How to Optimize Audio for XenDesktop

Document ID: CTX118836 / Created On: Nov 3, 2008 / Updated On: Dec 24, 2008
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Summary

The following settings can be modified for optimum audio performance in a XenDesktop environment. These settings can be tuned on a per environmental need basis.

Siphon the XML blob from IMA on the desktop delivery controller (DDC):

1. On the DDC, navigate to the following directory:

C:\Program Files\Citrix\Desktop Delivery Controller

2. Run the following command:

PortICASetDefaults /o :\

Consider the following adjustments:

Virtual Channel Priorities:

Within the XML Blob, adjust the priorities of the Virtual Channels as needed. Best performance for audio over the WAN was achieved by giving Client Audio Mapping the highest priority and lowering others:

Default

CTXCAM ,1
CTXTW ,0
CTXTWI ,0

Client Audio Mapping over WAN

CTXCAM ,0
CTXTW ,1
CTXTWI ,1

Note: Consider what the trade offs are. In the above example Screen Updates are sacrificed to allow a higher priority for Client Audio Mapping

PCM (pulse coded modulation) modifications:

Default

8000
1
8

CD Quality

44100
2
16

DVD Quality

96000

2
24

Import the XML adjustments back into IMA:

1. On the DDC, navigate to the following directory:

C:\Program Files\Citrix\Desktop Delivery Controller

2. Run the following command to import the XML Blob back into IMA:

PortICASetDefaults /i :\

3. Restart IMA

Note: Citrix Policy can also be adjusted for better audio performance.

1. Open the Presentation Server Management Console.

2. Create a new policy.

3. Navigate to Client Devices > Resources > Audio > Sound Quality.

4. Select High, Medium, or Low depending on the environment.

More Information

PCM (pulse coded modulation) :

PCM is a set of uncompressed digital encodings with the following three (3) parameters:

Bits Per Sample

Channels

Sample Frequency

Sample = A measurement of analogue sound as a voltage at a single point in time.

The more Bits Per Sample the subtler the changes in frequency that can be encoded.

The more samples per second the finer the changes in frequency.

Virtual Channels

You have four priority levels to choose from :

0 - Highest Priority
1 - Medium
2 - Low
3 - Background Priority

Below is a list of the Virtual Channels and a brief description:

Virtual Channel Default

Priority

Description

CTXTW

0

Remote Windows screen update data (ThinWire)

CTXTWI

0

Seamless Windows screen update data (ThinWire)

CTXCLIP

1

Clipboard

CTXCAM

1

Client audio mapping

CTXLIC

1

License management

CTXVFM

1

Video server video (not ThinWire video)

CTXPN

1

Program Neighborhood

CTXCCM

2

Client COM port mapping

CTXCDM

3

Client drive mapping

CTXCM

3

Client management (Auto Client Update)

CTXLPT1

3

Printer mapping for non-spooling client (Thin client devices)

CTXLPT2

3

Printer mapping for non-spooling client (Thin client devices)

CTXCOM1

3

Printer mapping for non-spooling client (Thin client devices)

CTXCOM2

3

Printer mapping for non-spooling client (Thin client devices)

CTXCPM

3

Printer mapping for spooling clients

OEMOEM

3

Used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

OEMOEM2

3

Used by OEMs

This document applies to:

XenDesktop 2.0 x32
XenDesktop 2.0 x64
XenDesktop 2.1 x32
XenDesktop 3.0 x64
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