GhostCast Client

GhostCast Client is a terminal-based Python application for capturing and broadcasting the desktop screen in real-time. It works in conjunction with the GhostCast server, transmitting the video stream via WebSockets and receiving chat messages directly in the console.

The client is optimized for performance, uses efficient JPEG compression, and operates without a graphical user interface (Headless).

Features

• Lightweight Execution: Runs from the command line without installing heavy software.
• Screen Capture: Uses the mss library for fast frame capture.
• Terminal Chat: Receives messages from viewers and displays them asynchronously.
• Low Latency: Optimized pipeline: Grab -> OpenCV Resize/Compress -> WebSocket Send.
• Stylish UI: Colored log and chat output thanks to colorama.

Requirements

• Python 3.8+
• Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Installation

1. Download the client code: (If you downloaded an archive from a release, simply extract it).

2. Create a virtual environment (recommended):

   python -m venv venv
   
   # Windows:
   venv\Scripts\activate
   
   # macOS/Linux:
   source venv/bin/activate
   

3. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt
   

Configuration

Before running, you need to specify your server address.

1. Open the config.py file.
2. Change SERVER_URL to your deployment address:

# For local testing:
SERVER_URL = "ws://127.0.0.1:8000/ws/room/"

# For production (example):
SERVER_URL = "wss://cast.example.com/ws/room/"