Streaming video with Chrome on NVIDIA systems

[khex01]

Hello:

The HP Omen 17-AN120NR would be a fantastic and almost perfect laptop if it was not for having the Intel UHD Graphics adapter disabled.  I guess this may be why I should or should have opted to pay $1000 more (easily, probably more) for a 17" MSI gaming laptop because I know MSI still connects the laptop screen to the onboard adapter and then has the HDMI, Mini Display port adapters on the NVIDIA card.  This setup works better for general computer usage and a workstation setup-- it is perfect because you can connect 3 additional displays still and have Intel QuickSync Video.

Unfortunately, since these HP OMEN laptops are all discrete NVIDIA graphics there is a serious issue with Google Chrome and streaming video.  The video plays no where near as smooth and perfectly as it does in Firefox, but in my case Chrome is really the only supported option, or on laptops with Optimus technology (Intel Graphics + NVIDIA).

I really wish HP made a laptop just like these Omens in the same style and specs but had the laptop display on the Intel UHD Graphics controller like how the MSI gaming laptops all come. Problem with MSI is that it is awfully difficult to find a 17" one that has the connectivity ports in the rear or on the left side of the unit and one that does not cost $3000 or more....

[Jeet_singh]

@khex01,

I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details).

If you are unfamiliar with how the Community's private message capability works, you can learn about that here.

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community.

[khex01]

Hello and thank you for forwarding my issue to the support team.

However, I have decided to return this OMEN by HP (AN120NR) laptop back to Amazon.com as well as I have finally been able to locate an online retailer of MSI gaming laptops and been able to order a new 17" MSI GE75 Raider laptop from a different retailer. 

Unfortunately, since you have decided to make these OMEN laptops all support the G-SYNC feature, that unfortunately disables NVIDIA Optimus technology which allows you to be able to switch between Intel UHD Graphics 630 and the NVIDIA GeForce graphics adapter.  Losing support for Intel UHD Graphics unfortunately also removes support for Intel QuickSync Video technology and although NVIDIA NVENC is exceptionally powerful and almost as good, I believe it is this that likely causes the issue with streaming video in the Chrome web browser for some reason. One of the only things that seem to make sense after my tests.

I have previously had an MSI GT70 gaming laptop which I especially liked and this is what I have been trying to replace since I ended up killing the screen several months ago.  I tried replacing it with an MSI GS630 Stealth in October as I was able to purchase this from a local Best Buy store right away but after a few months I can no longer stand the small size screen and the location of the video ports being on the right side which interfere drastically with moving a mouse. Both of these MSI models offer support for NVIDIA Optimus technology which allows for the ability to switch between Intel UHD graphics and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics adapter. It may also disable support for G-SYNC, but when you put the two up against each other, I personally have to side with NVIDIA Optimus technology more. 

Unfortunately for HP, you do not offer any such laptops that meet my needs or wants at this time. Your OMENS come the closest except for being NVIDIA based exclusive. This is a big negative to me! The Envy's which are very nice and I have tried one of these 17" ones before the OMEN almost comes close but due to none of them offering support for a full GeForce GTX graphics adapter, they all fail to meet my what I am looking for also. The MSI models, if you can find the right one at an acceptable price point as they can run very expensive, all happen to meet my needs and match what I am looking-- most of them, the models that have the video ports on the left side and not in the way of moving a mouse with your right hand anyway. So, as it turns out I have a new MSI laptop due to come in tomorrow so I expect to be sending the HP OMEN laptop back to Amazon, where I ordered it from, on Monday for a refund.

Additionally, in terms of quality, I have to say MSI does a better job with quality control than you guys do with your laptops. I have tried several HP laptops (an Envy, and two OMENS as well as two from Amazon) and all the Best Buy ones I needed to either return for exchange or return for refund due to issues such as a defect or damage to them. The Envy had a dead pixel on the screen the first time.  I have not seen any defects or issues with either of the MSI laptops I have purchased and tried and so far have not had to return any for an exchange right away after receiving them. I think HP needs to improve their quality control and maybe start offering some different configuration options if you want to compete with other competitors better.

Thank you.

[Photoray002]

Actually, its not Gsync that's disabling Optimus. As of the time I write this, none of the HP laptop models support Optimus if a higher end graphics card like a GTX 1060 or 1070 is installed. Even the ones with only a standard 60hz panel. Optimus (or switchable graphics) is only available on systems with up to a 1050 or 1050ti.

I have asked why HP did this, but never received an answer.  HP does things the way they do things. That's all I can offer.

I have been reading on other forums where users are having issues with stutter in regards to streaming with Chrome and Nvidia cards. There seems to be something to do with Chrome and WidevineCDM module. Not sure if this is the case for your situation specifically.

Hope all works out on your next purchase.

Note: I am not an HP employee.

[khex01]

Thank you so much for finding this information for me!  I actually only wish you would have sent me that link a day earlier before I ordered the new MSI laptop and received it with overnight shipping, but no worries, I still really, really appreciate you sharing that link with me.  I tried it and it does in deed seem to correct the issue.  More testing is needed to completely verify but so far after closing and restarting Chrome several times since I tried it video streaming seems smooth like it should be.

[khex01]

Issues I have with the 17" OMEN laptop...

1. The size!  The bulkiness of it makes this thing awfully uncomfortable to sit and type on or carry back and forth between two places often.

2. The design.  The whole thing is virtually flat with a curved bottom sloping inwards from the outer edge.  Ideally on a laptop we want the REAR to be higher or thicker than the front of the laptop which should be as thin and low as possible for more comfort.

3. The keyboard placement.  The keyboard is still placed too far to the rear of the laptop making it more uncomfortable to type on especially with the HIGHT of the front of the laptop.  If the keyboard was moved a half inch to an inch closer to the front it would be far better.