This article contains information on how to improve and configure XenDesktop video performance using the MaxFramesPerSecond registry value or using HDX policies, depending on your XenDesktop version.

For more information about frame rates, access Citrix eDocs, and search for Max Frames per Second in your Citrix product version.

Background

With XenDesktop 4 and later, Citrix introduced a new setting that allows you to control the maximum number of frames per second (fps) that the virtual desktop sends to the client. By default, this number is set to 30 fps. The Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) by default sends 15 fps so you see a noticeable difference when playing server side rendered videos on a LAN when comparing XenDesktop and view.

If you want to improve the user experience, you can increase the maximum fps to 30. This consumes more resources and bandwidth but provides a better user experience.

On the other hand, if you want to maximize server scalability and reduce bandwidth usage at the expense of user experience, you can set the value somewhere between 10 or 15.

---

Instructions

Complete the corresponding procedure according to the XenDesktop version:

For XenDesktop 4.0

By default, the registry location and value of 18 in hexadecimal format (Decimal 24 fps) is also configurable to a maximum of 30 fps:

Caution! Refer to the Disclaimer at the end of this article before using Registry Editor.

1. Execute Regedit.exe.

2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Citrix\PortICA\Thinwire.

   For 64-bit VDAs: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Citrix\PortICA\Thinwire

3. Select MaxFramesPerSecond.

For XenDesktop 5.x, 7.x, XenApp 7.5 and later

Configure policies to improve XenApp/XenDesktop.

For example, you can create policies to improve audio plus video performance on iOS-based mobile devices (starting with 5.0 for iPad and iPhone) using the Receiver. Creating policies might help with some multimedia scenarios.

To apply the policies to specific devices, consider using the device name or an IP address range in the policy:

1. From the Desktop Studio, select the HDX Policy node in the left pane and then select Users.

2. Add and configure a policy for Settings > Visual Display > Max Frames per Second, and set it to 10. (By default, this setting is 30).

   Note: Experiment with different maximum fps values. Fewer frames equates to less CPU consumption on the user device, giving more processing capacity for other HDX related items, such as audio decoding.

3. Add and configure a policy for Settings > Audio > Audio quality, and set it to Medium. (By default, this setting is High).

Caution! Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that might require you to reinstall your operating system. Citrix cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. Be sure to back up the registry before you edit it.

This article describes how to improve XenDesktop Video User Experience for Low-Powered or Mobile Devices.