Jetson Orin Nano RTSP Codec Performance Issues

Issue Overview

Users have reported performance issues related to the Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano when utilizing RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) for video streaming. The main symptoms observed include significantly lower frames per second (fps) when streaming video over RTSP compared to local playback of the same video file in MP4 format using DeepStream. Specifically, users noted that while running DeepStream with an MP4 file yields better fps, switching to an RTSP source results in a noticeable drop in performance. This issue primarily occurs during the setup and testing phases of video streaming applications.

The context of the problem involves users attempting to stream video files via RTSP, where they expect similar or improved performance compared to direct file access. The hardware specifications mentioned include the Jetson Orin Nano board utilizing software encoders like x264enc. The problem appears to be consistent across different setups, impacting user experience by hindering real-time processing capabilities essential for applications like robotics and AI.

Possible Causes

1. Hardware Limitations: The Jetson Orin Nano may lack dedicated hardware encoders/decoders for certain codecs, requiring reliance on software encoding, which can be less efficient and lead to lower fps.
2. Software Bugs: There may be bugs within the DeepStream application or its integration with RTSP that affect performance.
3. Configuration Errors: Incorrect configuration settings in the DeepStream pipeline could lead to suboptimal performance when handling RTSP streams.
4. Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers may not fully support the features required for efficient RTSP streaming.
5. Network Latency: Streaming over a network introduces latency and potential packet loss, which can degrade performance compared to local file playback.
6. User Misconfiguration: Users might not be utilizing optimal settings for RTSP streaming, such as buffer sizes or codec parameters.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Check Command Syntax:

   • Ensure you are using the correct command for initiating the RTSP stream. Example command:

     gst-launch-1.0 rtspsrc location=rtsp://your_stream_address ! decodebin ! autovideosink
     

2. Use Software Encoder:

   • Confirm that you are using the software encoder x264enc in your DeepStream application:

     h264enc = gst_element_factory_make("x264enc", "x264enc");
     

3. Adjust Pipeline Settings:

   • Modify your GStreamer pipeline settings to optimize performance. Test different configurations, such as adjusting buffer sizes or enabling hardware acceleration if available.

4. Monitor Network Conditions:

   • Check your network connection for stability and bandwidth availability. Use tools like ping or iperf to measure network performance.

5. Update Drivers and Software:

   • Ensure you have the latest version of JetPack and DeepStream installed. Use the SDK Manager to check for updates:

     sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
     

6. Test with Different Codecs:

   • Experiment with different codecs and settings in your RTSP stream to see if performance improves.

7. Log Performance Metrics:

   • Gather logs and performance metrics while running your application to identify bottlenecks or errors:

     export GST_DEBUG=3
     

8. Consult Documentation:

   • Review Nvidia’s official documentation on DeepStream and Jetson Orin Nano for any specific guidelines regarding RTSP usage.

9. Community Support:

   • Engage with community forums or Nvidia support channels for additional insights from other users who may have faced similar issues.

10. Unresolved Aspects:

    • Further investigation may be needed into specific codec support on the Jetson Orin Nano, as well as potential optimizations in future software updates.

By following these steps, users can diagnose and potentially resolve issues related to RTSP streaming performance on the Jetson Orin Nano platform, improving their overall experience with this development board.