Picture quality
Why the picture is soft, and the setting that actually fixes it.
Blurry pictures have three causes, and they are not equally likely:
- Too many pixels.
- The wrong settings for what is on screen.
- Not enough speed.
Most people change number 3 first. It is usually number 1.
The key idea
A quality setting is a ceiling, not a target. The far computer watches what actually gets through and adjusts underneath it. Raising the ceiling on a slow link changes nothing.
That is why lowering the resolution works so well. Fewer pixels means more data for each one.
Presets
Set these on the computer being shared. Windows and macOS have them in the host window. On Linux the same settings live in a file, listed in the settings reference.
| Preset | What it does | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi safe | Caps the rate and spreads packets out. Holds 30 fps. | It keeps stalling. |
| Sharp text | Keeps full colour detail, tuned for still screens. | Code, terminals, spreadsheets. |
| Balanced | Adapts between text and motion. The default. | Everyday use. |
| Smooth video | Higher ceiling, favours motion. | Video and animation. |
Resolution and frame rate
The far computer sends 1080p, 720p or 540p, at 30 or 60 fps.
- Reading text? 1080p at 30 beats 720p at 60.
- Watching motion? The other way round.
- On relay or a weak link? Drop the resolution first.
Encoder
Leave it on Auto. It picks the best chip and switches away if one stalls. Software is a fallback: it works anywhere and adds delay.
Advanced settings
| Setting | Plain version |
|---|---|
| Chroma | 4:2:0 throws away colour detail and softens coloured text. 4:4:4 keeps it. |
| Rate control | CBR is steady and best on Wi-Fi. VBR varies. CQP is for fast local links only. |
| Send pacing | Spreads packets out in time. Leave it on. It is the best Wi-Fi setting there is. |
4:4:4 and Apple
Not every device can decode 4:4:4. If a Mac or iPhone shows a blank window while frames are clearly arriving, set the far computer back to 4:2:0.
Quick recipes
Sharp text, 1080p, 30 fps. On your side, 1:1 and a window close to the far screen's shape.
Wi-Fi safe, pacing on. Still bad? Drop to 720p. Check LOSS: over 2% is a network problem, not a settings problem.
Smooth video, 60 fps. Drop to 720p if the frame rate cannot hold. Smooth 720p beats stuttery 1080p.
720p, and Sharp text if you are reading. Then see direct and relay.
Where the settings live: host settings.