Problems with FireMonkey over VNC and Remote Desktop

Question

Settings: An executable native application written in Delphi FireMonkey (object pascal) application on Windows 64bit and Windows 32bit. The executable is run from a virtual machine through VNC, typically from an Ubuntu Linux machine to a virtual Windows 7 configuration running the executable.

Problem: The problem is when displaying an image (TImage) with effects (TMonochromeEvent, TShadowEffect), the image is not displayed in a VNC connection. Changing the effect will sometimes render the image, sometimes it will flash for a second and disappear.

The same happens with custom styled TListItem. They display fine over Windows 7, Windows 8 in 32bit and 64bit when running locally, and work as expected.

Would appreciate ideas and commentary! :-) Thank you.

Scapolite

delphihaters.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/… – Britannic

What happens if you compile the app with GlobalUseHWEffects := False; GlobalUseDirect2D := False; GlobalUseDirect2DSoftware := True; GlobalUseGDIPlusClearType := False; ? Reference: #10878564 – Fogg

Well, it would pretty much ruin the very reason for using FireMonkey. We want to take advantage of the hardware effects. I wouldn't mind FireMonkey sensing the situation and reducing the level of effects to network speeds, or even refreshing the display/forms/invalidating every 10-20ms to keep everything visible. But I don't see a reason for our team to build what I think is a critical component of the FireMonkey engine. We want to concentrate on the application. – Scapolite

Answer 1

Could it be related some settings in VNC (poll full screen?) or the version of VNC you are using (perhaps try UltraVNC or TightVNC). Are you running VNC as a service? I believe they have some sort of display driver hook, are you taking advantage of this? Could you use Remote Desktop Services instead, or LogMeIn?

Selfpronouncing

Thanks Alister, it happens regardless of VNC mode. VNC runs as a service. My problem isn't for myself: we are developing FireMonkey software for customers who may run it over VNC, so switching tools will not be helpful. – Scapolite