Multimedia redirection (MMR) technology helps improve performance by utilizing the client endpoint to process media—instead of the server—so CPU utilization on the server can be reduced. It also can reduce the bandwidth and thus provide a smooth playback experience.
For a long time, MMR can only be deployed to VMware Horizon Client for Windows, as MMR requires a few Windows components. But VMware has been working hard with gstreamer and Fluendo, and now MMR is available in Horizon Client for Linux.
What Is Required?
MMR offloads the media processing from the server to the client, so there is a minimum requirement for the client.
- Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon® dual-core
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Video Adapter: Hardware accelerated
What Is Supported?
Currently, the MMR in Horizon Client for Linux is open to both VMware certified partners and individuals. It has been verified in Dell/Wyse 7020/5020 and HP T730/620/520. The following Linux distros are verified in our VMware lab, as well.
- CentOS 6.6/6.7, 32-bit
- Ubuntu 14.04 64-bit
- SUSE 11SP4 32-bit
- RHEL 6.7 64-bit
- Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit/64-bit
- RHEL 7.2 64-bit
All supported formats in MMR in Horizon Client for Windows will work in Linux client endpoints, including M4V, MOV, MP4, WMP, MPEG-4 Part2, WMV 7/8/9, WMA, AVI, MP4, WAV, etc. NOTE: Appropriate codecs must be installed in the client before MMR can function.
How Can MMR Be Installed?
The MMR component is included in the Horizon Client for Linux 4.1 installer, which is available in vmware.com. Just check the checkbox, and you are all set.
Before MMR Can Work for You
Gstreamer plugins for decoding is required. In this release, both Fluendo and gstreamer codes are supported. Upgrading the codecs can provide better performance and experience.
Once plugins are ready, enable MMR in $HOME/.vmware/view-preferences:
view.enableMMR = “TRUE”
Make sure MMR is enabled in Horizon Server by checking the admin UI -> Policies -> Global Policies.
Still Unsure If It Works?
Besides the performance and low CPU utilization, what else can I check if the MMR actually works? Simply take a screenshot in the remote desktop when playing a video. The screenshot will show a black frame in the video playback area if MMR works.
Enjoy the MMR in Horizon Client for Linux, and feel free to let us know your feedback.
