[KBA-00875] How to reduce video stream quality issues by configuring AvCodec Error Recognition - Security Center 5.9 - 5.12

Product
Security Center
Content type
KB articles
Version
5.12
5.11
5.10
5.9
Language
English
Last updated
2021-10-15

[KBA-00875] How to reduce video stream quality issues by configuring AvCodec Error Recognition

This article explains how to reduce video issues caused by RTP packet losses by configuring the AvCodec Error Recognition feature.

Applies to

Security Center 5.8 - 5.11

Summary

RTP packet losses can cause various quality issues when viewing a video stream, the most common issue being video smearing and vertical lines. The AvCodec Error Recognition feature can be configured in Security Center and Omnicast™ to minimize the effect of packet losses.

Here is an example of vertical lines:

IMPORTANT: Packet losses imply a loss of information and can cause other problems like pixelation and trails in the image. If you are experiencing an abnormal level of packet losses, contact the Genetec™ Technical Assistance Center for additional troubleshooting information.

Configuring AvCodec Error Recognition for Security Center

Perform the following procedure on all computers running the client applications.
  1. On the client workstation, close Config Tool and Security Desk.
  2. Navigate to the following folder:
    • 32-bit Windows: C:\Program Files\Genetec Security Center 5.x\ConfigurationFiles
    • 64-bit Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\Genetec Security Center 5.x\ConfigurationFiles
  3. Do one of the following:
    • If the GeneralSettings.gconfig file does not exist, go to step 6.
    • If the GeneralSettings.gconfig is already created, back up the file by copying it to another folder.
      CAUTION:
      Only modify a .gconfig file if you are sure that the changes are valid. Incorrect code in a .gconfig file can cause issues on your system or cause your system to go offline.
  4. Open the GeneralSettings.gconfig file in Notepad.
  5. In the GeneralSettings.gconfig file, add the following line of code after the <configuration> tag: <avCodec errorRecognitionLevel="8"/>.
    Your file should look like this:
    Code 
    <configuration>
    <avCodec errorRecognitionLevel="8"/>
  6. If the file does not exist:
    1. Create a text file named GeneralSettings.txt.
    2. Change the file extension to .gconfig.
    3. Add the following lines of code in the file:
      Code 
      <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<configuration>
    <avCodec errorRecognitionLevel="8"/>
</configuration>
  7. Save and close the file.
  8. Restart your client applications.

If your issues persist, contact the Genetec Technical Assistance Center for additional troubleshooting.