Stuttering-Potential Vsync issues and testing

[Amped Carnage]

Is Vsync implementation the cause of this seemingly non network/performance related stuttering?

I've come across a couple of interesting websites that test vsync, and check what your screen refresh rate actually is. The tests are conducted on a Web browser via the Steam Link
http://displayhz.com
Checks your ACTUAL refresh rate, mine showed 62.something even if steam link was set to 60hz or 59.94hz. That would cause the stutter we are seeing!

http://vsynctester.com
This website shows you how accurate your vsync is... my result when running it on a Web browser via the link is Catastrophic Vsync Failure!
Doesn't sound good.

I'm aware we are possibly streaming the result of the attached monitor, but my monitor wasn't even on when testing this so I assume not.

Hey, this might even be a starting point to a solution, who knows! Post your results, won't take long

[saqwarrior]

Hey, I just tested on my TV and Steam Link and I got the exact same results as you, even a 62.x refresh rate.

[Amped Carnage]

See? We're on to something here, that would definitely cause this stuttering! Where do we go from here though??

[Amped Carnage]

Partial Fix

This has worked very well for me
Ok, this went a long way to fixing this issue, but it ISN'T perfect, just better.
You need to disable vsync on the Link itself, to do this you need a spare USB pendrive.

• Format your pendrive.
  
• Create folder on it called

  steamlink

• Within that folder create one called

  config

• In that one, make a folder called

  system

• Within the system folder create a standard text document called

  streaming_args.txt

• Next, open the newly created text file and type the line
  

  --novsync

• The full path on your pendrive should be

  steamlink/config/system/streaming_args.txt

• Save the file and remove your pendrive.
  
• Plug the pendrive into the link, pull out the power cable for 10 seconds, then insert power again. The Link will see your pendrive, and load the settings from it.

Result
Now when I test vsync, the result is 60fps, 59.9999 hz and a lot less stutter in games. I have notice that if the stutter gets a bit much, changing the host from hardware decoding to software and back seems to clear things up again.
Let me know how this goes.

[saqwarrior]

Originally posted by Amped Carnage:

See? We're on to something here, that would definitely cause this stuttering! Where do we go from here though??

I'll have to give your recommendation a try, but I'm not entirely sure we're experiencing the same problem; my stuttering is intermittent in occurrence and variable in length: I can go for a few minutes without a hiccup, and when one does happen it can be completely non-intrusive lasting only a moment, or it can last for 4-6 seconds. Is that what you're experiencing?

[El Gigante]

no, I have a "constant" stutter every few seconds. it lasts for only a fraction of a second, but it is very disturbing because it happens so frequently.

[saqwarrior]

Originally posted by El Gigante:

no, I have a "constant" stutter every few seconds. it lasts for only a fraction of a second, but it is very disturbing because it happens so frequently.

Christ, that sounds unplayable. Did you do the vsync test recommended by Amped?

[Amped Carnage]

That would describe my experience most of the time before disabling link vsync.

[saqwarrior]

Originally posted by Amped Carnage:

That would describe my experience most of the time before disabling link vsync.

Well ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ then I'm definitely gonna give your recommendation a try!

[Amped Carnage]

And by the way, to put things back as they were, just do factory reset on the link and go make a cup of tea. (option is in the 'system' menu I believe)

[El Gigante]

Originally posted by Amped Carnage:

Partial Fix

This has worked very well for me
Ok, this went a long way to fixing this issue, but it ISN'T perfect, just better.
You need to disable vsync on the Link itself, to do this you need a spare USB pendrive.

• Format your pendrive.
  
• Create folder on it called

  steamlink

• Within that folder create one called

  config

• In that one, make a folder called

  system

• Within the system folder create a standard text document called

  streaming_args.txt

• Next, open the newly created text file and type the line
  

  --novsync

• The full path on your pendrive should be

  steamlink/config/system/streaming_args.txt

• Save the file and remove your pendrive.
  
• Plug the pendrive into the link, pull out the power cable for 10 seconds, then insert power again. The Link will see your pendrive, and load the settings from it.

Result
Now when I test vsync, the result is 60fps, 59.9999 hz and a lot less stutter in games. I have notice that if the stutter gets a bit much, changing the host from hardware decoding to software and back seems to clear things up again.
Let me know how this goes.

I did all that and it still show "around" 60 Hz when testing, but it stutters no matter what settings I use. not constantly, but every few seconds there is a slight stutter. you can clearly see that when text is scrolling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l47dps4Xs-Y

at second 3-4 it is noticeable. it is much clearer when you can see it yourself. video makes it harder to spot.

[El Gigante]

I found this video to be perfect for testing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vigX3H7WX5Q

you do not even need to have both (client and host) screens next to each other to clearly see that the client is missing a few frames every few seconds --> micro stutter.
this does NOT happen on the host.
client = steamlink OR laptop, does not matter.

Please click the video and test it on your client. I guarantee you will see at least one or two stutters within a test period of 15 seconds!

[El Gigante]

To eliminate browser as the culprit you can also download and play the same video here:

https://we.tl/MdSVyK1Vfm

butter smooth from VLC at 60 frames on HOST, but constant stuttering every 4-8 seconds on the client.

[Amped Carnage]

I hate to say it guys, but I've ended up getting an NVidia shield, as I hoped it simply does 'just work'. No more problems at all. Keep it up though guys, I hope it gets solved, I really do.

[El Gigante]

Originally posted by Amped Carnage:

I hate to say it guys, but I've ended up getting an NVidia shield, as I hoped it simply does 'just work'. No more problems at all. Keep it up though guys, I hope it gets solved, I really do.

would you mind testing the LCD motion video on your shield for us, please?

[Amped Carnage]

Will do next chance I get, buddy!