Topic: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Hi there, just bought SVP license and having many problems:

Specs:

Macbook Air Mid- 2012
CPU: Core i7-3667U
GPU: HD Graphics 4000
RAM: 8GB
OS: 10.12.1 Sierra

Steps taken:
1. Clean installed OS
2. Installed Homebrew
3. Installed and Registered SVP 4.0.0.96
4. mpv and Vapoursynth installed via Homebrew:
5. Installed VLC 2.2.4 via Download
1080p H.264 video plays choppy in both mpv and VLC, Tried a 30fps video and a 60fps video. Both play worse than if you play it on Quicktime. 

6. Added the following to: player_args: input-ipc-server=/tmp/mpvsocket;hwdec=no
After adding this, there was no difference in mpv (is this the correct format for the args?)

7. Disabled GPU Acceleration(Application Settings>Acceleration>No GPU Acceleration)

This improved it somewhat but it is still choppy.

I have close all background apps (I just had Chrome open)

SVP is showing 40-60% CPU usage it is average around 50%

Here is the log when starting SVP and trying to play video with mpv:

23:50:50.029  : Main: starting up SVP 4 Mac [4.0.0.96]...
23:50:50.029  : Main: args: none
23:50:50.029  : Main: working dir is /Applications/SVP 4 Mac.app/Contents/Resources/
23:50:50.029  : Main: data dir set to /Users/saturn/Library/Application Support/SVP4/
23:50:50.029  : Settings: loading main.cfg OK
23:50:50.029  : Settings: loading ui.cfg OK
23:50:50.030  : Settings: loading frc.cfg OK
23:50:50.030  : Settings: loading profiles.cfg OK
23:50:50.030  : Settings: loading custom.cfg OK
23:50:50.030  : Settings: loading lights.cfg OK
23:50:50.030  : Main: using Qt 5.6.2 (x86_64-little_endian-lp64 shared (dynamic) release build; by Clang 7.0.2 (clang-700.1.81) (Apple))
23:50:50.030  : Main: device scale is 1, user defined scale is 0
23:50:50.030  : Main: system locale is [en]
23:50:50.030  : Main: setting language file to en.qm...
23:50:50.032  : Main: module 'plugins/libsvpflow1_vs64.dylib': 4.0.0.132
23:50:50.033  : Main: module 'plugins/libsvpflow2_vs64.dylib': 4.0.0.137
23:50:50.035  : Main: VLC filter (64 bit): 0.9.0.93
23:50:50.035  : Main: running OpenCL info...
23:50:50.037  : Main: collecting system information...
23:50:50.037  : macOS 10.12.1 Sierra
23:50:50.040  : CPU: Intel Core i7-3667U [base frequency 1907 MHz, 4 threads]
23:50:50.041  : Video: 1 GPU OpenCL device(s) on Apple [OpenCL 1.2 (Oct 14 2016 20:26:22)] (Apple)
23:50:50.041  : Video 1: device name 'HD Graphics 4000' (Intel, ver.1.2(Oct 20 2016 23:20:10)) [gpuID=11]: OK
23:50:50.042  : Memory:  8192  MB total,  1995 MB free
23:50:50.042  : System: initializing network...
23:50:50.053  : Screens: updating information, 1 screen(s) found
23:50:50.053  : Screens: screen 0 (ASUS VG27A) - 1920x1080 @60.000 Hz, x1.0 [82 DPI]
23:50:50.053  : Screens: primary screen is 0
23:50:50.053  : Power: AC is ON [1]
23:50:50.110  : Main: preparing FRC profiles...
23:50:50.694  : Main: preparing performance graphs...
23:50:50.764  : Main: preparing mpv...
23:50:50.771  : VLC: installed Vapoursynth plugin: 0.9.0.93
23:50:50.771  : Main: preparing remote control...
23:50:50.772  : RemoteControl: started
23:50:50.772  : Main: preparing main menu...
23:50:50.790  : Main: loading extensions...
23:50:50.791  : Extensions: found svplight 2.0.0.85 ...
23:50:50.794  : Extensions: found svptube 2.0.0.96 ...
23:50:50.803  : Main: initialization completed in 766 ms
23:50:50.825  : Updates: checking now...
23:50:53.026  : Performance: quick estimation = 452 (previous value was 423)
23:50:56.850  : VideoPlayer: mpv connected, waiting for the video info...
23:50:57.382  : VideoPlayer: mpv 0.22.0
23:50:57.462  : Media: video 1920x1080 [PAR 1.000] at 29.970 fps [variable]
23:50:57.462  : Media: codec type is AVC, YUV/4:2:0/8 bits
23:50:57.481  : Playback: starting up...
23:50:57.491  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: resulting video frame 1920x1080
23:50:57.492  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: 1 acceptible profiles, best is 'Automatic' [0]
23:50:57.510  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: enabled while video is playing
23:50:57.511  : Profile: using auto values [13]
23:50:57.527  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: playing at 59.94 [29.97 *2/1]
23:51:31.638  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: full screen mode activated
23:52:09.662  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: disabled while video is playing
23:52:09.663  : Playback [2c0b9e4a]: deleted


What is going on? I bought a license based on this page:

https://www.svp-team.com/wiki/FAQ_(SVP_ … rements.3F

According to this page, my i7 processor and GPU are more than enough for 1080p yet the only video that seems to play smoothly from start to finish is 480p video (which looks terrible, very blurry)

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks,

Aziz

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

> hwdec=no

if it works w/o this option then just remove it
your "i7" is weak enough to additionally load it with software video decoder

> my i7 processor and GPU are more than enough for 1080p

well, your "i7" is significantly slower than any desktop i3

> What am I doing wrong?

- AC should be plugged in
- do not turn off GPU acceleration in SVP
- hwdec option usage needs to be clarified hmm

Most important part is all these "ultra-books" just can't handle continuously high system load cause they start overheating in a few minutes and drop both CPU and GPU frequencies.

3 Reply by ricouzuki (edited by ricouzuki 21-11-2016 20:47:18)

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Thanks for the response Chainik,

To answer your questions:

Regarding setting hwdec=no, I was instructed to do that in this guide:

https://www.svp-team.com/wiki/SVP:Mac

Under mpv configuration > "Note: hardware video decoders may not be compatible with Vapoursynth filters, use --hwdec=no."

What are the correct settings I am supposed to be using?

Should I remove input-ipc-server=/tmp/mpvsocket or hwdec=no  ?

>well, your "i7" is significantly slower than any desktop i3

Ok, is there a way to benchmark if the CPU is under too much load? When I play a video I get around average 50% CPU usage as shown in the SVP control panel. Is this CPU monitor in SVP accurately measuring the load?

>AC should be plugged in

Yes the machine remains docked and plugged in during all attempts at video playback and all applications such as Chrome are closed before starting playback.

>do not turn off GPU acceleration in SVP
>hwdec option usage needs to be clarified

The only reason I attempted this is because the following guide suggests trying it if there are issues:

https://www.svp-team.com/wiki/SVP:Mac

>"Note 1: Hardware decoding may not be compatible with the Vapoursynth filter! To be investigated..."

> "Note: hardware video decoders may not be compatible with Vapoursynth filters, use --hwdec=no."

So is it compatible or not??

When I have GPU enabled, I get what appears to be 5-10fps in video playback

With CPU rendering I get about what appears to be 20-27fps depending on how much action is going on in the video.

Has anyone else here had luck with Macbook Air machines?

What models are you guys testing on? There is no note in your guides for what models you guys are trying your software on. It would make a good starting point for comparison.

>Most important part is all these "ultra-books" just can't handle continuously high system load cause they start overheating in a few minutes and drop both CPU and GPU frequencies.

I dont think that is happening in my case. When the CPu usage goes up, the fans usually start to spin up and that does not occur even during extended usage.

If you have a suggestion for a monitor tool to see if the CPU or GPU is being overloaded then I am willing to try it.

Thanks,

Aziz

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Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Try this - https://software.intel.com/en-us/articl … -gadget-20

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

I installed the Intel Power Gadget and it provided some interesting results.

Before testing I reset ALL settings and license.

I then enabled SVP in VLC.

It appears that when I turn GPU OFF the computer can handle video playback better.

The following is a 45 second video mp4 1080p 30fps


http://i.imgur.com/1WZaiZQ.png

It only stuttered a few times in the video.



When I turn GPU on, then computer can only play ~5 FPS and it is overloaded.

The video not in sync with audio and so it takes more than 1:20 to finish playing 45 second video.  I force quit at 1:30

http://i.imgur.com/NDclnAx.png




ALSO, I tested with 720p and it is better performance but still cannot render smoothly when GPU is turned on. With GPU turned off I get audio sync issue sometimes which is no good.

FINALLY, I tested 720 60fps and this cannot play smoothly at all. I think I definitely require GPU for this video format.

What hardware is everyone using for SVP 4 MAC?


I think there is definitely some bug with GPU, How can CPU rendering be faster than GPU rendering?

I am using Intel HD 4000. Is this compatible?

It seems like it is compatible in this chart? https://www.svp-team.com/wiki/GPU_Compatibility

Regards,

Aziz

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

This means MB Air's cooling system can't handle this "i7" with a full load of both CPU and GPU parts.

Your only option is to forget about FullHD and stick to 720p videos and then adjust "performance - quality" slider to keep CPU load below 50%.

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Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Interesting readings:
http://apple.stackexchange.com/question … or-process
https://www.davidschlachter.com/misc/kernel_task

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

regarding "hwdec", just tested on my Mac Mini, the following works and reduces CPU load:

hwdec=videotoolbox-copy

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

for the reference - this's how it should be - playing FullHD on Mac mini with i5-4278U

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10 Reply by ricouzuki (edited by ricouzuki 23-11-2016 03:04:16)

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Hi Chainik,

I applied the latest version and it seems little bit more smoother. No jittering anymore in VLC.

I applied the "hwdec=videotoolbox-copy" but mpv still has some bad performance. I think I am giving up on mpv as VLC support seems to be much better on MAC. I can get smooth video but audio desyncs sometimes.

I want to confirm is this the correct way to apply the arg? 

http://i.imgur.com/wEb3Nie.png

I am getting the same load as you are in SVP. My chart looks the same as yours.

Ok I think I have spent too much time on this project, I will stick to 720p 30fps video with VLC.

Thank you for all your help.

Regards,

Aziz

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Hi Chainik,

I need advice on what hardware is good to play video on MAC.

I don't want to use PC as my brother had a lot of trouble getting free version working on his PC, after 2 hours of trying, we gave up.

On MAC most Laptops have Intel U Series processor.

Can you tell me if 2015 Macbook Air processor - i7-5650U is good enough for 1080p?

Even 2016 Macbook pro has i7-6660U, i7-6567U with only 1 configuration (15 inch) has i7-6920HQ.

If almost all Apple hardware even 2016 hardware has bad incompatible processor then what was the motivation making SVP 4 Mac? I am just curious. 

What devices are compatible with 1080p?

Anything MAC compatible for 4k? 

Anyway thanks again for all your help, this is a very fascinating software and I wish there was simple dedicated hardware chip to playback smooth video so I could just buy it and spend time watching movies instead of troubleshooting . smile

Regards,

Aziz

12 Reply by Anim8 (edited by Anim8 23-11-2016 06:39:40)

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Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

ricouzuki wrote:

Can you tell me if 2015 Macbook Air processor - i7-5650U is good enough for 1080p?

Even 2016 Macbook pro has i7-6660U, i7-6567U with only 1 configuration (15 inch) has i7-6920HQ.

If almost all Apple hardware even 2016 hardware has bad incompatible processor then what was the motivation making SVP 4 Mac? I am just curious.

Its not so much Mac but all ultra-books in general including PC based, suffer from slower CPUs due to heat and limited power usage.
For 60fps@1080p the 5650U, 6660U and 6567U are likely to disappoint, based on what you want.
The 6920HQ, while I haven't use one is far superior than the others you listed and would think can play 1080p@60 without too many issues.


ricouzuki wrote:

What devices are compatible with 1080p?

Anything MAC compatible for 4k?

1080p should be ok but running 4k@60 will likely take a very fast desktop based CPU+GPU

Edit: Just tried a 4k video and the CPU just sits at 100% usage on all cores with poor playback.
System used: i7 6700k @ 4.5ghz /w r9 390
Video used: 3840 x 2160 @ 120mbps (h.264)

It would seem current CPUs are just not fast enough for 4k.

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Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

> I applied the "hwdec=videotoolbox-copy" but mpv still has some bad performance. I think I am giving up on mpv as VLC support seems to be much better on MAC. I can get smooth video but audio desyncs sometimes.
> I want to confirm is this the correct way to apply the arg?

nope, you should enter "--hwdec=videotoolbox-copy" in the player_args option
OR put it right into ~/.config/mpv/mpv.conf

> If almost all Apple hardware even 2016 hardware has bad incompatible processor then what was the motivation making SVP 4 Mac? I am just curious.

yours MB Air with i7-3667U can't handle 1080p because of overheating (temp >100 degrees is not good), NOT because of it's too slow
mine Mini with pretty much the same CPU - i5-4278U - can play 1080p, staying at 75 degrees

and if you read through those two URLs I gave, there's another possible flaw with recent Apple laptops

It seems that in Sierra a feature was added to make sure that the CPU doesn't overheat by throttling the processor usage for high CPU demand processes automatically.

overall I think that Apple laptops are just "too handsome" to do real job big_smile

though I don't have my own experience with them


> what was the motivation making SVP 4 Mac?
well, you know, money big_smile

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Anim8

It would seem current CPUs are just not fast enough for 4k.

can't tell about 4K@Mac, but it's totally usable on Windows even with much slower hardware than yours

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Hey thanks for the reply,

Is this correct? I see the SVP logo come up in mpv but VLC is much smoother. It does not seem like it is doing anything in mpv even though the SVP logo appears.

http://i.imgur.com/MGdvn1x.png

Chainik, Can you test 1080p 60fps video on your Mac mini? Does that work? If so, maybe I pick up a used Mac Mini on eBay and add water cooling with overclocking or something else and then disable limiting as per your Apple articles.

I guess my 2012 laptop needs new thermal paste...or just take cover off and put it in the refrigerator. big_smile


Regards,

Aziz

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Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

You can try --opengl-early-flush=no with mpv, that might help in your case. When you can get VLC to run fluent then mpv should as well.

Regarding hwdec, only *-copy modes are compatible with vapoursynth filters.

17 Reply by Nintendo Maniac 64 (edited by Nintendo Maniac 64 27-11-2016 22:16:52)

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

ricouzuki wrote:

I guess my 2012 laptop needs new thermal paste...or just take cover off and put it in the refrigerator. big_smile

Or take off the bottom cover and then drill/poke some holes in said cover in the area that would normally go directly over the fan(s):

http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/news/overh … e-airflow/

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

myfakeacc wrote:

You can try --opengl-early-flush=no with mpv, that might help in your case. When you can get VLC to run fluent then mpv should as well.

Regarding hwdec, only *-copy modes are compatible with vapoursynth filters.


YES!! myfakeacc . Thank you for that. It finally makes mpv play the same as VLC! In fact, for the same video it seems that mpv is slightly smoother! Excellent. It is wonderful! big_smile

When I try it on other videos it reveals interesting behavior between mpv and VLC.

Videos that my machine cannot handle have massive frame skipping in mpv whereas VLC keeps playing but just looses audio sync. So I guess this shows what each player's priority is when the system cannot handle the load. I just thought that was interesting.

Chainik, can you or someone else test a 1080p60 video on your Mac mini? I want to establish if these Intel U series processors can handle 1080p60.

Thanks!

Aziz

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

as I said before

mine Mini with pretty much the same CPU - i5-4278U - can play 1080p, staying at 75 degrees

this's with SVP enabled


myfakeacc

tnx, added to the Wiki

  • Thanks: 7

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

ricouzuki wrote:

Videos that my machine cannot handle have massive frame skipping in mpv whereas VLC keeps playing but just looses audio sync. So I guess this shows what each player's priority is when the system cannot handle the load. I just thought that was interesting.

In this case the video should be slower. The more framedrops the slower the video. Frame dropping is specifically used to avoid this. You can configure mpv to behave the same as VLC does (A/V desync): https://mpv.io/manual/master/#options-framedrop

21 Reply by David (edited by David 12-12-2016 01:03:40)

Re: Cannot play smooth 1080p video on 2012 Macbook Air Core i7

Hi there
i use SVP but it kinda choppy a little bit. help plz!

          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2450M CPU @2.50GHz
          RAM: 8.00GB
          Graphic Card: GeForce GT 630M
laptop is HP pavilion Dv7 Beats Audio.

can somebody get the video to run very smoothly, less choppy plz!


P.S i use SVP with PotPlayer