> 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

The **Playback Controls** visibility setting is saved per input and remains in effect after reconnecting the source or restarting OmniScope.

When the video source is selected, press the **Left Arrow** or **Right Arrow** key to pause and step backward or forward by one frame. This also works with the FFmpeg reader in OmniScope 1.11.55 and later.

<figure><img src="https://565437294-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MFqn5MuayPgQPMZ9pwf%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2516f2be5e5cbb21fdec26a65c8a694a934addac%2F2026-02_playback_controls.jpg?alt=media" 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="https://565437294-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MFqn5MuayPgQPMZ9pwf%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7682fca8a8626fe3ea2506471bd6799d8c263c5b%2F2026-04_free_run_settings.jpg?alt=media" 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="https://565437294-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MFqn5MuayPgQPMZ9pwf%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-19be6616d390c2d4cfc22cbb62c6a910b414571b%2F2026-04_free_run_speed_indicator.jpg?alt=media" 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.

In OmniScope 1.11.55 and later, files with multiple audio tracks retain their decodable channels in track order, up to 32 channels. Tracks with different sample rates or start times are aligned on a common playback timeline, with gaps represented as silence.

In OmniScope 1.11.54 and later, seeking or repeating playback resets loudness measurements and held peaks so they reflect the new playback position.

## 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 %}

In **1.11.54**, Windows video decoding and conversion stay on the GPU when supported, improving 4K playback performance with scopes and QC enabled.

In **1.11.55**, FFmpeg playback was updated to keep the latest requested position during rapid scrubbing, improve seek accuracy for H.264, HEVC, and ProRes files, and include delayed frames at the end of a clip.

## 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.