Playback Issues

If the Asset Manager adds an asset successfully and it reaches the Ok state, the asset is playable. Playback problems on a Runner are not a format problem. They mean a node cannot deliver frames fast enough, either from the decoder or from storage. For assets that fail to add or optimize, see Asset Manager Issues.

Stutter or Freezing from Decoding

GPU-decoded codecs such as HEVC decode on the GPU's hardware decoder. If that decoder does not support the asset's resolution or bitrate, WATCHOUT falls back to decoding on the CPU. When the CPU cannot keep up, frames freeze or playback stutters.

  • Confirm the playback node's GPU supports the asset's resolution and bitrate in hardware.
  • Re-optimize the asset to a resolution, bitrate, or codec the hardware decoder supports. Use Create Version with a different output codec.

Stutter or Freezing from Storage

High-bandwidth codecs need sustained read speed from the playback node's SSD. When the SSD cannot keep up, the symptom depends on how far short it falls:

  • Playback is fine at first, then stutters after some time. The SSD is thermally throttling — its read speed drops once it heats up. Improve SSD cooling (see Performance Tips).
  • Only the first frames show, then the content freezes. The SSD cannot deliver the read speed the content needs at all.

In both cases, re-optimize the asset to a codec that needs less read bandwidth. Use Create Version with a lighter output codec. To estimate the bandwidth a format needs, use the bandwidth calculator in System Requirements.

Live Capture Irregularities

Problems with live inputs (NDI®, Deltacast, Spout, USB capture) are covered separately. See Capture Issues.

NDI® is a registered trademark of Vizrt NDI AB.

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