Question / Help Stutter, lag, doing something wrong?

D

dzre

New Member
I'm trying to find a recording software that supports scenes and can record Minecraft without huge issues.
I'd really like to use OBS, since it's the best choice so far, but I can't figure out how to record a video without the gameplay and finished footage being nauseating.

On the other hand, I can record just fine with Dxtory using x264 codec, but Dxtory has no support for scenes so that's not an option. Still, that makes me believe I'm doing something wrong with OBS because it's using the same(?) codec.

For my set up I have
GPU: Radeon HD 5850
CPU: QuadCore AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 955, 3200 MHz

and the settings in Dxtory are like this
gs2ayh9.png
Frame rate is set at 30 fps and I record 720p. The game is also set at 720p.

In OBS I've tried pretty much everything, but for example one of the best results is with the suggested settings from Estimator for my specs. In the best case I still get unbearable and inconsistent lag with OBS, even with preview only.

Any ideas on how I could improve the performance with OBS, or why it's so different from Dxtory?
 
FerretBomb

FerretBomb

Active Member
Post a logfile of a streaming/recording session. They're in %appdata%\OBS\logs and are timestamped appropriately.
The most common cause of lag/stuttering is using Monitor Capture, which sucks and is slow under Win7. You should be using Game Capture instead.

If you're recording for local editing, be sure you have 'use CFR' enabled in the advanced options.
 
D

dzre

New Member
OBS recommended settings, ultrafast
Code: 
18:40:14: Open Broadcaster Software v0.542b - 64bit (　^ω^)
18:40:14: -------------------------------
18:40:14: CPU Name: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 955 Processor
18:40:14: CPU Speed: 3200MHz
18:40:14: Physical Memory:  8191MB Total, 2528MB Free
18:40:14: stepping id: 2, model 4, family 15, type 0, extmodel 8, extfamily 0, HTT 1, logical cores 4, total cores 4
18:40:14: monitor 1: pos={0, 0}, size={1920, 1080}
18:40:14: monitor 2: pos={1920, 0}, size={1280, 1024}
18:40:14: Windows Version: 6.1 Build 7600 
18:40:14: Aero is Enabled
18:40:14: -------------------------------
18:40:14: OBS Modules:
18:40:14: Base Address     Module
18:40:14: 000000003F990000 OBS.exe
18:40:14: 00000000EA580000 OBSApi.dll
18:40:14: 00000000F8060000 DShowPlugin.dll
18:40:14: 00000000F83A0000 GraphicsCapture.dll
18:40:14: 00000000F84B0000 NoiseGate.dll
18:40:14: 00000000F82D0000 PSVPlugin.dll
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Adapter 1
18:40:14:   Video Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
18:40:14:   Video Adapter Dedicated Video Memory: 1059729408
18:40:14:   Video Adapter Shared System Memory: 4026167296
18:40:14: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 18:40:14===============================================
18:40:14:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
18:40:14:   Base resolution: 1280x720
18:40:14:   Output resolution: 1280x720
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Loading up D3D10...
18:40:14: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Audio Encoding: AAC
18:40:14:     bitrate: 128
18:40:14: Using graphics capture
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:14: Video Encoding: x264
18:40:14:     fps: 30
18:40:14:     width: 1280, height: 720
18:40:14:     preset: ultrafast
18:40:14:     CBR: no
18:40:14:     CFR: yes
18:40:14:     max bitrate: 2500
18:40:14:     buffer size: 2500
18:40:14:     quality: 6
18:40:14: ------------------------------------------
18:40:15: Total frames rendered: 45, number of frames that lagged: 1 (2.22%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
18:40:15: Total duplicated frames: 0 (0.00%)
18:40:16: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 18:40:16=================================================
18:40:22: 
18:40:22: Profiler results:
18:40:22: 
18:40:22: ==============================================================
18:40:22: frame - [100%] [avg time: 4.161 ms (cpu time: avg 1.04 ms, total 46.8 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 99.9%] [unaccounted: 0.144%]
18:40:22: | frame preprocessing and rendering - [58.3%] [avg time: 2.426 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 0.0481%] [unaccounted: 58.3%]
18:40:22: | | scene->Preprocess - [0.0481%] [avg time: 0.002 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:40:22: | video encoding and uploading - [41.6%] [avg time: 1.729 ms (cpu time: avg 1.04 ms, total 46.8 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 41.1%] [unaccounted: 0.409%]
18:40:22: | | flush - [7.04%] [avg time: 0.293 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:40:22: | | CopyResource - [0.192%] [avg time: 0.008 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:40:22: | | conversion to 4:2:0 - [0.649%] [avg time: 0.027 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:40:22: | | call to encoder - [33.3%] [avg time: 1.384 ms (cpu time: avg 1.04 ms, total 46.8 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:40:22: | | sending stuff out - [0%] [avg time: 0 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:40:22: | Convert444Threads - [1.03e+003%] [avg time: 42.933 ms (cpu time: avg 3.12 ms, total 140.4 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:40:22: ==============================================================
18:40:22:
Result: http://youtu.be/6Je9-tOl4-Q


OBS recommended settings, fast
Code: 
18:42:09: Open Broadcaster Software v0.542b - 64bit (　^ω^)
18:42:09: -------------------------------
18:42:09: CPU Name: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 955 Processor
18:42:09: CPU Speed: 3200MHz
18:42:09: Physical Memory:  8191MB Total, 2637MB Free
18:42:09: stepping id: 2, model 4, family 15, type 0, extmodel 8, extfamily 0, HTT 1, logical cores 4, total cores 4
18:42:09: monitor 1: pos={0, 0}, size={1920, 1080}
18:42:09: monitor 2: pos={1920, 0}, size={1280, 1024}
18:42:09: Windows Version: 6.1 Build 7600 
18:42:09: Aero is Enabled
18:42:09: -------------------------------
18:42:09: OBS Modules:
18:42:09: Base Address     Module
18:42:09: 000000003FF40000 OBS.exe
18:42:09: 00000000EC710000 OBSApi.dll
18:42:09: 00000000F7EE0000 DShowPlugin.dll
18:42:09: 00000000F8370000 GraphicsCapture.dll
18:42:09: 00000000F82D0000 NoiseGate.dll
18:42:09: 00000000F84B0000 PSVPlugin.dll
18:42:09: ------------------------------------------
18:42:09: Adapter 1
18:42:09:   Video Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
18:42:09:   Video Adapter Dedicated Video Memory: 1059729408
18:42:09:   Video Adapter Shared System Memory: 4026167296
18:42:09: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 18:42:09===============================================
18:42:09:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
18:42:09:   Base resolution: 1280x720
18:42:09:   Output resolution: 1280x720
18:42:09: ------------------------------------------
18:42:09: Loading up D3D10...
18:42:09: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
18:42:09: ------------------------------------------
18:42:09: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:09: ------------------------------------------
18:42:09: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:09: ------------------------------------------
18:42:09: Audio Encoding: AAC
18:42:09:     bitrate: 128
18:42:09: Using graphics capture
18:42:10: ------------------------------------------
18:42:10: Video Encoding: x264
18:42:10:     fps: 30
18:42:10:     width: 1280, height: 720
18:42:10:     preset: ultrafast
18:42:10:     CBR: no
18:42:10:     CFR: yes
18:42:10:     max bitrate: 2500
18:42:10:     buffer size: 2500
18:42:10:     quality: 6
18:42:10: ------------------------------------------
18:42:10: using memory capture
18:42:11: Total frames rendered: 37, number of frames that lagged: 0 (0.00%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
18:42:11: Total duplicated frames: 0 (0.00%)
18:42:11: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 18:42:11=================================================
18:42:12: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 18:42:12===============================================
18:42:12:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
18:42:12:   Base resolution: 1280x720
18:42:12:   Output resolution: 1280x720
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: Loading up D3D10...
18:42:12: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: Audio Encoding: AAC
18:42:12:     bitrate: 128
18:42:12: Using graphics capture
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: Video Encoding: x264
18:42:12:     fps: 30
18:42:12:     width: 1280, height: 720
18:42:12:     preset: ultrafast
18:42:12:     CBR: no
18:42:12:     CFR: yes
18:42:12:     max bitrate: 2500
18:42:12:     buffer size: 2500
18:42:12:     quality: 6
18:42:12: ------------------------------------------
18:42:12: using memory capture
18:42:14: Total frames rendered: 48, number of frames that lagged: 0 (0.00%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
18:42:14: Total duplicated frames: 0 (0.00%)
18:42:14: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 18:42:14=================================================
18:42:17: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 18:42:17===============================================
18:42:17:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
18:42:17:   Base resolution: 1280x720
18:42:17:   Output resolution: 1280x720
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: Loading up D3D10...
18:42:17: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: Audio Encoding: AAC
18:42:17:     bitrate: 128
18:42:17: Using graphics capture
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: Video Encoding: x264
18:42:17:     fps: 30
18:42:17:     width: 1280, height: 720
18:42:17:     preset: ultrafast
18:42:17:     CBR: no
18:42:17:     CFR: yes
18:42:17:     max bitrate: 2500
18:42:17:     buffer size: 2500
18:42:17:     quality: 6
18:42:17: ------------------------------------------
18:42:17: using memory capture
18:42:55: Total frames rendered: 1131, number of frames that lagged: 24 (2.12%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
18:42:55: Total duplicated frames: 24 (2.12%)
18:42:55: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 18:42:55=================================================
18:44:06: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 18:44:06===============================================
18:44:06:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
18:44:06:   Base resolution: 1280x720
18:44:06:   Output resolution: 1280x720
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: Loading up D3D10...
18:44:06: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: Audio Encoding: AAC
18:44:06:     bitrate: 128
18:44:06: Using graphics capture
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: Video Encoding: x264
18:44:06:     fps: 30
18:44:06:     width: 1280, height: 720
18:44:06:     preset: fast
18:44:06:     CBR: no
18:44:06:     CFR: yes
18:44:06:     max bitrate: 2500
18:44:06:     buffer size: 2500
18:44:06:     quality: 6
18:44:06: ------------------------------------------
18:44:06: using memory capture
18:44:38: Total frames rendered: 123, number of frames that lagged: 65 (52.85%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
18:44:38: Total duplicated frames: 787 (639.84%)
18:44:38: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 18:44:38=================================================
18:51:10: 
18:51:10: Profiler results:
18:51:10: 
18:51:10: ==============================================================
18:51:10: frame - [100%] [avg time: 28.521 ms (cpu time: avg 5.277 ms, total 7066.85 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 100%] [unaccounted: 0.0245%]
18:51:10: | frame preprocessing and rendering - [11.4%] [avg time: 3.255 ms (cpu time: avg 1.933 ms, total 2589.62 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 0.0105%] [unaccounted: 11.4%]
18:51:10: | | scene->Preprocess - [0.0105%] [avg time: 0.003 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:51:10: | video encoding and uploading - [88.6%] [avg time: 25.259 ms (cpu time: avg 3.332 ms, total 4461.63 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 88.2%] [unaccounted: 0.319%]
18:51:10: | | flush - [4.86%] [avg time: 1.385 ms (cpu time: avg 0.093 ms, total 124.801 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:51:10: | | CopyResource - [0.112%] [avg time: 0.032 ms (cpu time: avg 0.023 ms, total 31.2 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:51:10: | | conversion to 4:2:0 - [0.214%] [avg time: 0.061 ms (cpu time: avg 0.011 ms, total 15.6 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
18:51:10: | | call to encoder - [82.9%] [avg time: 23.652 ms (cpu time: avg 3.087 ms, total 4134.03 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:51:10: | | sending stuff out - [0.133%] [avg time: 0.038 ms (cpu time: avg 0.058 ms, total 78 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:51:10: | Convert444Threads - [367%] [avg time: 104.67 ms (cpu time: avg 2.469 ms, total 3307.22 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
18:51:10: ==============================================================
18:51:10:
Result: http://youtu.be/l7L3-K1LjVw


Dxtory with the settings in OP
Result: http://youtu.be/bxcT2SMPw40


EDIT: And yes, I am using game capture. Though that should be visible in the logs too I guess.
 
FerretBomb

FerretBomb

Active Member
The Estimator is designed around livestreaming. If you're recording locally for editing/later upload, go nuts with the bitrate and quality setting.
You'll want to lower to the default Veryfast (ultrafast looks poor, Fast is overtaxing and choking your CPU it appears) and set Process Priority to Above Normal to help with the lagged frames you're getting.

I'd probably go around 10000-15000 bitrate with a quality 10 (or just CBR). This won't work well for livestreaming (at all) but as you're recording locally and then uploading the completed file, it doesn't matter... you have time. It doesn't need to be encoded and sent in realtime, as it does with streaming.
 
D

dzre

New Member
Does the bitrate affect the FPS I'm getting either way (low or high) though? I'm aiming for a solid FPS first here, even if it's around 20.

EDIT: Results with the suggestions
Code: 
19:16:45: Open Broadcaster Software v0.542b - 64bit (　^ω^)
19:16:45: -------------------------------
19:16:45: CPU Name: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 955 Processor
19:16:45: CPU Speed: 3200MHz
19:16:45: Physical Memory:  8191MB Total, 2441MB Free
19:16:45: stepping id: 2, model 4, family 15, type 0, extmodel 8, extfamily 0, HTT 1, logical cores 4, total cores 4
19:16:45: monitor 1: pos={0, 0}, size={1920, 1080}
19:16:45: monitor 2: pos={1920, 0}, size={1280, 1024}
19:16:45: Windows Version: 6.1 Build 7600 
19:16:45: Aero is Enabled
19:16:45: -------------------------------
19:16:45: OBS Modules:
19:16:45: Base Address     Module
19:16:45: 000000003FF70000 OBS.exe
19:16:45: 00000000EC710000 OBSApi.dll
19:16:45: 00000000F9660000 DShowPlugin.dll
19:16:45: 00000000F8280000 GraphicsCapture.dll
19:16:45: 00000000F82D0000 NoiseGate.dll
19:16:45: 00000000F84B0000 PSVPlugin.dll
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Adapter 1
19:16:45:   Video Adapter: ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series
19:16:45:   Video Adapter Dedicated Video Memory: 1059729408
19:16:45:   Video Adapter Shared System Memory: 4026167296
19:16:45: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 19:16:45===============================================
19:16:45:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
19:16:45:   Base resolution: 1280x720
19:16:45:   Output resolution: 1280x720
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Loading up D3D10...
19:16:45: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Audio Encoding: AAC
19:16:45:     bitrate: 128
19:16:45: Using graphics capture
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: Video Encoding: x264
19:16:45:     fps: 30
19:16:45:     width: 1280, height: 720
19:16:45:     preset: veryfast
19:16:45:     CBR: yes
19:16:45:     CFR: yes
19:16:45:     max bitrate: 10000
19:16:45: ------------------------------------------
19:16:45: using memory capture
19:16:46: Total frames rendered: 29, number of frames that lagged: 0 (0.00%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
19:16:46: Total duplicated frames: 0 (0.00%)
19:16:46: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 19:16:46=================================================
19:16:48: =====Stream Start: 2013-07-21, 19:16:48===============================================
19:16:48:   Multithreaded optimizations: On
19:16:48:   Base resolution: 1280x720
19:16:48:   Output resolution: 1280x720
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: Loading up D3D10...
19:16:48: Playback device {0.0.0.00000000}.{3f798300-c5fe-4a64-a25b-3aa4ec7e3ee2}
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: Using desktop audio input: Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: Using auxilary audio input: Mic in at front panel (Pink) (Realtek High Definition Audio)
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: Audio Encoding: AAC
19:16:48:     bitrate: 128
19:16:48: Using graphics capture
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: Video Encoding: x264
19:16:48:     fps: 30
19:16:48:     width: 1280, height: 720
19:16:48:     preset: veryfast
19:16:48:     CBR: yes
19:16:48:     CFR: yes
19:16:48:     max bitrate: 10000
19:16:48: ------------------------------------------
19:16:48: using memory capture
19:17:30: Total frames rendered: 1257, number of frames that lagged: 14 (1.11%) (it's okay for some frames to lag)
19:17:30: Total duplicated frames: 11 (0.88%)
19:17:31: =====Stream End: 2013-07-21, 19:17:31=================================================
19:18:42: 
19:18:42: Profiler results:
19:18:42: 
19:18:42: ==============================================================
19:18:42: frame - [100%] [avg time: 7.435 ms (cpu time: avg 5.131 ms, total 6598.84 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 99.9%] [unaccounted: 0.108%]
19:18:42: | frame preprocessing and rendering - [44%] [avg time: 3.272 ms (cpu time: avg 2.037 ms, total 2620.82 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 0.0269%] [unaccounted: 44%]
19:18:42: | | scene->Preprocess - [0.0269%] [avg time: 0.002 ms (cpu time: avg 0 ms, total 0 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
19:18:42: | video encoding and uploading - [55.9%] [avg time: 4.155 ms (cpu time: avg 3.081 ms, total 3962.42 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1] [children: 54.8%] [unaccounted: 1.1%]
19:18:42: | | flush - [5%] [avg time: 0.372 ms (cpu time: avg 0.06 ms, total 78 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
19:18:42: | | CopyResource - [0.215%] [avg time: 0.016 ms (cpu time: avg 0.024 ms, total 31.2 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
19:18:42: | | conversion to 4:2:0 - [0.108%] [avg time: 0.008 ms (cpu time: avg 0.012 ms, total 15.6 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
19:18:42: | | call to encoder - [48.1%] [avg time: 3.578 ms (cpu time: avg 2.899 ms, total 3728.42 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
19:18:42: | | sending stuff out - [1.33%] [avg time: 0.099 ms (cpu time: avg 0.06 ms, total 78.001 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 0]
19:18:42: | Convert444Threads - [875%] [avg time: 65.03 ms (cpu time: avg 2.838 ms, total 3650.42 ms)] [avg calls per frame: 1]
19:18:42: ==============================================================
19:18:42:
http://youtu.be/Ec8rvrvJGH0

That would be perfect for me if the FPS was consistent.
 
FerretBomb

FerretBomb

Active Member
That's really weird. Shouldn't be anywhere near that stuttery. The encoding looks good now, I'd just be a bit concerned with the preprocessing/rendering step, which is GPU-bound. The R5800 is getting on in years, and Minecraft is... inexplicably heavy. Only thing I can really think of; have you tried swapping between Game and Window Capture, to see if one gives better performance?
 
D

dzre

New Member
Window capture worked a lot better for some game I tried, but now I can't get it working with Minecraft at all. If I pick the "Entire Window" I can see the border of the window, but the rendering area is blank. Sometimes I get black screen but that gets fixed if I restart both Minecraft and OBS (restarting either one alone won't help), so that's not the issue here.

I could probably squeeze a bit better performance out of it if I optimized my Minecraft set up enough, but the weird thing is that it works fine with Dxtory + x264 :I
 
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