> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.timeinpixels.com/nobe-omniscope/sources/video-file.md).

# Video File

Video File source lets you load local media files and analyze playback with OmniScope scopes and QC tools.

## Playback Controls

After connecting a Video File source, use the source options to:

* Play / pause
* Scrub position
* Loop playback

<figure><img src="/files/WSeoy9idYGqp6HKfS8iX" alt=""><figcaption><p>Video file playback controls</p></figcaption></figure>

## Free Run Mode

Free run mode bypasses source FPS and real-time pacing, delivering frames as fast as the processing pipeline can accept them. This is useful for offline analysis, batch QC, or exporting where real-time playback speed is not required.

### Enabling Free Run

1. Select the video file source in the **Input Strip**.
2. Open the **Settings** tab in the source panel.
3. Under **Free run**, check **Enabled**.

<figure><img src="/files/O9eGUeEZCxwQjReNde2k" alt=""><figcaption><p>Free run option in Input Settings</p></figcaption></figure>

### Speed Indicator

When free run is active, a real-time speed multiplier (e.g. **9x**) is displayed above the source viewer area, showing how much faster than real-time the file is being processed.

<figure><img src="/files/sZJbVDPdG7aw5YEUzUF4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Speed indicator showing playback rate relative to real-time</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Free run is available for all file-based sources (Video File on macOS and Windows) in **1.11.43+**.
{% endhint %}

## Reader Selection

On macOS and Windows, OmniScope can use different decoding backends for local video files.

Open **Preferences > Video file playback** and choose **Video file reader**:

* **Auto**: prefers the native system decoder when supported, otherwise falls back to FFmpeg
* **AVFoundation** on macOS or **Media Foundation** on Windows: native decoding path
* **FFmpeg**: software fallback for formats the native reader cannot open reliably

On Windows, the **Video file playback** preference is available in release builds in **1.11.44+**.

## Audio Support

{% hint style="info" %}
Audio from video files is supported on macOS and Windows in **1.11.25+**.
{% endhint %}

Use the Audio Meter scope to verify levels during playback.

## Sync and Playback Notes

{% hint style="info" %}
A/V sync behavior for video playback and looping was improved in **1.11.25**. macOS GPU playback was improved in **1.11.24**.
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting

### No audio from file playback

* Confirm the file contains an audio track.
* Check source audio settings and monitor scopes.
* In **Preferences > Video file playback**, try switching **Video file reader** between **Auto**, the native reader, and **FFmpeg**.
* Try another file to rule out codec/container issues.

### Playback stutter

* Reduce active scopes or QC load.
* Use local SSD storage for large files.
* Lower playback resolution if needed.