Introduction
Teradici PCoIP is multi-codec remote display technology that streamlines performance under different network conditions with remarkable versatility. This protocol delivers pixel-based desktop videos to client endpoints. At the same time, it ensures that a dedicated physical desktop in the data center receives internal and external device data. PCoIP focuses on adaptive UDP based networking. Its multi-codec design and lossless spatial compression abilities facilitate great end user VDI experience.
The H.264 protocol has been developed to overtake early video compression solutions by leveraging bandwidth and storage for cost savings. It is ideal for AV distribution to multiple video sources. H.264 records, compresses and transmits content at a decent bit rate. This allows users to save quality footage and images.
What are the features that truly set PCoIP apart from the H.264 standard? Let’s look at how both measure up against one another.
Bandwidth and Latency
PCoIP
Start by gauging the expected amount of PCoIP traffic on the LAN/WAN. This helps create an in-depth VMware View system setup plan and deliver a truly lossless UX. Here’s the thing. The applications and methods used to run programs set the level of bandwidth you need to facilitate View client-server traffic. Even then, users can enjoy smooth desktop connectivity without the hassle of potential network choke. How is this so? VMware View leverages PCoIP to facilitate near zero latency and PCoIP delivers packets in a UDP flow.
Bandwidth needs also vary depending on whether your company leans more towards basic tasks or graphic intensive applications. Mission-critical programs, screen resolution and desktops with heavy video demands also boost bandwidth usage and latency. However, PCoIP’s ability to support multiple codecs including video, graphics, texts and images makes it suitable for high-performance needs. Some common examples include demands in government, military, healthcare, media and entertainment sectors. The reason is PCoIP codecs are optimized for resourceful bandwidth and CPU consumption in heavy workloads. So, PCoIP is a network-friendly protocol which promises superior UX by delivering higher frame rates and lower latency.
H.264
Companies can use H.264 protocols for basic, mid-range and professional level cameras. This allows users to draw the benefits of megapixel resolution and integrate storage space and bandwidth usage at the same time. So, why choose H.264 over older compression technologies in the video surveillance business? You receive smaller file sizes, relatively better audio synchronization and image optimization efficiencies. All this owes to the H.264’s long-distance signal transmission ability.
Here’s the catch. Using H264 leads to increased processor demands and GPU is often used to boost H.264 encoding by rendering graphically heavy workloads. Now, GPUs drive rich UX in 3D applications. Even then, H.264 without GPU assistance delivers lower frame rates and all the more so during video playback. This is where the footage may run at low frames per second. As a result, the visuals run at reduced speeds, have more motion blur and overall graphics quality reduces.
In the absence of GPU, H.264 is not ideal for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure VDI setups that run industry-level 3D applications. Even if users choose to run the H.264 format without GPU, the impact on the network bandwidth will accelerate. This results in higher latency and affects H.264 encoding/decoding efficiencies for time and mission critical applications. The process also increases the time needed to perform routine tasks like system login, device and program monitoring. All in all, this hinders workflows and productivity.
Text and Color Accuracy
PCoIP
The multi-codec PCoIP protocol maintains clarity and user productivity by delivering interactive applications. Its lossless support ability is vital for compute-intensive use cases in fields like deep learning, research and engineering. The delivery of mission-critical data, advanced text, icons, images and graphics is never compromised. This is all on account of PCoIP’s optimized codecs and lossless imaging features. For example, a healthcare workplace would rely on timely production of distortion-free data and images. Only then, can they offer accurate patient and lab test reports. PCoIP’s high spatial compression reduces motion artifacts, unclear texts and incomplete or imperfect colors in the overall content. Users can also preserve the clarity of anti-aliased text with this protocol’s algorithms.
H.264
H.264 is a lossy encoder that is ideal for consumer-grade video streaming. You can even program its compression algorithm to identify and separate unwanted data from the video content. However, the quality of lossy compression itself is not color accurate and this brings down text and graphics image quality. This can lead to issues in places where power users perform industry-level tasks that involve complex video coding.
Also, H.264 algorithms use a reduced color palette that delivers images which lack depth and color correctness. This compromises crisp and clear text and renders relatively blurry pixel sprites. Another shortcoming of the H.264 protocol is that it does not have the anti-aliasing features of PCoIP. In this case, users will experience gaps in reading speed and have trouble understanding text.
Key Takeaway
Clearly, PCoIP outperforms H.264 in more ways than one. H.264 is better suited for passive streaming and smaller-scale projects or VDI setups. Even then, you can use this protocol for video transmission. It can deliver online streaming for videos from high definition and high resolution cameras.
On the other hand, PCoIP is perfect for industry-level tasks because of its:
. Active streaming features.
. Capacity to maintain bandwidth efficiency.
. Ability to retain most of the original text and color content in workloads.
Recommendations
PCoIP integrates all IT resources into a secure data center and delivers great UX across the workplace. We offer PCoIP Zero Clients and Host Cards to deliver advanced remote computing solutions. Contact us to learn more about how your team can use low-cost PCoIP resources for a true VDI experience. You can also click on this link to get your Zero Client Free Demo unit.
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