Optimize Performance

GFX Settings

Introduction

TranslationFreeRDP pending..supports four relevant codecs for transmitting the image from the terminal server to the thin client.

The choice of codec affects image quality and CPU utilization on the thin client and the terminal server. Depending on the Windows Server version, select codecs are available:

¹ _{The RDP specification allows it, and our test servers are undergoing configuration to support it.}

Which codec is best?

Advanced Video Codecs (AVCs), particularly AVC444, are the most modern codecs. The AVC444 codec promises the lowest CPU load on the thin client while maintaining low network load and delivering the best image quality. Extensive tests show that results vary. The optimal technology depends on the thin client hardware, the server operating system, the terminal server settings, and the network. Some customers report experiencing significant compression artifacts with AVC444, whereas others achieve smooth performance and high quality. Therefore, select the codec that best matches the specific environment.

If FreeRDP performance is limited or compression artifacts appear, try the 2 - 3 available options to identify the optimal configuration.

Determine the currently active codec.

Use the Windows Event Viewer to determine the codec. Open the Event Viewer and navigate to Applications and Services Logs → Microsoft → Windows → RemoteDesktopServices-RdpCoreTS. Search for events with Event ID 162.

Based on experience, use the following table to determine the codec being used:

Codec
Windows 2012R2
Windows 2016
Windows 2019
RemoteFX
Client Mode: 1/3, H264 Enabled: 0 Client Mode: 3, AVC Available: 0 Client Mode:3, AVC Available 0 RemoteFX Progressive
Client Mode: 0/2, H264 Enabled: 0 Client Mode: 0/2, AVC Available: 0 Client Mode:0, AVC Available 0 or
Client Mode:2, AVC Available 1, Initial Profile: 2 AVC420
H264 Enabled: 1 ❔ ❔ AVC444
⛔ AVC Available 1, Initial profile: 2 048 AVC Available 1, Initial Profile: 2 048

Different server configurations may produce varying results. Therefore, the table above is for reference. Future versions will display the active codec in the openthinclient OS.

Configure the following settings in the openthinclient Manager.

To control the codec selection, configure the following settings in the openthinclient Manager within the FreeRDP application:

¹ _{On the server side, configure AVC444 through the Group Policy setting Computer Configuration→Administrative Templates→Windows Components→Remote Desktop Services→Remote Desktop Session Host→Remote Session Environment→Prioritize H.264/AVC 444 Graphics mode for Remote Desktop connections. To use AVC444, use Group Policy to prioritize AVC444.}