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  • Sudden performance issues - choppy playback

OS: Windows 10
Headset: HTC Vive (SteamVR)
GPU: GTX 1080

Installed codecs:

  • HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer
  • K-Lite Codec Pack with preferred decoders set to LAV

Background: up until recently I was able to play up to 4000p H.265 videos smoothly in DeoVR, using Media Foundation playback.

At some point in the past 2-3 weeks playback has started to become subtly but noticeably choppy, even in 5K or 6K videos. FPS counter shows between 86-90 frames which doesn't seem too alarming and SteamVR is not reporting any dropped frames or reprojection but visibly the video is just not smooth. Issue happens with both streaming and offline videos.

Switch Playback Engine seems to help with some videos. I can actually watch 5K and 6K videos smoothly with this option but sadly it struggles at higher resolutions like 8K, with some choppiness.

DirectShow doesn't help, it never worked well with high-res videos for me, with very choppy playback, worse than the other options.

Note that this doesn't seem to be an issue with the DeoVR app itself, I've tried other players like Whirligig and Virtual Desktop and have similar issues.

I've tried re-installing codecs, which didn't help. I also tried uninstalling HEVC Video Extensions from Device Manufacturer and installed HEVC Video Extensions (not from Device Manufacturer) instead, and DeoVR didn't even recognize the codec for some reason, the videos wouldn't play at all except with DirectShow.

If anyone has any advice on how I can get smooth playback again it would be much appreciated. I want to be able to enjoy SLR content again, especially since I currently have an annual subscription.