Error Using EGLStreamCube Instance

Issue Overview

Users are encountering an error when attempting to run the eglstreamcube application on the Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit with JetPack 6.0. The specific error message received is "X failed to open display," indicating that the application cannot access the X server for rendering. This problem occurs despite having a monitor connected, and users are attempting to run the application from a terminal session. The issue is compounded by the fact that the basic flavor root filesystem does not initialize X11, which is required for running graphical applications like eglstreamcube.

Relevant Hardware and Software Specifications

• IDE: Jetson 36.0
• JetPack Version: 6.0
• Core Board: Orin Nano 4GB
• Board: Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
• Kernel Source: Jetson Linux 36.3
• Root File System Source: Basic Flavor Root File System

Symptoms

• Error message when running eglstreamcube: "X failed to open display."
• Unable to use xrandr to check display settings due to "Can’t open display" error.
• Users report that even with a monitor connected, graphical applications fail to launch.

Possible Causes

1. Missing X11 Initialization: The basic flavor root filesystem does not set up X11, which is necessary for graphical applications.
2. Incorrect DISPLAY Environment Variable: The DISPLAY variable may not be set correctly, preventing applications from connecting to the X server.
3. Running in Headless Mode: If users are accessing the board via SSH without proper X forwarding, graphical applications will fail to launch.
4. Configuration Issues: There may be configuration issues in the system that prevent proper initialization of graphical interfaces.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Check Monitor Connection:

   • Ensure that the monitor is properly connected and powered on.

2. Test Display Settings:

   • If using SSH, ensure you use X forwarding by connecting with:

     ssh -X <user>@<ip>
     

   • If connected directly, check if the DISPLAY variable is set correctly:

     echo $DISPLAY
     

3. Use xrandr Command:

   • Attempt to run:

     DISPLAY=:0 xrandr
     

   • This command checks if there is an active display on index 0.

4. Install Desktop Flavor Root Filesystem:

   • Since the basic flavor does not initialize X11, consider switching to a desktop flavor root filesystem which supports graphical applications.

5. Initialize X11 Manually:

   • If you prefer not to install a desktop environment but need X11, you can initialize it manually by installing necessary packages:

     sudo apt install xorg openbox
     startx
     

6. Run eglstreamcube with Correct DISPLAY Setting:

   • Ensure you run eglstreamcube with the correct DISPLAY variable set:

     DISPLAY=:0 ./eglstreamcube
     

7. Review Documentation for EGLStream Usage:

   • Consult NVIDIA’s documentation for any specific requirements or configurations needed for using EGLStream applications.

Recommended Fixes

• Switching from the basic flavor root filesystem to a desktop flavor is highly recommended for running graphical applications.
• Ensure that X11 is properly initialized if you wish to avoid using a full desktop environment.

Best Practices for Future Prevention

• When setting up development environments on Jetson boards, choose the appropriate root filesystem based on your intended use (headless vs graphical).
• Regularly check NVIDIA forums and documentation for updates regarding compatibility and setup instructions for new JetPack versions.

Unresolved Aspects and Further Investigation

• Users continue to seek guidance on how to initialize X11 without installing a full desktop environment.
• There may be additional configuration steps required for specific applications or setups that have not been fully documented.

By following these troubleshooting steps and solutions, users can effectively address issues related to running graphical applications like eglstreamcube on the Jetson Orin Nano platform.