Better encoding quality

[Aapje]

In the DLSS 4 topic, there was a very interesting discussion about H.264+:

Basically, it has been known for a while that Virtual Desktop uses a better video encoder, and that you get optimal quality when using a wired ethernet cable + USB-adapter to connect to the Quest. That way, you have the benefits of a fast wired connection, but also the better video encoder. However, it is a bit ridiculous that this is needed, when there is no reason why this can't work over USB directly.

I wrote a feature request on the Meta forum to support H.264+ and H.265+ : https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/PCVR-Link-Development/Feature-request-H-264-and-H-265-support/m-p/1291237#M26324

As noted above, this should be a big benefit to us, basically giving us a free visual boost, whether we use AVC (H.264) or AV1 (H.265).

It probably helps if some of you would give an upvote ('kudos') and leave a statement in support. However, better not mention flight simming/DCS too much, since then it looks like only our small niche cares and we are brigading. There is some truth to this, but they don't have to know that, and it is for a good cause, since all PCVR users could benefit from this, not just (DCS) simmers.

Edited February 3 by Aapje

[Aapje]

Oh, my request got marked as spam, so you might not be able to see it. I have appealed and hopefully they will fix it. Meanwhile, this is the text of my request:

The Plus variants of these codecs are optimized to require less bandwidth for the same quality. They are compatible with most decoding hardware/software, since they conform to the H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC standards, respectively.

They were developed by a camera surveillance company, which is a fairly similar use case to the needs for Link: sending high-quality video in real time over a connection with limited bit rates, using relatively low-performance hardware (compared to a GPU).

The H.264+ variant is already supported by Virtual Desktop, so I see no reason why it shouldn't work for wired or air Link. In fact, it works so well that there are wired PCVR users who connect to their headset using a ethernet cable (with an USB-adapter), just so they can use Virtual Desktop over a wired connection. So it seems proven that it would be a benefit if implemented for Link.

Whether H.265+ works well for the Quest is unproven, but it might provide a big benefit for low bandwidth air Link connections (H.265 works better for air link due to the bitrate limitation, but with a high-speed connection, H.264 works better).

Even if these are only supported through the Debug Tool, this would provide a nice benefit for users & developers who want to optimize their connection. Of course, it would be even better if Link auto-selects the best codec and bitrate, so less tech-savvy users would benefit as well.

https://www.securitymagazine.com/ext/resources/whitepapers/Hikvision-H264-Encoding-Technology.pdf

https://www.hikvision.com/content/dam/hikvision/en/brochures-download/product-brochures/White-Paper_H.265-Plus-Brochure.pdf

[gonvise]

Hello, I understand that you are referring to the "+" versions, and not any of these that allow use via link cable.

 

And on the other hand, It's working well for you the wired ethernet cable + USB-adapter to connect to the Quest? I would like to test with VD without having to reassemble the Wifi-6 router.

 

[Aapje]

Yes, the idea is that they would add these variants, so there would be 2 extra options in the dropdown.

I personally don't use the ethernet method, but I've heard of a bunch of simmers who do use it.

[Qcumber]

8 hours ago, Aapje said:

Basically, it has been known for a while that Virtual Desktop uses a better video encoder, and that you get optimal quality when using a wired ethernet cable + USB-adapter to connect to the Quest. That way, you have the benefits of a fast wired connection, but also the better video encoder. However, it is a bit ridiculous that this is needed, when there is no reason why this can't work over USB directly.

This has been discussed a lot on the VD Discord. From what I understand, the main reason for no VD usb is Meta will not allow it outside of their software. 

[Aapje]

40 minutes ago, Qcumber said:

This has been discussed a lot on the VD Discord. From what I understand, the main reason for no VD usb is Meta will not allow it outside of their software. 

Which is even more reason why we need Meta to implement these codec improvements.

Anyway, it seems like they removed the spam flag, so my post should now be visible to all.