on Linux-specific architectural constraints.
  • Provides ready-to-use patterns for session management and media handling.

Usage examples

“How do I join a session using the Linux SDK?”
The agent provides the session join pattern, including the necessary JWT token, session context configuration, and the required virtual audio speaker setup for headless environments.
“Why is my video not rendering on Linux?”
The agent explains that the Linux SDK lacks a Canvas API and directs the user to implement a raw data pipe for video rendering.
“How do I configure audio for a headless bot?”
The agent provides the PulseAudio setup steps and the code required to initialize virtual audio speakers and microphones.
“What are the dependencies for building the SDK on Ubuntu?”
The agent lists the required system packages, including build-essential, CMake, and specific libxcb libraries, while noting the need to use bundled Qt5 libraries.

Install

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/anthropics/video-sdk-linux/download
  2. Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

    mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip video-sdk-linux.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Zoom

Zoom Video SDK - Linux Development

Expert guidance for developing with the Zoom Video SDK on Linux. Build headless bots, raw media capture/injection applications, and custom UI integrations with Qt/GTK.

Official Documentation: https://developers.zoom.us/docs/video-sdk/linux/ API Reference: https://marketplacefront.zoom.us/sdk/custom/linux/ Sample Repository: https://github.com/zoom/videosdk-linux-raw-recording-sample

New to Video SDK? Follow this path:

  1. SDK Architecture Pattern - Universal 3-step pattern for ANY feature

  2. Session Join Pattern - Complete working code to join a session

  3. Raw Data vs Canvas - CRITICAL: Linux has NO Canvas API - raw data ONLY

  4. Raw Video Capture - Capture and process YUV420 frames

Reference:

Having issues?

Key Differences from Windows/macOS

FeatureLinuxWindows/Mac
Canvas API❌ Not available✅ Available
Raw Data Pipe✅ ONLY option✅ Available
UI IntegrationQt, GTK, SDL2, OpenGLWin32/WinForms/WPF, Cocoa
Headless Support✅ Excellent (Docker)Limited
AudioPulseAudio requiredNative
Virtual Devices✅ Required for headlessOptional

SDK Overview

The Zoom Video SDK for Linux is a C++ library optimized for:

  • Headless Bots: Docker/WSL support, no display required

  • Raw Data Access: Capture YUV420 video, PCM audio

  • Raw Data Injection: Virtual camera/mic for custom media

  • Screen Sharing: Capture or inject share data

  • Cloud Recording: Record sessions to Zoom cloud

  • Live Streaming: Stream to RTMP endpoints

  • Live Transcription: Real-time speech-to-text

  • Qt/GTK Integration: Full UI framework support

Prerequisites

System Requirements
  • OS: Ubuntu 20.04+, Debian 11+, or compatible

  • Architecture: x64 (recommended), ARM64

  • Compiler: GCC 9+, Clang 10+

  • CMake: 3.14 or later

  • Qt5: Bundled with SDK (do NOT install system Qt5)

Dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential gcc cmake libglib2.0-dev liblzma-dev \
    libxcb-image0 libxcb-keysyms1 libxcb-xfixes0 libxcb-xkb1 libxcb-shape0 \
    libxcb-shm0 libxcb-randr0 libxcb-xtest0 libgbm1 libxtst6 libgl1 libnss3 \
    libasound2 libpulse0

# For headless Linux
sudo apt install -y pulseaudio

# PulseAudio configuration (CRITICAL for audio)
mkdir -p ~/.config
echo "[General]" > ~/.config/zoomus.conf
echo "system.audio.type=default" >> ~/.config/zoomus.conf

# Log directory
mkdir -p ~/.zoom/logs

Quick Start

#include "zoom_video_sdk_api.h"
#include "zoom_video_sdk_interface.h"
#include "zoom_video_sdk_delegate_interface.h"

USING_ZOOM_VIDEO_SDK_NAMESPACE

// 1. Create SDK
IZoomVideoSDK* sdk = CreateZoomVideoSDKObj();

// 2. Initialize
ZoomVideoSDKInitParams init_params;
init_params.domain = "https://zoom.us";
init_params.enableLog = true;
init_params.logFilePrefix = "bot";
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.shareRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.audioRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;

sdk->initialize(init_params);

// 3. Add delegate
sdk->addListener(myDelegate);

// 4. Join session
ZoomVideoSDKSessionContext ctx;
ctx.sessionName = "my-session";
ctx.userName = "Linux Bot";
ctx.token = "jwt-token";
ctx.audioOption.connect = true;
ctx.audioOption.mute = false;
ctx.videoOption.localVideoOn = false;

// For headless: Virtual audio speaker
ctx.virtualAudioSpeaker = new VirtualSpeaker();

IZoomVideoSDKSession* session = sdk->joinSession(ctx);

See Session Join Pattern for complete code.

Key Features

FeatureLinux SupportGuide
Session Management✅ FullSession Join
Raw Video (YUV420)✅ ONLY rendering optionRaw Video
Raw Audio (PCM)✅ FullRaw Audio
Virtual Camera/Mic✅ FullVirtual Devices
Cloud Recording✅ FullRecording
Live Streaming✅ FullLive Stream
Live Transcription✅ FullTranscription
Command Channel✅ FullCommands
Chat✅ FullChat
Qt Integration✅ RecommendedQt/GTK
GTK Integration✅ SupportedQt/GTK
Docker/Headless✅ ExcellentVirtual Devices

Critical Gotchas

⚠️ CRITICAL #1: No Canvas API on Linux

Problem: Linux SDK does NOT have Canvas API like Windows/Mac.

Solution: You MUST use Raw Data Pipe and implement your own rendering.

See: Raw Data vs Canvas

⚠️ CRITICAL #2: PulseAudio Required for Audio

Problem: SDK requires PulseAudio for raw audio functions.

Solution:

sudo apt install -y pulseaudio
mkdir -p ~/.config
echo "[General]" > ~/.config/zoomus.conf
echo "system.audio.type=default" >> ~/.config/zoomus.conf

See: PulseAudio Setup

⚠️ CRITICAL #3: Qt5 Dependencies

Problem: SDK requires Qt5 libraries (bundled, NOT system Qt5).

Solution:

# Copy from SDK package
cp -r samples/qt_libs/Qt/lib/* lib/zoom_video_sdk/

# Create symlinks
cd lib/zoom_video_sdk
for lib in libQt5*.so.5; do ln -sf $lib ${lib%.5}; done

See: Qt Dependencies

⚠️ CRITICAL #4: Heap Memory Mode

Always use heap mode for raw data:

init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.shareRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.audioRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
⚠️ CRITICAL #5: Virtual Audio for Headless

Problem: Docker/headless environments have no audio devices.

Solution: Use virtual audio speaker and mic.

session_context.virtualAudioSpeaker = new VirtualSpeaker();
session_context.virtualAudioMic = new VirtualMic();

See: Virtual Audio/Video

Sample Repositories

Official Samples
RepositoryDescription
raw-recording-sampleRaw audio/video capture
qt-quickstartQt6 UI integration
gtk-quickstartGTK3 UI integration
Sample Architecture
Headless Bot (Docker):
┌──────────────────────────────────┐
│  Virtual Audio Speaker/Mic       │
├──────────────────────────────────┤
│  Raw Data Processing             │
│  - YUV420 → File/Stream   


## Merged from video-sdk/linux/SKILL.md

# Zoom Video SDK Linux - Complete Documentation Index

## Quick Start Path

**If you're new to the SDK, follow this order:**

1. **Read the architecture pattern** → [concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md)
   - Universal formula: Singleton → Delegate → Subscribe
   - Once you understand this, you can implement any feature

2. **Understand Linux specifics** → [concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)
   - **CRITICAL**: Linux has NO Canvas API - raw data ONLY

3. **Implement session join** → [examples/session-join-pattern.md](examples/session-join-pattern.md)
   - Complete working JWT + session join code

4. **Setup environment** → [troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)
   - PulseAudio configuration (required for audio)
   - [troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)
   - Qt5 library setup (bundled with SDK)

5. **Implement features** → Choose from examples below

---

## Documentation Structure

video-sdk/linux/ ├── SKILL.md # Main skill overview ├── SKILL.md # This file - navigation guide ├── linux.md # Platform summary │ ├── concepts/ # Core architectural patterns │ ├── sdk-architecture-pattern.md # Universal formula for ANY feature │ ├── singleton-hierarchy.md # 5-level navigation guide │ └── raw-data-vs-canvas.md # Linux-specific: raw data ONLY │ ├── examples/ # Complete working code │ ├── session-join-pattern.md # JWT auth + session join │ └── command-channel.md # Command channel with threading │ ├── troubleshooting/ # Problem solving guides │ ├── pulseaudio-setup.md # Audio configuration │ ├── qt-dependencies.md # Qt5 library setup │ ├── build-errors.md # Common build issues │ └── common-issues.md # Quick diagnostic workflow │ └── references/ # Reference documentation └── linux-reference.md # API hierarchy, methods, error codes


---

## By Use Case

### I want to build a headless bot
1. [SDK Architecture Pattern](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md) - Understand the pattern
2. [Session Join Pattern](examples/session-join-pattern.md) - Join sessions
3. [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md) - Configure audio
4. [Raw Data vs Canvas](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md) - Understand Linux differences

### I'm getting build errors
1. [Build Errors Guide](troubleshooting/build-errors.md) - SDK build issues
2. [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md) - Qt5 setup
3. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Quick diagnostics

### I'm getting runtime errors
1. [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md) - Audio not working
2. [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md) - Library not found
3. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Error code tables

### I want to use command channel
1. [Command Channel](examples/command-channel.md) - Send/receive commands
2. [Common Issues](troubleshooting/common-issues.md) - Threading requirements

### I want to implement a specific feature
1. [SDK Architecture Pattern](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md) - **START HERE!**
2. [Singleton Hierarchy](concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md) - Navigate to the feature
3. [API Reference](references/linux-reference.md) - Method signatures

---

## Most Critical Documents

### 1. SDK Architecture Pattern (MASTER DOCUMENT)
**[concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md](concepts/sdk-architecture-pattern.md)**

The universal 3-step pattern:
1. Get singleton (SDK, helpers, session, users)
2. Implement delegate (event callbacks)
3. Subscribe and use

### 2. Raw Data vs Canvas (LINUX-SPECIFIC)
**[concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)**

**CRITICAL**: Unlike Windows/Mac, Linux SDK has NO Canvas API. You MUST use raw data pipe.

### 3. PulseAudio Setup (MOST COMMON ISSUE)
**[troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)**

Audio requires PulseAudio configuration.

### 4. Qt Dependencies
**[troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)**

SDK requires bundled Qt5 libraries, NOT system Qt5.

---

## Key Learnings

### Critical Discoveries:

1. **Linux has NO Canvas API**
   - Windows/Mac have Canvas API for SDK-rendered video
   - Linux MUST use Raw Data Pipe
   - See: [Raw Data vs Canvas](concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md)

2. **PulseAudio is MANDATORY**
   - SDK requires PulseAudio for raw audio
   - Must configure ~/.config/zoomus.conf
   - See: [PulseAudio Setup](troubleshooting/pulseaudio-setup.md)

3. **Use Bundled Qt5, NOT System Qt5**
   - SDK includes specific Qt5 versions
   - Copy from samples/qt_libs/
   - See: [Qt Dependencies](troubleshooting/qt-dependencies.md)

4. **Helpers Control YOUR Streams Only**
   - `videoHelper->startVideo()` starts YOUR camera
   - To see others, subscribe to their VideoPipe
   - See: [Singleton Hierarchy](concepts/singleton-hierarchy.md)

5. **Virtual Devices for Headless**
   - Docker/headless needs virtual audio speaker/mic
   - Set before joining session
   - See: [Session Join Pattern](examples/session-join-pattern.md)

6. **Always Use Heap Memory Mode**
   ```cpp
   init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
  1. GLib Main Loop Required

    • while/sleep loops don't dispatch SDK events

    • Must use g_main_loop_run()

    • See: Common Issues

  2. All SDK Calls Must Be on Main Thread

    • Background thread SDK calls return error 2 (Internal_Error)

    • Use g_idle_add() to schedule on GLib main thread

    • See: Command Channel

  3. Command Channel is Session-Scoped

    • Does NOT span across different sessions

    • Both sender and receiver must be in the same session

    • See: Command Channel


Sample Repositories


Quick Reference

"My code won't compile"

→ Build Errors Guide

"Audio not working"

→ PulseAudio Setup

"Library not found"

→ Qt Dependencies

"How do I implement [feature]?"

→ SDK Architecture Pattern

"What error code means what?"

→ Common Issues


Document Version

Based on Zoom Video SDK for Linux v2.x


Happy coding!

Remember: The SDK Architecture Pattern is your key to unlocking the entire SDK. Read it first!

Operations

  • RUNBOOK.md - 5-minute preflight and debugging checklist.

Files

concepts/raw-data-vs-canvas.md

Raw Data - The ONLY Rendering Option on Linux

Linux vs Windows/Mac: Key Difference

CRITICAL: Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux SDK does NOT have Canvas API.

PlatformCanvas APIRaw Data Pipe
Windows✅ Yes (SDK renders to HWND)✅ Yes (YUV420 frames)
macOS✅ Yes (SDK renders to NSView)✅ Yes (YUV420 frames)
Linux❌ NO✅ ONLY OPTION (YUV420 frames)

What this means: On Linux, you MUST use the Raw Data Pipe and implement your own rendering. There is no built-in rendering like on Windows/Mac.


What is Raw Data?

Raw data is uncompressed, unprocessed media data:

  • Video: YUV420 (I420) format - separate Y, U, V planes

  • Audio: PCM 16-bit format - raw audio samples

  • Share: YUV420 format (same as video)

YUV420 (I420) Format
Y Plane (Luminance - full resolution):
[Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y]
[Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y]
[Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y]
[Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y]

U Plane (Chrominance - 1/4 resolution):
[U U U U]
[U U U U]

V Plane (Chrominance - 1/4 resolution):
[V V V V]
[V V V V]

Why YUV420?

  • Efficient: 12 bits per pixel (vs 24 for RGB)

  • Standard: Used by video codecs (H.264, VP8, VP9)

  • Human vision: Less sensitive to color than brightness

PCM Audio Format
PCM 16-bit Mono (32kHz):
Sample Rate: 32000 Hz
Bit Depth: 16 bits per sample
Channels: 1 (mono)
Buffer: char* array of signed 16-bit integers

Raw Data Pipe Architecture

Receive Pattern
// 1. Implement delegate
class VideoRenderer : public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
public:
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        // Receive YUV420 frame
        int width = data->GetStreamWidth();
        int height = data->GetStreamHeight();
        
        char* yBuffer = data->GetYBuffer();
        char* uBuffer = data->GetUBuffer();
        char* vBuffer = data->GetVBuffer();
        
        // Convert YUV to RGB
        unsigned char* rgbBuffer = ConvertYUVToRGB(yBuffer, uBuffer, vBuffer, width, height);
        
        // Render with Qt/GTK/SDL/OpenGL
        RenderFrame(rgbBuffer, width, height);
    }
    
    void onRawDataStatusChanged(RawDataStatus status) override {
        if (status == RawData_On) {
            printf("Video started\n");
        } else {
            printf("Video stopped\n");
        }
    }
};

// 2. Subscribe to user's video
IZoomVideoSDKUser* user = /* from callback */;
IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipe* pipe = user->GetVideoPipe();
pipe->subscribe(ZoomVideoSDKResolution_720P, new VideoRenderer());
Send Pattern (Virtual Devices)
// 1. Implement virtual video source
class VirtualCamera : public IZoomVideoSDKVideoSource {
    IZoomVideoSDKVideoSender* sender_;
    
public:
    void onInitialize(IZoomVideoSDKVideoSender* sender,
                     IVideoSDKVector<VideoSourceCapability>* caps,
                     VideoSourceCapability& suggest) override {
        sender_ = sender;
    }
    
    void onStartSend() override {
        // Start sending frames
        while (sending_) {
            // Load or generate YUV420 frame
            char* yBuffer = /* Y plane */;
            char* uBuffer = /* U plane */;
            char* vBuffer = /* V plane */;
            
            sender_->sendVideoFrame(yBuffer, uBuffer, vBuffer, 
                                   width, height, 0, rotation);
            
            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(33));  // ~30 FPS
        }
    }
    
    void onStopSend() override {
        sending_ = false;
    }
    
    void onPropertyChange(...) override {}
    void onUninitialized() override { sender_ = nullptr; }
    
private:
    bool sending_ = false;
};

// 2. Set before joining
session_context.externalVideoSource = new VirtualCamera();

YUV to RGB Conversion

Required for rendering: Most UI frameworks expect RGB/RGBA, not YUV.

ITU-R BT.601 Formula
void ConvertYUV420ToRGB(char* yBuffer, char* uBuffer, char* vBuffer,
                        int width, int height, unsigned char* rgbBuffer) {
    for (int y = 0; y < height; y++) {
        for (int x = 0; x < width; x++) {
            int yIndex = y * width + x;
            int uvIndex = (y / 2) * (width / 2) + (x / 2);
            
            int Y = (unsigned char)yBuffer[yIndex];
            int U = (unsigned char)uBuffer[uvIndex];
            int V = (unsigned char)vBuffer[uvIndex];
            
            // YUV to RGB conversion
            int C = Y - 16;
            int D = U - 128;
            int E = V - 128;
            
            int R = (298 * C + 409 * E + 128) >> 8;
            int G = (298 * C - 100 * D - 208 * E + 128) >> 8;
            int B = (298 * C + 516 * D + 128) >> 8;
            
            // Clamp to [0, 255]
            R = std::max(0, std::min(255, R));
            G = std::max(0, std::min(255, G));
            B = std::max(0, std::min(255, B));
            
            // Store RGB
            int rgbIndex = yIndex * 3;
            rgbBuffer[rgbIndex + 0] = (unsigned char)R;
            rgbBuffer[rgbIndex + 1] = (unsigned char)G;
            rgbBuffer[rgbIndex + 2] = (unsigned char)B;
        }
    }
}
#include <libyuv/convert.h>

void ConvertYUV420ToRGB(char* yBuffer, char* uBuffer, char* vBuffer,
                        int width, int height, unsigned char* rgbBuffer) {
    libyuv::I420ToRGB24(
        (const uint8_t*)yBuffer, width,
        (const uint8_t*)uBuffer, width / 2,
        (const uint8_t*)vBuffer, width / 2,
        rgbBuffer, width * 3,
        width, height
    );
}

Install libyuv:

sudo apt install -y libyuv-dev

Rendering Options

class QtVideoWidget : public QWidget, public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
    Q_OBJECT
    
signals:
    void frameReceived(QImage frame);
    
public:
    QtVideoWidget(QWidget* parent = nullptr) : QWidget(parent) {
        connect(this, &QtVideoWidget::frameReceived,
                this, &QtVideoWidget::updateFrame);
    }
    
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        int width = data->GetStreamWidth();
        int height = data->GetStreamHeight();
        
        // Convert YUV to RGB
        unsigned char* rgbBuffer = new unsigned char[width * height * 3];
        ConvertYUV420ToRGB(data->GetYBuffer(), data->GetUBuffer(), data->GetVBuffer(),
                          width, height, rgbBuffer);
        
        // Create QImage (takes ownership of buffer)
        QImage img(rgbBuffer, width, height, width * 3, QImage::Format_RGB888,
                  [](void* ptr) { delete[] (unsigned char*)ptr; }, rgbBuffer);
        
        // Emit signal (thread-safe)
        emit frameReceived(img.copy());
    }
    
    void onRawDataStatusChanged(RawDataStatus status) override {}
    
private slots:
    void updateFrame(QImage img) {
        pixmap_ = QPixmap::fromImage(img);
        update();  // Trigger repaint
    }
    
protected:
    void paintEvent(QPaintEvent*) override {
        if (!pixmap_.isNull()) {
            QPainter painter(this);
            painter.drawPixmap(rect(), pixmap_);
        }
    }
    
private:
    QPixmap pixmap_;
};
Option 2: GTK with Cairo
class GtkVideoRenderer : public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
public:
    GtkVideoRenderer(GtkWidget* drawingArea) : drawing_area_(drawingArea) {
        g_signal_connect(drawing_area_, "draw", G_CALLBACK(on_draw_static), this);
    }
    
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        int width = data->GetStreamWidth();
        int height = data->GetStreamHeight();
        
        // Allocate RGB buffer
        std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock(mutex_);
        if (rgb_buffer_) delete[] rgb_buffer_;
        rgb_buffer_ = new unsigned char[width * height * 3];
        width_ = width;
        height_ = height;
        
        // Convert YUV to RGB
        ConvertYUV420ToRGB(data->GetYBuffer(), data->GetUBuffer(), data->GetVBuffer(),
                          width, height, rgb_buffer_);
        
        // Trigger redraw on main thread
        g_idle_add([](gpointer user_data) {
            gtk_widget_queue_draw((GtkWidget*)user_data);
            return G_SOURCE_REMOVE;
        }, drawing_area_);
    }
    
    void onRawDataStatusChanged(RawDataStatus status) override {}
    
private:
    static gboolean on_draw_static(GtkWidget* widget, cairo_t* cr, gpointer user_data) {
        return ((GtkVideoRenderer*)user_data)->on_draw(widget, cr);
    }
    
    gboolean on_draw(GtkWidget* widget, cairo_t* cr) {
        std::lock_guard<std::mutex> lock(mutex_);
        if (!rgb_buffer_) return FALSE;
        
        // Create Cairo surface from RGB buffer
        cairo_surface_t* surface = cairo_image_surface_create_for_data(
            rgb_buffer_,
            CAIRO_FORMAT_RGB24,
            width_, height_,
            cairo_format_stride_for_width(CAIRO_FORMAT_RGB24, width_)
        );
        
        // Scale to widget size
        int widget_width = gtk_widget_get_allocated_width(widget);
        int widget_height = gtk_widget_get_allocated_height(widget);
        
        cairo_scale(cr, 
                   (double)widget_width / width_,
                   (double)widget_height / height_);
        
        // Draw
        cairo_set_source_surface(cr, surface, 0, 0);
        cairo_paint(cr);
        
        cairo_surface_destroy(surface);
        return TRUE;
    }
    
    GtkWidget* drawing_area_;
    unsigned char* rgb_buffer_ = nullptr;
    int width_ = 0;
    int height_ = 0;
    std::mutex mutex_;
};
Option 3: SDL2 (Lightweight)
class SDL2VideoRenderer : public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
public:
    SDL2VideoRenderer() {
        SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_VIDEO);
        window_ = SDL_CreateWindow("Zoom Video", 
                                   SDL_WINDOWPOS_CENTERED, SDL_WINDOWPOS_CENTERED,
                                   1280, 720, SDL_WINDOW_SHOWN | SDL_WINDOW_RESIZABLE);
        renderer_ = SDL_CreateRenderer(window_, -1, SDL_RENDERER_ACCELERATED);
    }
    
    ~SDL2VideoRenderer() {
        if (texture_) SDL_DestroyTexture(texture_);
        if (renderer_) SDL_DestroyRenderer(renderer_);
        if (window_) SDL_DestroyWindow(window_);
        SDL_Quit();
    }
    
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        int width = data->GetStreamWidth();
        int height = data->GetStreamHeight();
        
        // Create texture if needed
        if (!texture_ || width_ != width || height_ != height) {
            if (texture_) SDL_DestroyTexture(texture_);
            texture_ = SDL_CreateTexture(renderer_, SDL_PIXELFORMAT_IYUV,
                                        SDL_TEXTUREACCESS_STREAMING, width, height);
            width_ = width;
            height_ = height;
        }
        
        // Update texture with YUV data (no conversion needed!)
        SDL_UpdateYUVTexture(texture_, nullptr,
                            (Uint8*)data->GetYBuffer(), width,
                            (Uint8*)data->GetUBuffer(), width / 2,
                            (Uint8*)data->GetVBuffer(), width / 2);
        
        // Render
        SDL_RenderClear(renderer_);
        SDL_RenderCopy(renderer_, texture_, nullptr, nullptr);
        SDL_RenderPresent(renderer_);
    }
    
    void onRawDataStatusChanged(RawDataStatus status) override {}
    
private:
    SDL_Window* window_ = nullptr;
    SDL_Renderer* renderer_ = nullptr;
    SDL_Texture* texture_ = nullptr;
    int width_ = 0;
    int height_ = 0;
};

Advantage: SDL2 supports YUV textures natively - no RGB conversion needed!

Option 4: OpenGL (High Performance)
class OpenGLVideoRenderer : public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
public:
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        // Upload YUV planes as textures
        glBindTexture(GL_TEXTURE_2D, yTexture_);
        glTexImage2D(GL_TEXTURE_2D, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, 
                    width, height, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, 
                    data->GetYBuffer());
        
        glBindTexture(GL_TEXTURE_2D, uTexture_);
        glTexImage2D(GL_TEXTURE_2D, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, 
                    width/2, height/2, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, 
                    data->GetUBuffer());
        
        glBindTexture(GL_TEXTURE_2D, vTexture_);
        glTexImage2D(GL_TEXTURE_2D, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, 
                    width/2, height/2, 0, GL_LUMINANCE, GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, 
                    data->GetVBuffer());
        
        // Use shader to convert YUV to RGB on GPU
        RenderWithYUVShader();
    }
    
    void onRawDataStatusChanged(RawDataStatus status) override {}
    
private:
    GLuint yTexture_, uTexture_, vTexture_;
};

Performance Considerations

CPU vs GPU Conversion
MethodPerformanceComplexity
Manual CPUSlowestSimple
libyuv (SIMD)FastSimple
SDL2 YUV textureVery FastSimple
OpenGL shaderFastestComplex

Recommendation:

  • Simple apps: libyuv

  • Cross-platform: Qt + libyuv

  • Performance-critical: SDL2 or OpenGL

Memory Management

CRITICAL: YUV frames can be large. Use heap mode and manage memory carefully.

// Initialize with heap mode
init_params.videoRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;
init_params.shareRawDataMemoryMode = ZoomVideoSDKRawDataMemoryModeHeap;

// Reference counting for async processing
void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
    if (data->CanAddRef()) {
        data->AddRef();
        
        // Queue for background processing
        processing_queue_.push(data);
        
        // Later, after processing
        data->Release();
    }
}
Frame Rate Control
class ThrottledRenderer : public IZoomVideoSDKRawDataPipeDelegate {
    auto last_frame_ = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
    const int target_fps_ = 30;
    
    void onRawDataFrameReceived(YUVRawDataI420* data) override {
        auto now = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
        auto elapsed = std::chrono::duration_cast<std::chrono::milliseconds>(now - last_frame_);
        
        // Throttle to target FPS
        if (elapsed.count() < (1000 / target_fps_)) {
            return;  // Skip frame
        }
        
        last_frame_ = now;
        RenderFrame(data);
    }
};

Audio Raw Data

Receive Audio
// In IZoomVideoSDKDelegate
void onMixedAudioRawDataReceived(AudioRawData* data) override {
    char* buffer = data->GetBuffer();           // PCM 16-bit
    unsigned int len = data->GetBufferLen();    // Bytes
    unsigned int sampleRate = data->GetSampleRate();  // Hz
    unsigned int channels = data->GetChannelNum();    // 1=mono, 2=stereo
    
    // Play or save audio
    PlayAudio(buffer, len, sampleRate, channels);
}

void onOneWayAudioRawDataReceived(AudioRawData* data, IZoomVideoSDKUser* user) override {
    // Per-user audio
}
Send Audio (Virtual Mic)
class VirtualMic : public IZoomVideoSDKVirtualAudioMic {
    IZoomVideoSDKAudioSender* sender_;
    
    void onMicInitialize(IZoomVideoSDKAudioSender* sender) override {
        sender_ = sender;
    }
    
    void onMicStartSend() override {
        // Load PCM audio file
        char* audioBuffer = LoadPCMAudio("audio.pcm");
        int length = GetAudioLength();
        int sampleRate = 32000;
        
        // Send in chunks
        int chunkSize = sampleRate * 2 / 100;  // 10ms chunks (16-bit = 2 bytes)
        for (int offset = 0; offset < length; offset += chunkSize) {
            sender_->Send(audioBuffer + offset, chunkSize, sampleRate);
            std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(10));
        }
    }
    
    void onMicStopSend() override {}
    void onMicUninitialized() override { sender_ = nullptr; }
};

Summary

FeatureLinux SDK
Canvas API❌ Not available
Raw Data Pipe✅ ONLY rendering option
YUV to RGB✅ Required for most UIs
Qt Integration✅ Recommended
GTK Integration✅ Supported
SDL2✅ Best performance
OpenGL✅ Maximum performance
Virtual Devices✅ For custom media injection
Memory Mode✅ Always use Heap

Key Takeaway: Linux requires manual rendering. Choose your rendering framework (Qt, GTK, SDL2, OpenGL) and implement YUV to RGB conversion.


See Also

Requirements and compatibility

Written for: Claude Code, Claude apps

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Claude Code frontmatter

Security

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Attribution and licence

Created by
Zoom
Publisher
Anthropic (Official)
Distributed by
Anthropic
Source
anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins · partner-built/zoom-plugin/skills/video-sdk/linux · commit e050c2e
Licence
MIT License (redistribution allowed)
  • LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from partner-built/zoom-plugin/LICENSE)
  • ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
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