Introduction
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), or H.265, allows Shadow PC to function on connections with download speeds below the minimum requirement of 15 Mbit/s. If your internet speed is under 15 Mbit/s, you might benefit from enabling HEVC.
Enabling High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265)
To enable H.265, go to the Quick Menu or Settings in the Shadow PC Launcher, then navigate to Video & Display → Advanced Settings → enable High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265). On mobile, this setting is called 'Low bandwidth mode'.
Important Notes
Note that H.265 is useful for low-bandwidth connections but won't address issues like packet loss or high jitter. If your latency or packet loss increases, or you encounter new symptoms, turn off H.265.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does High Efficiency Video Coding (H.265) work?
H.265 is a common video compression standard that allows your local device to compress files from Shadow's stream, improving its quality. Because H.265 requires more resources than its predecessor H.264, most devices manufactured after 2014 are compatible with H.265.
Is H.265 compatible with my Operating System?
H.265 is available on newer Windows and macOS operating systems, as well as the Shadow Ghost and Shadow Box. On mobile, this setting is called 'Low bandwidth mode'. Most devices manufactured after 2014 are compatible with H.265.
I'm experiencing high latency after enabling H.265. How do I fix it?
H.265 is primarily intended for slow internet connections. If your download speed is greater than 15 Mbit/s, you may experience higher latency or packet loss. Disable this feature if you notice any latency symptoms.