How Adaptive Scaling in the Desktop Client works

To deliver smooth video playback without overloading your network or computer, the VMS uses Adaptive Scaling.

Modern IP cameras often capture high-resolution, high-frame-rate video. However, streaming and decoding multiple high-resolution feeds simultaneously requires massive network bandwidth and CPU power.

To optimize performance, the Desktop Client dynamically switches between a camera's high-resolution (primary) and low-resolution (secondary) streams based on your current viewing needs and system resources.

When the Client uses high-resolution streams

The Desktop Client displays the high-resolution stream when you need to see fine details and your system has the resources to handle it.

The Desktop Client switches to the high-resolution stream in the following scenarios:

• Single Device Display: When only 1 device is displayed on the layout grid. 

• Large grid size: The height of the video item on your viewing grid is larger than 172 pixels.

• Enlarged or full-screen view: You enlarge a video item or double-click it to enter full-screen mode.

• Normal system load: Your network bandwidth and CPU usage are within normal operating limits.

• Manual override: You force the client to display only high-resolution streams (note: this may significantly lower your frame rate and increase your CPU load).

• Resumed normal playback: You return to normal playback speed after fast-forwarding or rewinding.

When the Desktop Client uses low-resolution streams

The Desktop Client switches to the low-resolution stream to save bandwidth and reduce CPU usage, ensuring the application remains responsive.

The client switches to the low-resolution stream in the following scenarios:

• Small grid size: The height of the video item on your viewing grid is less than 172 pixels.

• Many simultaneous streams: You display 16 or more video streams in a single layout.

• Performance issues: * The Media Server detects a high number of dropped frames from a dual-stream camera.

  • The Desktop Client experiences delayed frames during decoding.

• Variable speed playback: You fast-forward or rewind a video item.

• Manual override: You force the client to display only low-resolution streams.