TurboVNC is a derivative of TightVNC, an open-source remote desktop software that enables users to remotely access and control computers over the internet. It provides high-speed remote access that is suitable for use in demanding scientific and technical environments.
One thing that distinguishes TurboVNC from its parent project is its highly optimized image encoding that ensures unparalleled image quality without sacrificing bandwidth. TurboVNC provides two image encoding options: Tight JPEG encoding and raw encoding of 24-bit pixels. The algorithm used in TurboVNC is accelerated using TurboJPEG, which guarantees high frame rates.
TurboVNC offers fine-grained control over JPEG image quality, making it possible to achieve lossless image quality even over low-bandwidth networks. The platform provides (optional) double buffering on the client-side to alleviate tearing artifacts in 3D and video applications.
One of the platform's significant improvements is its lossless refresh feature that offers Zlib-encoded RGB copy of the current screen image when you press a particular hotkey. This feature ensures that image quality is not compromised, even if the network is too slow to support high-quality JPEG or Raw image encoding.
TurboVNC provides some protocol tweaks that enable certain stages of the VNC pipeline to be executed in parallel, improving performance on high-latency networks. The platform is thoroughly tested and built to work excellently on Solaris platforms (client and server) and Intel-based Macs (client only).
When used with VirtualGL's X11 Image Transport, TurboVNC is the fastest solution for remotely displaying 3D applications across a wide-area network. It can send nearly 20 Megapixels/second over a 100 Megabit/second local area network while maintaining perceptually lossless image quality. TurboVNC can deliver between 10 and 12 Megapixels/second over a 3 Megabit/second broadband connection at reduced but usable image quality.
TurboVNC is backward compatible with other VNC distributions. RealVNC and TightVNC clients can connect to the TurboVNC server, although this may reduce performance. Users can install TurboVNC onto the same system as another VNC distribution without experiencing any interference.
The latest release of TurboVNC comes with some new features and modifications that enhance the overall user experience. The new Preset allows users to select both the WAN protocol optimizations and perceptually lossless image quality. The vncserver also now has a "-list" option that lists all VNC sessions running under the current user account on the current machine.
In conclusion, TurboVNC is an excellent VNC solution packed with unique features and improvements that make it a better version of TightVNC. TurboVNC's high image quality, fine-grained control over JPEG image quality, backward compatibility with other VNC distributions, and backwards compatibility make it a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable VNC solution.
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