VMS PE 10 and CUDA rendering

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/18/2010, 5:02 AM

Rendering times are exactly the same when using a CUDA enabled GPU and an older GPU (non-CUDA). Does anyone know if I need to enable CUDA within VMS 10 somewhere, or what else may be wrong? I see a huge advantage when transcoding with other softare (vReveal, MediaCoder), where CUDA reduced duration from 169 seconds to 92 seconds, for example. However, with VMS 10, the render times do not change by even one second.

I am running a Core2Quad 9550 at 2.83 GHz, 3 GB usable RAM, GTS250 GPU (slightly overclocked out of the box). I have tried two different versions of the driver for the GTS250 from the nVidia site (including the latest driver released just a few days ago; mid-June 2010). Win XP SP3 32-bit.

Sony says an advantage can be gained with CUDA if you have an old CPU and a new GPU. Perhaps that's my problem - My CPU is not cheesy enough for Vegas? Why can free software like vReveal and MediaCoder take advantage of my GPU for substantial performance increases, but VMS, which I paid good money for, does not??

I have tried to render AVCHD files shot with two different camcorders, a JVC Everio and a Sony HDR-CX550V. I rendered to AVC and also to MPEG2. In all cases, the render times did not change by even one second with the CUDA GPU vs. without. It's as if VMS10 does not recognize the existence of the CUDA enabled GPU at all.

Sony tech support was not able to offer any advice, so I'm hoping a knowledgeable user who has tried CUDA with VMS10 can point me in the right direction.

Comments

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/18/2010, 7:31 AM

You must be doing something wrong!
You are using a recent GPU driver, right? (185.* or higher)
I've run a test myself, these are my results:
test 1: GPU enabled: 2'15''
test 2: CPU only: 2'57''
(Sony AVC codec @ 25p 1080x1920)

This is how I tested: In the custom screen of the render as screen, I can tick off 'encode on CPU even if GPU is available'.

BTW my render crashes instantly with the 24p preset.

Markk655 wrote on 6/18/2010, 9:54 AM

Ivan,

Some questions...

- Which test did you run first?
- What format is the original footgae
- How long is the movie being rendered>

I t would be interesting to hear others' experiences as well.

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/18/2010, 10:42 AM

- Which test did you run first?
GPU enabled
- What format is the original footgae
Canon T2i native mov files
- How long is the movie being rendered>
23secs, 1 event, so no transitions, no effects, just some soundtrack added

I have the nvidia 8800 GT 512MB.

BTW, as far as I know, this codec does not come with 'smart rendering'.

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/18/2010, 2:35 PM

Ivan123-
Thank you for the tip. Unfortuneately, it did not solve the problem. I rendered with and without the box checked (encode on CPU even if GPU present), and rendering time was essentially the same either way. The clips were shot in 1920 x 1080 interlaced 17Mbps with the Sony HDR-CX550V. With VMS10, I applied effects and music, and then saved to hard drive in Format: Sony AVC, Template: AVCHD 1920 x 1080 60i. With CUDA, render time was 9'12", and with CPU only it was 9'9".

Driver is 257.21, dated 2010.06.15.

I agree with you that it seems like I must be doing something wrong.... I just can't figure out what! Any other suggestions?

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/18/2010, 2:50 PM

Try this: choose the 'internet 1920x1080p ' template instead of the interlaced one.
This i/p factor seems to be a major discriminant between us.
I'm suspicious that the Cuda system does something tricky with the interlaced/progressive frame rendering, resulting in faster rendering.

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/19/2010, 8:00 AM

Ivan123-
OK, I tried the "Internet 1920 x 1080 25p" template. No dice. Rendering time was 7min 13 sec +/- 1 sec either way (with and without checkbox for CPU only).

The GPU temperature does not budge either way - it remains at 43 degC; another confirmation the GPU is not being used at all for rendering in VMS10. BTW, when I used MediaCoder to transcode with CUDA encoder, the GPU temp increased from 43 to 48 degC (once again, just a confirmation that the GPU is indeed being put to good use).

What CPU do you have?

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/19/2010, 8:04 AM

I have a dell xps 420

Operating System
Platform: Windows Vista
Version: 6.00.6002 (Service Pack 2)
Language: Dutch
System locale: Dutch
User locale: Dutch

Processor
Class: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
Identifier: GenuineIntel
Number of processors: 4
MMX available: Yes
SSE available: Yes
SSE2 available: Yes
SSE3 available: Yes
SSSE3 available: Yes
SSE4.1 available: No
SSE4.2 available: No

Display
Primary: 1920x1080x32

Memory
Physical memory: 3.069,2 MB
Paging memory available: 6.343,5 MB
Virtual memory possible: 2.047,8 MB

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/19/2010, 8:31 AM

Eddie,
You may want to compare this too: (under 'about Vegas', tab 'components'.
Look specifically for the mp4 plugin.

Application
Path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\VegasMovieStudioPE100.exe

CD/DVD
sfcd.cdd.dll version: 3.0.0.3129
sfspti.dll version: 3.0.0.3129
sfcdix.cfg version: 1.2.0
sfcdix.cfg checksum: 185764

File I/O Plug-Ins
ac3studioplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.4398
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\ac3studioplug\ac3studioplug.dll

aifplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.10213
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\aifplug\aifplug.dll

atracplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.7185
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\atracplug\atracplug.dll

aviplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.11708
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\aviplug\aviplug.dll

compoundplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.753
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\compoundplug\compoundplug.dll

fhgaacplug2.dll
version: 1.0.0.381
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\fhgaacplug2\fhgaacplug2.dll

flacplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.3825
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\flacplug\flacplug.dll

gifplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.9509
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\gifplug\gifplug.dll

lpecplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.919
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\lpecplug\lpecplug.dll

mcmp4plug2.dll
version: 1.0.0.6365
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\mcmp4plug2\mcmp4plug2.dll

mcplug.dll
version: 2.0.0.7945
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\mcplug\mcplug.dll

mp3plug2.dll
version: 3.0.0.8680
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\mp3plug2\mp3plug2.dll

mp4plug3.dll
version: 1.0.0.107
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\mp4plug3\mp4plug3.dll

oggplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.11141
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\oggplug\oggplug.dll

qt7plug.dll
version: 1.0.0.7330
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\qt7plug\qt7plug.dll

rm9plug.dll
version: 1.0.0.8695
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\rm9plug\rm9plug.dll

sfpaplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.11453
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\sfpaplug\sfpaplug.dll

stl2plg.dll
version: 1.3.0.9843
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\stl2plg\stl2plg.dll

swfplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.7225
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\swfplug\swfplug.dll

wavplug.dll
version: 1.2.0.12047
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\wavplug\wavplug.dll

wicplug.dll
version: 1.0.0.1548
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\wicplug\wicplug.dll

wmfplug4.dll
version: 1.0.0.3674
path: C:\Program Files\Sony\Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\wmfplug4\wmfplug4.dll

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/19/2010, 11:47 AM

Ivan123-
Again, thank you for your generous help.

I checked the plug-ins and all are exactly the same as the list you posted.

I tried uninstalling VMS10 and re-installing it, but that did not work.

I tried uninstalling the GPU driver and re-installing the one that came with the card, which is version 190.xx, but that did not work.

I have tried importing files of several different formats, including: .mov, .avi, .mp4, .m2ts, .avc, etc. I have also tried rendering to different AVC formats. In all cases, no CUDA rendering.

I do not have any more ideas. I am completely stumped and now frustrated because I have spent too many hours trying to make this work!!

Here are my machine specs, by the way:
Operating System
Platform: Windows XP
Version: 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 3)
Language: English
System locale: English
User locale: English

Processor
Class: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz
Identifier: GenuineIntel
Number of processors: 4
MMX available: Yes
SSE available: Yes
SSE2 available: Yes
SSE3 available: Yes
SSSE3 available: Yes
SSE4.1 available: Yes
SSE4.2 available: No

Display
Primary: 1680x1050x32

Memory
Physical memory: 3,007.0 MB
Paging memory available: 4,891.7 MB
Virtual memory possible: 2,047.8 MB

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/19/2010, 2:08 PM

Very bizar...
One thing we haven't considered is Apple's Quicktime Player. Vegas uses some of its libraries. My version is 7.6.6 (1671).

The information following comes from the 'nvidia configuration' on my system. It has some references to cuda. It is in Dutch, but I guess you'll find your way.

NVIDIA Systeeminformatierapport gecreëerd op: 06/19/2010 23:04:55
Systeemnaam: PC_VAN_IVAN

[Beeldscherm]
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz (2394 MHz)
Besturingssysteem: Windows Vista (TM) Home Premium, 32-bit (Service Pack 2)
DirectX-versie: 11.0
GPU-processor: GeForce 8800 GT
Stuurprogrammaversie: 196.21
CUDA-kernen: 112
Geheugeninterface: 256-bit
Totaal beschikbaar grafisch geheugen: 1790 MB
Toegewezen videogeheugen: 512 MB
Videogeheugen systeem: 0 MB
Gedeeld systeemgeheugen: 1278 MB
Video BIOS-versie: 62.92.3A.00.09
IRQ: 16
Bus: PCI Express 16

[Onderdelen]

nvCplUIR.dll 2.8.290.13 NVIDIA Control Panel
nvCplUI.exe 2.8.290.13 NVIDIA Control Panel
nvWSSR.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Workstation Server
nvWSS.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Workstation Server
nvViTvSR.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Video Server
nvViTvS.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Video Server
nvMoblSR.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Mobile Server
nvMoblS.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Mobile Server
NVSTVIEW.EXE 7.17.11.9621 NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision
NVSTTEST.EXE 7.17.11.9621 NVIDIA 3D Vision Test Application
NVSTRES.DLL 7.17.11.9621 NVIDIA 3D Vision Module (0)
nvDispSR.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Display Server
NVMCTRAY.DLL 8.17.11.9621 NVIDIA Media Center Library
nvDispS.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA Display Server
NVCPL.DLL 8.17.11.9621 NVIDIA Compatible Windows7 Display driver, Version 196.21
PhysX 09.09.1112 NVIDIA PhysX
NVCUDA.DLL 8.17.11.9621 NVIDIA CUDA 3.0.1 driver
nvGameSR.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA 3D Settings Server
nvGameS.dll 6.14.11.9621 NVIDIA 3D Settings Server

Markk655 wrote on 6/19/2010, 6:54 PM

I wonder if it has to do with the footgae. Perhaps someone can share some footage that they know is accelerated on their machine via CUDA? We might be able to generate some speed increases based on cpu configuration and help ID Eddie' issue. Just a thought.

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/21/2010, 5:28 AM

Markk655-
Thanks for the idea. I would welcome a short clip from someone who has had success with CUDA acceleration. What are the logistics of this? Can someone attach a clip to their posting somehow??

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/21/2010, 5:45 AM

Ivan 123-
Here are some differences I noticed:

Your native files are probably PAL, right? Mine are NTSC.

You are running Vista, and I'm using XP. That might explain some of the differences that follow.....

You have DirectX ver 11, whereas I have DirectX ver 9.0c. I believe that XP cannot use DirectX ver 10 or 11.

Your video BIOS version is 62.92.3A.00.09. Mine is 62.92.7D.00.10. Of course we have different graphics cards - yours is 8800GT and mine is GTS250.

Many of your .dll files are version 6.14.11.9621, and my files of the same name are a slightly more recent version: 6.14.11.9745. This is because you are using version 196.21 of the nVidia driver, whereas I am using 197.45.

One very notable exception:
You have "NVCUDA.DLL 8.17.11.9621 NVIDIA CUDA 3.0.1 driver", and
I have "NVCUDA.DLL 6.14.11.9745 NVIDIA CUDA 3.0.1 driver". Yours is newer version.

Where some of your .dll files have companion files with an "R" tacked on, I do not have any such "R" files. (e.g. nvWSS.dll and nvWSSR.dll).

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 6/21/2010, 7:44 AM

I think DirectX may a major player in this. But that would imply that cuda in Vegas doesn't work under XP...

I also read that Microsoft .NET Framework is essential. I have version 3.5 sp 1 with all security updates installed.

Eddie Vidder wrote on 6/21/2010, 4:08 PM

A couple days ago, I discovered I did not have the latest .NET updates. So, I updated using Windows Update. I did this after VMS10 was already installed. Do you suppose that VMS 10 must be installed AFTER the .NET updates, so that VMS initializes properly?

If anyone else is reading this thread, and using Win XP.... is CUDA rendering working on your machine with VMS 10?

Milos Janata wrote on 6/22/2010, 8:16 AM

@Eddie Vidder Hello, CUDA does NOT work at all on my machine.
winXP,nvidia 9800gt.
Same rendring times for 1-4 threats, even when i tick or untick GPU rendring..

Is there any way to let Sony know we need some improvement?

MSmart wrote on 6/22/2010, 10:23 AM

Milos, you can submit your issue to Tech Support using THIS FORM

Be prepared to supply specifics about your PC set up and the video file properties.

Also, update your system specs HERE

Eddie Vidder wrote on 7/3/2010, 3:33 AM

Update: I just heard from another user who is using a Q9550 CPU (same as me), and CUDA works on his machine..... and he has an older GPU vs mine. Therefore, one more theory can be ruled out .... that CUDA does not work with fast CPUs.

The common thread I can see so far, with very limited number of users having responded, is WinXP.

Can anyone tell me if CUDA is working with WinXP?