Hi Maken,

Well, I tried the balanced profile you put in your screenshot and guess what? It reduced my CPU performance by about 20-30%, before playing an HD movie would cost me between 50-60% and my GPU load was around 25% with EVR and 30% with madVR without highest scaling settings. Now when I tried this profile, my CPU load is around 30-35% and my GPU load increased to around 39% with EVR and 35% with madVR with 3 taps scaling and without linear light.

Looks like this did what I wanted to, I was using the default profile before. But I do have to admit that with these settings the image is a bit less smooth from what I've noticed.
Can you please explain what makes this profile utilize the GPU more than the CPU?

EDIT

I found out what made my CPU usage so high! I reset my SVP profile and started tweaking it, I found that it was the "Motion Vectors Precision" setting! Before I had it on Half Pixel which is default, the tooltip says higher is better so I increased it to 2 pixels and my CPU load is down by 20%! With Half Pixel it's at around 50-60%, with 2 pixels it's at 30-40% while maintaining other settings for quality and with madVR on highest settings! But something I don't understand is if it says that higher is better then it means that more power is needed and then shouldn't the CPU usage increase rather than decrease? If this setting improves quality I would expect CPU load to rise higher.

Anyway, here's the profile I'm using right now, this gives me 30-40% CPU usage which I think is really good. When using madVR with the highest scaling and linear light settings enabled I get 50% GPU load and 30-40% CPU load. With EVR GPU load stays around 25-30%.

What do you think:

http://i47.tinypic.com/2zfu361.png

Thanks

Hi Maken, thanks for the info, to answer your questions:

1. My motherboard is MSI Z77-GD65 and I have an integrated Soundcard, but I'm not using it to pass sound. Currently, I connected my computer to my Yamaha receiver with an HDMI cable from the GTX680 GPU so all the sound is transferred from the GPU at the moment. Of course I did this because HDMI also transfers high quality Audio so I thought why not use 1 less cable and just pass it from the GPU. I can of course pass the sound from the SPDIF out with a cable but right now it's working with the HDMI cable that is connected to my GTX680. Should I change this for better Audio performance? The option of LG TV (NVIDIA High Definition) is relevant to the HDMI out of the GPU, it's not related to the soundcard on the motherboard.

2. I'll get home and try some SVP settings you suggested, but I'm still having a hard time deciding whether I want to use madVR or EVR. madVR simply utilizes my GPU better than EVR. Also, about DXVA, currently I'm using PotPlayer's default DXVA decoders, why not use LAV for DXVA? Because I saw that with LAV you can choose if you want to use NVIDIA CUVID/DXVA Native/DXVA Copy Back etc, but with PotPlayer's DXVA I don't see these options. Please help me decide which settings are best for me.

Thanks.

Hey Maken,

First, I have a question about the Audio, today I bought a new Yamaha HTR-4064 Receiver and 2 Morel SP-2 Satellite speakers, and for a Subwoofer I have an Alpha Technologies XP-1150, so it's a 2.1 Setup, very nice indeed smile
At first I set the Speakers to 2.1+LFE but after reading your suggestions, I set the speakers to Dolby Surround/Prologic, and it does sound better. If I set it to "Same as Input" the quality is not good.

Can you please tell me if that's ok?

http://i50.tinypic.com/dbield.png

I have the option to set the audio device as LG TV (NVIDIA High Definition), should I choose that one or use the Default DirectSound Device?

Now about SVP, I'm using the default profile for 1080p:

http://i46.tinypic.com/oqyq1h.png

Here is the file info:

[Used Filter List]
(1) Haali Media Splitter
(2) Video Codec/Transform
(3) ffdshow raw video filter
(4) Enhanced Video Renderer(Custom Present)
(5) Audio Codec/Transform
(6) DirectSound Audio Renderer

[Video Information]
Video Codec:avc1 - DXVA Decoder(VLD - Slice Short)
Input type:avc1(24 bits)
Input size:1920 x 1080(1.78:1)
Output type:YV12(12 bits)
Output Size:1920 x 1080(1.78:1)
Frame Rate:23.98
BitRate: Unknown

[Audio Information]
Audio Codec:DTS(0x2001) - Default Decoder
Sample rate:48000 ->48000 samples / sec
Bit rate:0 ->32 bits / sample
Channels:6 ->3 channels
Bitrate: 0 kbps


D:\HD\Movies\The.Dark.Knight.1080p.Bluray.DTS.x264-SHiTSoNy\The.Dark.Knight.1080p.Bluray.DTS.x264-SHiTSoNy.mkv
  General
    Unique ID : 192175582977566119918117248947374706854 (0x9093ABC595BE57569EDB64B77D86D0A6)
    Complete name : D:\HD\Movies\The.Dark.Knight.1080p.Bluray.DTS.x264-SHiTSoNy\The.Dark.Knight.1080p.Bluray.DTS.x264-SHiTSoNy.mkv
    Format : Matroska
    Format version : Version 1
    File size : 15.9 GiB
    Duration : 2h 32mn
    Overall bit rate : 14.9 Mbps
    Encoded date : UTC 2008-12-02 18:38:40
    Writing application : mkvmerge v2.3.0 ('Freak U') built on Sep  8 2008 18:32:16
    Writing library : libebml v0.7.7 + libmatroska v0.8.1
  Video #1
    ID : 1
    Format : AVC
    Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
    Format profile : High@L4.1
    Format settings, CABAC : Yes
    Format settings, ReFrames : 4 frames
    Codec ID : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
    Duration : 2h 32mn
    Bit rate : 13.4 Mbps
    Width : 1 920 pixels
    Height : 1 080 pixels
    Display aspect ratio : 16:9
    Frame rate : 23.976 fps
    Color space : YUV
    Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
    Bit depth : 8 bits
    Scan type : Progressive
    Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.270
    Stream size : 14.0 GiB (88%)
    Writing library : x264 core 65 r1042M 5df2a71
    Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=4 / deblock=1:-3:-2 / analyse=0x3:0x113 / me=umh / subme=9 / psy_rd=0.9:0.0 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=32 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=2 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-4 / threads=3 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=2 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=13432 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / vbv_maxrate=40000 / vbv_bufsize=40000 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.10 / zones=211217,217989,q=30
    Default : Yes
    Forced : No
  Audio #2
    ID : 2
    Format : DTS
    Format/Info : Digital Theater Systems
    Codec ID : A_DTS
    Duration : 2h 32mn
    Bit rate mode : Constant
    Bit rate : 1 510 Kbps
    Channel(s) : 6 channels
    Channel positions : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
    Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
    Bit depth : 24 bits
    Compression mode : Lossy
    Stream size : 1.61 GiB (10%)
    Language : English
    Default : Yes
    Forced : No
  Text #3
    ID : 3
    Format : UTF-8
    Codec ID : S_TEXT/UTF8
    Codec ID/Info : UTF-8 Plain Text
    Language : Dutch
    Default : Yes
    Forced : No


Thanks smile

Maken1 wrote:

Main post updated

Update:
1- PotPlayer configurations section was updated.

@Zachn
Hi, how you been?
Check the main post > PotPlayer Configurations, try both Cases and show us your results please ( detailed all you can and if possible with screenshots - thanks ). Lets leave enhanced the image quality for the end, once you get properly configured PotPlayer and SVP balanced between Performance and Quality then we go to EXTRA section that will be my next updates for Very High and Extreme Image Quality, note that this will be possible only if users after finish configure PotPlayer, SVP and their custom profiles, if still some power from their CPU and GPU remaind then lets focus on the Image Quality because this will cost more performance drop big_smile.

Hi Maken,

I went back to the main post and reconfigured PotPlayer with Haali Media Splitter as you suggested. The player is now configured correctly, and I'm not using LAV but the built in DXVA of PotPlayer.

Now I tried both cases, here are the screenshots:

1. EVR

http://i47.tinypic.com/icml49.png

2. madVR

http://i49.tinypic.com/2vxndxd.png

I didn't use any advanced scaling options in madVR and I turned off Scale in Linear Light

Looks like the performance are roughly the same.

What do you think?

Ok, but what about madVR? I have to say that the image quality looks a bit better when using madVR compared to EVR Custom Present...

Also, are you sure EVR is better for faster CPUs and GPUs? For instance, in LAV I could set the DXVA method as you explained, but when using EVR I don't see this option anywhere, how can I tell if it's using NVIDIA CUVID or DXVA Native/DXVA Copy-Back etc?

Thanks

Ok, turns out I was wrong, I checked again without SVP and no extra programs in the background, CPU usage is 0%-4% when playing a 1080p MKV file so all is good.

Now it's time to move on to reducing CPU usage with SVP and increasing GPU usage. What's the next step?

You know what, now that I think about it I'm not sure if I gave you the correct info about the CPU usage without SVP, I also had some apps in the background when I checked.

I have to check again without SVP and get back to you...

Ok Maken,

I came home and tried all settings as you suggested, here's a screenshot of my PC while playing an 1080p DTS MKV file, you have all the file specs at the bottom left corner, and you have CPU and GPU usage statistics as well:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/newuploads/yoxn3.jpg

For the full size image: http://www.freeimagehosting.net/yoxn3

First I tried with SVP off and the CPU usage was around 25%, when I activate SVP and usage hits 50%-60%, I guess it's normal since the frame rate is doubled... Anyway, with EVR, GPU usage is still low, and honestly, looks like madVR utilizes the GPU and provides a better image quality smile

Also, I didn't see any steps recommending to use Haali Splitter in your guide
I haven't touched any SVP profiles yet, Video Decoders and Splitters are all set to Default as you recommended, LAV is not used.

Thanks

Maken1 wrote:
Zachn wrote:

Hi Maken,

I tried your new guide, and I've followed your Case 1 scenario:

Use EVR Custom Present as Video Renderer + Lav Video Decoder as Video Decoder for less CPU usage at cost of more GPU usage and this last thing can be minimized some using Nvidias Cuda or DXVA2 only if your Video Card is powerful, if your Video Card is older and slower, IS NOT RECOMMENDED to use EVR CP. If you try EVR CP + SVP high settings + older and slower Video Cards the results will be horrible, unplayable and annoying as hell. Are we clear about this?

So I'm using EVR Custom Present with LAV as a Video Decoder but I actually got the reverse result.

Instead of having lower CPU usage at the cost of higher GPU usage, I now have high CPU usage of 50-60% and my GPU usage has reduced to 25% max.
When I'm using madVR with 4-8 taps in upscaling and linear light enabled, my GPU usage hits around 40% and I think that the image quality is a bit better.

I also tried using PotPlayer's internal decoders with EVR but the result was the same. It seems like for me the best option is to use madVR for best GPU usage, but I can't seem to reduce CPU usage.

Also, should I use Haali Media Splitter instead of LAV? I'm not sure what to do...

Right now, I deleted everything, cleared Registry with CCleaner and I'm waiting for your reply to start again from the beginning.

Thanks

Zachn i see something is happening that maybe you dont know yet, i have an idea but i need your help with something as well big_smile ok?

First lets only concentrate about PotPlayers configuration and later we use SVP ok? We need to see how the configurations work for you then i need you to try this:

1- From Installations section, do steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 ( skip 5 for now ).
2- From PotPlayer configurations section, do steps 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 only.
3- Set EVR Custom Present as Video Renderer.
4- From VIDEO DECODERS section > Case 2 > do steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
5- From AUDIO section, you know what to do.
6- Again Playback any FullHD 1080p or 720p video or movie you have for a moment and make sure to see how much performance and low cpu usage you have. It can be any Clip from Trailers or Movies in mkv or any AVCHD. At this point check now your CPU usage without SVP with the files you was trying to play or when you CPU was arround 50 / 60% that bother you smile. If you can try to take screenshot(s) of your CPU usage and post here to see it better also if you can to provide me the specs of the file you are trying to play it would be good.

Because i dont know what settings are you using on your SVPs custom profiles if is the case you are or if you dont have any custom profiles then i need to know which Profile SVP use for that file(s) you was trying to play, that settings could be high settings because your CPU power. Lets skip SVP for now until you get high performance on PotPlayer first, then in that way we make sure that PotPlayer is not totaly the problem ( the problem that bothers you about your 50/60% CPU usage ). Id posted some basic steps to configure and start to play with SVP and you can find it on the first page - 3rd post, check it out as well.

Ok, thanks for this, I'll get home and try again. I'll update you soon.
If I understand you correctly, this is what I have to do:

1. Don't install LAV and SVP
2. Install PotPlayer, ffdshow, madVR, AviSynth and configure the player before we move on, right?

In regards to SVP profiles, I didn't change anything except I set Uniform for Max Smoothness instead of Adaptive, everything else was left at Default.

Hi Maken,

I tried your new guide, and I've followed your Case 1 scenario:

Use EVR Custom Present as Video Renderer + Lav Video Decoder as Video Decoder for less CPU usage at cost of more GPU usage and this last thing can be minimized some using Nvidias Cuda or DXVA2 only if your Video Card is powerful, if your Video Card is older and slower, IS NOT RECOMMENDED to use EVR CP. If you try EVR CP + SVP high settings + older and slower Video Cards the results will be horrible, unplayable and annoying as hell. Are we clear about this?

So I'm using EVR Custom Present with LAV as a Video Decoder but I actually got the reverse result.

Instead of having lower CPU usage at the cost of higher GPU usage, I now have high CPU usage of 50-60% and my GPU usage has reduced to 25% max.
When I'm using madVR with 4-8 taps in upscaling and linear light enabled, my GPU usage hits around 40% and I think that the image quality is a bit better.

I also tried using PotPlayer's internal decoders with EVR but the result was the same. It seems like for me the best option is to use madVR for best GPU usage, but I can't seem to reduce CPU usage.

Also, should I use Haali Media Splitter instead of LAV? I'm not sure what to do...

Right now, I deleted everything, cleared Registry with CCleaner and I'm waiting for your reply to start again from the beginning.

Thanks

Maken1 wrote:

Greetings Zachn , good to see here again.

You said:" I've set madVR to the highest scaling options as said "
Ok this can be maxed for Powerful PC in especial GPUs but its not always necessary, i mean you will not do nothing or notice nothing if you cant notice the differencies when you set X value on them. If is that the case then the unnecessary high GPU usage will not worth and before try or keep X values on X Scaling options you first need to be sure that you understand and always keep in mid this:

-The CHROMA UPSCALING 'sharpness' or 'steps' setting can't be less than Luma Upscaling, and Luma Downscaling , this is my recommendation.
-The more Sharpness or Steps you use, the more Quality you get, BUT, MORE GPU CYCLES WILL BE USED, so make sure that your GPU is powerful enough to handle those high settings when combined with SVP. I recommend that you start with the values on the images at first, and later you can try more. Remember those higher settings will cost you more GPU performance.
-Scale in linear light on Luma Upscaling and Luma Downscaling will cost you a lot of GPU Performance so these settings are for powerful GPUS only.
-When using MadVR the video color settings from your video card drivers are not working, so if you want to use video color settings for your media you can set gamma with MadVR. You can set gamma,color and more with FFDSHOW without any problem, it will cost you some CPU usage depending of what settings and values you are trying to apply

as i said in my actual and work in progress Guide. This particulary will be more detailed while my Guide progressing more, of course basing of my understanding. This part is very important, any setting here will change the final possibilities you will have to use more things to take advantage of your GPU free resourses to enhanced much more the QUALITY with PotPlayer and SVP.

Again i say Yes, its normal to have half or more of your CPU and GPU usages when both are powerful enough when playing 1080p, in fact this is the true challenger that all PCs will face. If you find the way to obtain the best performance with heavy and high quality 1080p.. then everything and less than that will be nothing! for your PC  that means less power usage, less heat, less noise ( from your Fans if they are set to auto adjust speed depending of it components temperatures ) and to do more thing at same time.

You can starting to use my new Guide now, i was updating the main post with it, there is some images and settings that appear to be the same as the old guide but, there is new advises and concepts to fallowing.  You have new stuffs to try to keep you busy   , you have to post here how its going, your new discover or changes and more, it will help me in my work.

Thanks

Great! Thanks smile

When do you expect to have the entire guide finished?

Maken1 Wrote:
Hi Zachn , how are you?

High and more CPU usage than half of your CPU capabilities playing 1080p ( 1920x800 )/ fullHD 1080p ( 1920x1080 ) content + SVP or custom AviSynth scripts for smooth them all is NORMAL. This change depending of many factors, which Players with X settings you are using on it, what kind of codecs are installed, in use and configured, what kind of Hardware you have and it limits, what kind of file you are trying to playback and smooth and more. I hope with the upcoming update i can answer / help this kind of situations but high usage on 1080p content + smooth them all is NORMAL, remember more smooth and shaders you want to use on your fav 1080p content so more performance will cost and in special if you want highest / extreme enhanced image quality.

I see you have a powerful pc there ah? mine is still old but its ok coz it was helping me alot to rework and spot very good things to now give me good performance and 2x more smooth than before thanks to lastest SVP. Also new drivers, updated players and more help, thanks for your interesting on my Guide, just forget it, unistall and delete all, wait for my upcoming updated Guide because is much better ( for me at least  im more happy than before ) and it will be the best on PCs like your. I will answer all your questions all i can of course because my knowledge is limited but we have the SVP that will help me and you all as well with things that are beyong of my knowledge.

Sorry for the bad english, keep alert and coming to here again.

Hey, thanks for your reply smile

In regards of what Player I'm using, I've followed all the instructions on your guide and I'm using PotPlayer.

I've set madVR to the highest scaling options as said, I don't have a problem with the CPU and GPU usage, both are strong and overclocked so it's not an issue, I just wanted to make sure it's normal to have a 50-60% usage when playing 1080p. I am also playing all contents with the Uniform setting in SVP for max smoothness, however, I didn't create profiles or used AviSynth yet, not even sure what it does. In regards of codecs used, player settings and DXVA - All according to your guide.

So far I'll keep things as they are atm, I'm satisfied with the quality, I'd love to read your new guide and setup everything from scratch, just let us know when it will be available, I'll make sure to check this page every few days.

Thanks again smile

Hi Maken, first, thanks a lot for this guide, image quality is amazing smile

I followed the exact steps you listed, I set madVR scaling settings to the max (8 taps and scale with linear light) but I have one little issue with the CPU usage.

When I'm playing 1080p contents, my CPU usage can go as high as 65%, GPU usage is usually around 30-40% which is fine since I enabled the highest settings, but CPU worries me a little.

This is my system:

i5 2500K @ 4.5GHz 1.35V
Zalman CNPS10X Extreme
MSI Z77A-GD65
2x4GB Corsair Vengeance Red DDR3-1600
EVGA GTX 680 Superclocked Signature 2
Seasonic X-650 Gold 80 Plus
Crucial Micron M4 128GB SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Blue 7200RPM
Corsair Obsidian 650D
Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Can you please help me reduce CPU usage, without hurting the image quality? Maybe there's a setting I missed?

Thanks