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XenDesktop 5

Contents1. XenDesktop Technology Preview1.1. What's New1.2. Known Issues1.3. Install and Set Up1.4. Using the new HDX features and enhancements1.4.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection1.4.1.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the Server1.4.1.2. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the User Device1.4.2. Configuring Audio1.4.2.1. Avoiding Echo During Multimedia Conferences With HDX RealTime1.4.3. Video Conferencing with HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression1.4.4. Redirecting Aero Functionality1.4.5. Increasing 2D and 3D Application Scalability and Performance1.4.6. Improving Responsiveness in Low Bandwidth Conditions by Compressing Colors1.4.7. Assigning Priorities to Network Traffic1.5. HDX 3D Pro1.5.1. System Requirements1.5.2. Plan1.5.3. Install and Set Up1.5.4. Manage1.5.5. HDX 3D Pro User Experience1.6. New and Updated Policy Settings1.6.1. Flash Redirection Policy Settings1.6.2. Audio Policy Settings1.6.3. Bandwidth Policy Settings1.6.4. Desktop UI Policy Settings1.6.5. Caching Policy Settings1.6.6. Multimedia Policy Settings1.6.7. Multi-Stream Connections Policy Settings1.6.8. TWAIN Devices Policy Settings1.6.9. Visual Display Policy Settings2. XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 12.1. Installing and Upgrading to XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 12.2. Managing Licensing2.3. Using IntelliCache with XenDesktop3. About This Release3.1. Key Features3.2. XenDesktop Components3.3. What's New3.4. XenDesktop Features and Editions3.4.1. Features in XenDesktop VDI Edition3.4.2. Features in XenDesktop Enterprise Edition3.4.3. Features in XenDesktop Platinum Edition3.5. Information for Customers of Previous Versions3.6. Known Issues4. System Requirements4.1. Requirements for Controllers4.2. Database Requirements4.3. Separate Component Requirements4.4. Active Directory Requirements4.5. Virtual Desktop Agent Requirements4.6. Host Requirements

4.7. Requirements for Machine Creation Services5. Plan5.1. High Availability Planning5.2. Active Directory Considerations5.3. Web Interface Considerations5.4. Delegated Administration5.5. Security Planning for XenDesktop5.6. User Access and Experience5.7. High Availability of the Virtual Desktop Agent6. Quick Deploy7. Evaluate7.1. Installing and Configuring the Evaluation Deployment7.2. XenDesktop User Experience8. Install and Set Up8.1. XenDesktop Installation Media and Downloads8.2. Installing and Removing XenDesktop Server Components8.3. Installing and Removing the Virtual Desktop Agent8.3.1. To configure firewalls manually8.4. To use Windows XP virtual desktops with Single Sign-on8.5. Installing and Removing Wyse Xenith8.6. To configure a XenDesktop site8.6.1. To replace the default XenServer SSL certificate9. Upgrade and Migrate9.1. Upgrading XenDesktop Components9.2. Data Import and Export Details9.3. Exporting Data from a XenDesktop 4 Farm9.4. Editing the Migration Tool XML File9.5. Importing Data into a XenDesktop 5 Site9.6. Post-Migration Tasks9.7. Migrating from XenDesktop 4 to XenDesktop 5: an Example10. Manage10.1. Creating and Provisioning Desktops10.1.1. Creating Machine Catalogs10.1.1.1. Choosing the Machine Type10.1.1.2. Preparing a Master VM10.1.1.3. Providing Active Directory Computer Accounts10.1.1.4. To create a new machine catalog10.1.2. Managing Machine Catalogs10.1.2.1. Updating User Desktops10.1.2.2. Adding More Machines to a Catalog10.1.2.3. To manage Active Directory computer accounts10.1.2.4. To delete a machine catalog10.2. Allocating and Managing Desktops10.2.1. About Desktop Groups10.2.1.1. Examples of Desktop Groups10.2.2. To create a desktop group10.2.3. To find desktops, sessions, and desktop groups10.2.4. To import and export user data10.2.5. To secure desktop groups10.2.6. To change the display properties of desktops10.2.7. To power manage machines10.2.8. To restrict access to machines10.2.9. To reallocate desktops10.2.10. To shut down and restart desktops10.2.11. To remove desktops from desktop groups10.2.12. To delete desktops from catalogs10.2.13. To enable or disable maintenance mode10.2.14. To manage desktop sessions10.3. Managing Your Controller Environment10.3.1. About Controller Discovery10.3.2. To add a controller10.3.3. To remove a controller

10.3.4. To move a controller to another site10.3.5. To configure SSL on XenDesktop controllers10.4. Configuring Hosts10.4.1. To create a host10.4.2. Editing a Host10.4.3. To edit a connection10.4.4. To put a connection into maintenance mode10.4.5. Managing Machines10.4.6. To delete a host10.4.7. To delete a connection10.5. Using Smart Cards with XenDesktop10.5.1. Smart Card Types and Readers Supported10.5.2. User Device Requirements for Smart Cards10.5.3. Secure Use of Smart Cards10.5.4. Configuring Smart Card Authentication10.5.5. Managing Smart Card Use10.5.6. Removing Smart Cards10.6. Working with XenDesktop Policies10.6.1. Navigating Citrix Policies and Settings10.6.2. Creating Policies10.6.3. Configuring Policy Settings10.6.4. Applying XenDesktop Policies10.6.4.1. To apply a policy10.6.5. Using Multiple Policies10.6.5.1. Prioritizing Policies and Creating Exceptions10.6.6. Determining Which Policies Apply to a Connection10.6.6.1. To simulate connection scenarios with Citrix policies10.6.6.2. Troubleshooting Policies With No Configured Settings10.6.7. Applying Policies to Access Gateway Connections11. Monitor12. Customize12.1. Delegating Administration Tasks12.2. Printing with XenDesktop12.3. Configuring USB Support12.4. Support for USB Mass Storage Devices12.5. Optimizing the User Experience12.5.1. Enhancing the User Experience With HDX12.5.1.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection12.5.1.1.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the Server12.5.1.1.2. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the User Device12.5.1.2. Configuring Audio12.5.1.2.1. Avoiding Echo During Multimedia Conferences With HDX RealTime12.5.1.3. HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression for Video Conferencing12.5.1.4. Improving Responsiveness in Low Bandwidth Conditions by Compressing Colors12.5.2. Configuring Time Zone Settings12.5.3. Configuring Connection Timers12.5.4. Workspace Control in XenDesktop12.5.5. Removing the Shut Down Command13. Integrate13.1. Using Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 with XenDesktop13.2. Using VMware with XenDesktop13.3. Using XenApp with XenDesktop13.3.1. Application Streaming Compared to Hosting13.3.2. Before Installing XenApp in a XenDesktop Environment13.3.3. Optimizing Application Delivery13.3.3.1. Installing the Online and Offline Plug-ins13.3.3.2. Setting up Pass-through Authentication13.3.3.3. Mapping Network Drives Using a Policy13.3.4. USB Drive Mapping Limitations14. Reference14.1. About the XenDesktop SDK14.2. XenDesktopServerSetup.exe

14.3. XenDesktopVdaSetup.exe14.4. Policy Settings Reference14.4.1. Policy Settings: Quick Reference Table14.4.2. ICA Policy Settings14.4.2.1. Audio Policy Settings14.4.2.2. Auto Client Reconnect Policy Settings14.4.2.3. Bandwidth Policy Settings14.4.2.4. Desktop UI Policy Settings14.4.2.5. End User Monitoring Policy Settings14.4.2.6. File Redirection Policy Settings14.4.2.7. Graphics Policy Settings14.4.2.7.1. Image Compression Policy Settings14.4.2.8. Keep Alive Policy Settings14.4.2.9. Multimedia Policy Settings14.4.2.9.1. HDX MediaStream for Flash (client side) Policy Settings14.4.2.9.2. HDX Multimedia for Flash (server side) Policy Settings14.4.2.10. Ports Policy Settings14.4.2.11. Printing Policy Settings14.4.2.11.1. Client Printers Policy Settings14.4.2.11.2. Drivers Policy Settings14.4.2.11.3. Universal Printing Policy Settings14.4.2.12. Session Limits Policy Settings14.4.2.13. Session Reliability Policy Settings14.4.2.14. USB Devices Policy Settings14.4.3. Server Session Settings14.4.4. Virtual Desktop Agent Settings14.4.4.1. CPU Usage Monitoring Settings14.4.4.2. ICA Latency Monitoring Settings14.4.4.3. Profile Load Time Monitoring Settings

XenDesktop 5

Updated: 2011-05-10

This section of the library provides up-to-date product information about installing, configuring, and administering a XenDesktop 5 deployment:

Introduction Licensing Your Product

XenDesktop 5 System Requirements XenDesktop Scalability Guidelines

Planning a XenDesktop Deployment Known Issues in XenDesktop 5

Evaluating XenDesktop 5 Issues Fixed in XenDesktop 5

Documentation is also available for .XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1

Other XenDesktop Features

Citrix XenDesktop includes additional features in each edition to help enhance the user experience. This table includes links to the product documentation located in Citrix eDocs or in the Citrix Knowledge Center describing these features.

Branch optimization powered by Citrix Branch Repeater

SmartAccess powered by Citrix Access Gateway

XenServer XenApp

XenClient Provisioning services

StorageLink Profile management

EdgeSight for Virtual Desktops XenVault

Workflow Studio orchestration Single sign-on

Cant find what youre looking for? If youre looking for documentation for previously released versions of this product, go to the Citrix Knowledge Center. For a complete list of links to all product documentation in the Knowledge Center, visit .http://support.citrix.com/productdocs/

1. XenDesktop Technology Preview

Updated: 2011-05-20

Disclaimers

This document is furnished "AS IS." Citrix Systems, Inc. disclaims all warranties regarding the contents of this document, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular purpose. This document may contain technical or other inaccuracies or typographical errors. Citrix Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise the information in this document at any time without notice. This document and the software described in this document constitute confidential information of Citrix Systems, Inc. and its licensors, and are furnished under a license from Citrix Systems, Inc. This document and the software may be used and copied only as agreed upon by the Beta Agreement.

XenDesktop Technology Preview consists of: HDX-related new features and enhancements, including second generation Flash Redirection, Windows Media Redirection, and 3D Pro Enhancements. HDX Monitor 2.0. An interactive graphical dashboard that enables you to monitor and analyze HDX performance throughout your domain. When potential problems are detected, solutions are suggested. To download HDX Monitor, go to http://hdx.citrix.com/sites/default/files/hdx-monitoring-2.0/setup.exe.

Full details about the new features and enhancements, and how to use them, are provided in this section. For all other XenDesktop features, continue to use the documentation provided for XenDesktop 5. The following table provides links to the documentation for all updated components, and to the list of issues that have been fixed in this feature pack:

Note: These topics may not have been fully reviewed yet and are not considered complete at this time.

What's new in XenDesktop Technology Preview Installing XenDesktop Technology Preview

Using the new HDX features and enhancements XenDesktop Technology Preview New and Updated Policy Settings

XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1 Citrix Receiver 3.0

Known Issues in XenDesktop Technology Preview

Issues fixed in XenDesktop Technology Preview

1.1. What's New in XenDesktop Technology Preview

Updated: 2011-05-19

XenDesktop Technology Preview includes the following new features and enhancements:

HDX MediaStream

. Adobe Flash content can be redirected to the user device Second Generation Flash Redirectionfor local rendering in many more cases than before, resulting in even higher server scalability and a

great user experience. Flash Redirection now supports WAN-connected users. Good results with video playback have been observed, even at high latency.Server-Rendered Video. For multimedia content that is rendered server-side, the need to configure complex policies for best performance under different network conditions has been eliminated. HDX MediaStream automatically adjusts to the effective network bandwidth to use the level of compression that delivers the best video experience (image quality and frame rate) while displaying non-video regions, such as text, at full clarity.

On challenging network connections, where the Session Reliability feature helps to provide the best possible user experience, it should no longer be necessary to configure two virtual CPUs for the virtual desktop. The CGP Service that supports Session Reliability is now optimized to consume much less CPU than before.

Windows Media Redirection. A new end-to-end flow control and frame dropping capability has been introduced. This improves the user experience when the bandwidth available for viewing a Windows media video (WMV, MPEG, AVI, DivX, etc.) is less than what is required by the bit rate of the video, an issue increasingly experienced by customers as videos are recorded at higher resolution. This technology allows multimedia redirection to be used in more access scenarios, further reducing server CPU consumption. Priority is given to smooth audio playback and audio-video synchronization at the expense of the video, so video frames are dropped when the available bandwidth is too low. In Citrix's own comparison testing, this technology delivered a better-than-local user experience under the same bandwidth constraints.Multi-Stream ICA including UDP for Audio. XenDesktop Technology Preview introduces the option of delivering ICA over multiple streams: four TCP/IP streams and one UDP/RTP stream (for audio). This gives full flexibility for QoS routing over the network and provides superior audio quality when there is packet loss or congestion.Citrix Receiver for Windows. Various enhancements in Citrix Receiver (formerly the Citrix online plug-in) offer benefits to users of softphones and unified communications clients:

UDP and RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) supportImproved multi-tasking with real-time applicationsSmoother audio when network latency fluctuates ("jitter")Improved echo cancellation when using speakers and a microphone

HDX Broadcast

When running a typical office user workload, as represented by the standard Login Virtual Session Indexer (VSI) "Medium" knowledge worker test, Citrix expects customers to see a 12 to 25% reduction in bandwidth consumption along with reduced CPU consumption on the server (leading to higher server scalability) and improved desktop image quality on low bandwidth connections.

In addition, RDP protocol support in HDX Broadcast has been enhanced to support RDP 7.1 with RemoteFX. For more information, see HDX RichGraphics.

HDX RichGraphics

. Microsoft RemoteFX, a feature of Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Hyper-Microsoft RemoteFX SupportV, uses server-side graphics hardware acceleration to deliver the full Windows 7 Aero and multimedia experience over a LAN-like connection. XenDesktop Technology Preview supports RemoteFX using enhancements to RDP protocol support in HDX Broadcast and to Citrix Receiver for Windows. This is the first phase of a vision and collaboration announced by Citrix and Microsoft in March 2010. For more information about using Microsoft RemoteFX with XenDesktop, see: http:

.//support.citrix.com/article/ctx129509/Windows 7 Aero Redirection. Aero Redirection leverages client-side graphics hardware acceleration to deliver the full Windows 7 Aero experience (including glass effects, Flip 3D, and Aero Peek) over a LAN-like connection. Using the DirectX 9 graphics processing capabilities of the user's rich client device (Windows XP/Vista/7 PC or higher-end thin client), Aero Redirection delivers an outstanding user experience that truly feels "like local", if not better. This is the first phase of a powerful new HDX technology based on DirectX graphics command remoting.

Note: This feature is disabled by default. To use it, expand the HDX Policy node and click . In the Users options select , and in the area select . If Aero ICA Desktop UI Settings Aero Redirection

Redirection has been enabled, click ; otherwise, click . From here, you can enable or Edit Add

disable Aero Redirection.

. The key enhancement to HDX 3D Pro in XenDesktop Technology Preview is 3D Pro Enhancementstrue multi-monitor support. This extends Citrix's powerful solution for high-end 3D graphics applications and very large models from being best-in-class for remote access to enabling also full desktop replacement. Other enhancements include deep compression support for NVIDIA's new Fermi architecture graphics cards, animated cursor support on Windows 7, and administrator control of the configuration tool for end users. Software installation and upgrade are also simplified through integration with the standard XenDesktop Virtual Desktop Agent. Citrix also plan to test XenDesktop Technology Preview extensively with the Multi-GPU Passthrough feature of XenServer, currently available for Tech Preview with Citrix XenServer "Project Boston" Beta release on the Citrix Web site.Downloads

HDX 3D Pro supports the Microsoft WDDM display driver model, enabling users to access their multi-monitor Windows 7 office PC from home or a remote location over a high speed Internet connection. The software intelligently collapses applications from the multiple monitors on the host machine to the available monitors on the remote device, and blanks the host monitors for data security.

HDX Plug-n-Play

New HDX Plug-n-Play capabilities include support for WAN-connected scanners (via the TWAIN standard) and Japanese and Korean keyboards. Usability of removable storage devices has been improved and Client Drive Mapping now supports read-only access as well as Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path support.

1.2. Known Issues in XenDesktop Technology Preview

Updated: 2011-05-23

Windows 7 Aero Redirection can be installed only on virtual machines hosted on XenServer 5.6 and VMware ESX. If you want to install it on Hyper-V, at a command prompt, type msiexec /i XdsAgent_x86.

. This feature cannot msi CITRIXWDDMONHYPERV=1 ENABLE_HDX_PORTS=1 /l*v ".\xdsagent.log" /qb+be installed on virtual desktops hosted on physical machines.

The Windows Media Player available on the Windows 7 and Windows XP operating environments might not play files encoded in the following formats: mpeg, mpg, avi (MPEG4-V2), Divx. No workaround currently exists. [#256418]

When the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro is installed on a Windows 7 computer, Windows Aero functionality is disabled for all users of that computer, including local users.

Using a Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) to connect to a virtual desktop running Windows Vista or Windows 7 may cause the system to stop responding and an error message to appear on a blue screen. If this occurs, attempt to connect again. [#259314]

Sluggish performance may occur on user devices using a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver with Windows Aero disabled locally, but enabled remotely. This configuration causes bitmaps to be rendered in the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) video memory and then copied into the GDI system memory for display, consuming a great deal of resources. If this condition occurs, either enable Windows Aero on the user device, or disable Windows Aero on the remote device. [#260765]

Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 may not behave as expected in a multi-monitor XenDesktop session connected using Citrix Systems WDDM driver. If a user launches a session from a pooled desktop and attempts to run a slideshow from a streamed or locally-installed PowerPoint 2010 application on a non-primary monitor, the monitor may display a black screen on a Windows 7 desktop session. To prevent this from happening, run the slideshow on the primary monitor. [#261123]

If HDX MediaStream Multimedia Acceleration is disabled, for example by setting SpeedScreenMMA=off, and a user plays a movie file in a XenDesktop session, video may not play as expected and only audio may be heard, or Windows Media Player may display an error message stating the video cannot be played. [#257853]

Mapped client drives may not display properly or be accessible after a user logs back on to a session that they previously logged out of. This issue affects only private desktops, not shared desktops. If this occurs, restart the Citrix ICA Service and ask the user to log back on again. [257363]

Hardware acceleration may be unavailable for 3D applications when users first connect to a Windows 7

host computer. To work around this issue, users must disconnect from the session and then reconnect. [#258836]

When connecting to a Windows XP host computer with the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro installed, users may experience slow responses to input when CPU-based compression is used. [#260182]

The "Server Execution Failed " error message may appear intermittently after the Microsoft Windows Media Player is closed. If this occurs, use Windows Task Manager to end the wmplayer.exe process and replay the media file. [#261560]

Video playback may be heavily distorted when the video player switches from full screen mode to normal mode. If this happens, disable Windows Aero on the user device and use Windows 7 Basic. [#261295]

Virtual desktop agents upgraded from Citrix XenDesktop 5 to this Technology Preview release fail to launch. Rather than upgrade, uninstall the virtual desktop agents from XenDesktop 5 and install a new virtual desktop agent from the Technology Preview release. [#261644]

On a multi-monitor host computer with the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro installed and where the primary monitor is attached with a DisplayPort connector, switching the primary monitor off and then on again while a user is connected causes monitor blanking to fail on the host computer. [#260099]

When dragging or expanding a window in a Windows 7 or Windows XP multiple monitor environment, the window may not respond to mouse movements as expected. The window may lag behind the mouse pointer or jump to a new position. When released, the window may continue to follow the mouse movement. [#261609]

Audio quality may be poor in user devices running Windows XP with the Audio quality policy set to Medium . To avoid this, set the Audio quality policy to . [#261649]- optimized for speech High - high definition audio

Audio volume for Flash content played on a user device when Flash Redirection is used does not correspond to the volume control in the notification area in the server desktop. As a result, the audio may play louder than expected. Users' should adjust the volume through the Flash player's control or, if available, a physical volume control on the user device.

1.3. Installing and Upgrading to XenDesktop Technology Preview

Updated: 2011-05-18

You can perform either a new installation or an upgrade to XenDesktop Technology Preview.

If XenDesktop is not installed already, you can perform a single installation that incorporates the latest XenDesktop server components and Virtual Desktop Agent.

If XenDesktop 5 or XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1 is installed already, you can install XenDesktop Technology Preview as an upgrade. This upgrades the Virtual Desktop Agent but you can also choose to upgrade to the latest XenDesktop server components, including the latest Citrix Policy settings.

Note: Although you can use the Virtual Desktop Agent in this Technology Preview release with both XenDesktop 5 and XenDesktop 4 controllers, the policies used to configure the HDX features are available only with XenDesktop 5 controllers running the latest Citrix Policy settings; Citrix therefore recommends you upgrade to the latest Policy settings to take advantage of the new HDX features and enhancements included in this Technology Preview.

Planning your Installation

XenDesktop Technology Preview is provided on disc or as a web download. It consists of 2 images: an upgrade image and a full image.

The upgrade image consists of Virtual Desktop Agent updates only The full image consists of Virtual Desktop Agent updates and server component updates

The following table explains which image to use.

To perform: Use this image:Read these sections:

A new installation of XenDesktop Full imageInstalling and upgrading XenDesktop 5 Technology Preview Server Components; Installing and upgrading the Virtual Desktop Agent

An upgrade of the Virtual Desktop Agent only Upgrade imageInstalling and upgrading the Virtual Desktop Agent

An upgrade from XenDesktop 5 or XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1, and upgrade of the Virtual Desktop Agent

Full imageInstalling and upgrading XenDesktop 5 Technology Preview Server Components; Installing and upgrading the Virtual Desktop Agent

System Requirements

For information about system requirements see and XenDesktop 5 System Requirements XenDesktop 5 documentation. Note the following updates to these requirements:Service Pack 1

- Virtual machines can run Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit.Virtual Desktop Agent Requirements - XenDesktop also lets you manage virtual desktops supported on Citrix Host RequirementsXenServer 6. Unless you intend using the Multi-GPU Passthrough feature of HDX 3D Pro, Citrix recommends you do not upgrade to XenServer 6. For more information, see the XenServer documentation.

For information about system requirements for HDX 3D Pro, see .System Requirements for HDX 3D Pro

About the Virtual Desktop Agent

The Virtual Desktop Agent can be installed in one of two modes in this Technology Preview release. Before you install or upgrade, decide which mode you require:

. Select the standard Virtual Desktop Agent to take advantage of the new Virtual Desktop Agentfeatures and enhancements available with XenDesktop Technology Preview, including HDX features such as Second Generation Flash Redirection, audio, and Windows Media Redirection. For more information about the new features and enhancements, see .What's New in XenDesktop Technology Preview . Select the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro if you Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Prointend using the HDX 3D Pro feature of XenDesktop Enterprise and Platinum editions to deliver desktops and applications that use a graphics processing unit (GPU) for hardware acceleration.

To install the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro, you require a key file which you can obtain from: . The key file is required for licensing purposes; www.citrix.com/desktopvirtualization/earlyrelease

during download of the key file, you are prompted for the number of users. Store the key file on a suitable place on the network that you can later access during installation. For more information about installing and configuring HDX 3D Pro, including installing from the command prompt, see

.About HDX 3D Pro

You can upgrade from a previous version of the standard Virtual Desktop Agent to the XenDesktop Technology Preview standard Virtual Desktop Agent.

You cannot upgrade from the standard Virtual Desktop Agent to the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro. To do this, you must uninstall the standard Virtual Desktop Agent and then install the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro.

You cannot upgrade from an earlier Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro to the XenDesktop Technology Preview Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro. You must uninstall the earlier Virtual Desktop Agent and any add-ons, and then install the XenDesktop Technology Preview Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro.

Installing and upgrading the Virtual Desktop Agent

If you require the Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro, ensure you have obtained the key file before you begin installation. Read and the topics for more information.Planning your Installation HDX 3D Pro

The Virtual Desktop Agent must be present on the virtual machines (VMs) to which your users will connect. It enables machines to register with controllers and manages the HDX connection between the machines and the user devices.

If you are using XenDesktop or Provisioning services to provision VMs, you need to install and configure the Virtual Desktop Agent only once; if you are using separate stand-alone virtual or physical machines you must install it on each of the machines so they can register with the controller to allow user connections.

You can install the Virtual Desktop Agent from a console session or from an RDP session. Note that installing from an ICA session is not supported.

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To install the Virtual Desktop Agent, insert the XenDesktop installation media in the appropriate drive or mount the ISO in the appropriate virtual machine (VM), and double-click Autoselect.exe.

Caution: Citrix recommends you launch the Virtual Desktop Agent MSI (XdsAgent.msi) only through Autorun, not in standalone mode by double-clicking it. This is because the installation requires you to provide configuration information which the Virtual Desktop Agent needs to function correctly. Also, the MSI may not revert any changes that you make manually. However, if you do decide to launch the Virtual Desktop Agent MSI in standalone mode, see Launching the Virtual Desktop Agent MSI in

for guidance.Standalone Mode

The following is a summary of the steps you are prompted to complete:

On the page, select .Installation Install Virtual Desktop Agent

On the next page, select unless you are setting up a proof of concept Advanced Installevaluation deployment, in which case you should select ; setting up an Quick Deployevaluation deployment is described in . The rest of this procedure describes Evaluating XenDesktop 5only the steps to follow when you are carrying out an advanced installation.

Read and accept the End-User Licensing Agreement, and click Next.

Select or . If you select Virtual Virtual Desktop Agent Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D ProDesktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro, specify the you downloaded or navigate to its location; see the key file

topics for more information. Click HDX 3D Pro Next.

On the page, select the components you want to install and where Select Components to Installyou want to install them.

On the page, specify the controllers in the XenDesktop site to which the Controller LocationVirtual Desktop Agent will connect, either by manually entering the locations or by selecting controllers from Active Directory. Alternatively, select Configure at a later time if you plan to specify controller locations later using Group Policy or by rerunning the Virtual Desktop Agent installer.

Important: Ensure you specify the locations of all the controllers in the site, otherwise some user connections may be refused. For load balancing, the Virtual Desktop Agent automatically distributes connections evenly across the controllers.

On the page, specify whether or not you want to enable user Virtual Desktop Configurationdesktop shadowing and real time monitoring. Configure the agent as follows:

Reconfigure the firewall. If the Windows firewall is detected, the necessary ports can be opened automatically for you. If another firewall is detected, you are told which ports you need to open manually for XenDesktop to operate successfully. You can also request to have the necessary ports opened for Windows Remote Assistance and Windows Remote Management. For information about configuring firewalls manually, see .To configure firewalls manually If this installation is running in a VM on a hypervisor, you can select to have the VM automatically optimized for use with XenDesktop. Optimization involves actions such as disabling offline files, disabling background defragmentation, and reducing the event log size. For full information on the optimization tool, see http://support.citrix.com/article/ctx125874/

Review the installation summary before clicking . When installation begins, progress is displayed Installon the screen. When installation is complete the default is to restart the machine; you must do this for the changes to take effect.

You can also install the Virtual Desktop Agent through a command-line utility; see: . XenDesktopVdaSetup.exeTo deploy the Virtual Desktop Agent through Active Directory Group Policy, see http://support.

.citrix.com/article/ctx127301/

Note: When you install the Virtual Desktop Agent, a new local user group for authorized RDP users is automatically created. The group is called Direct RDP Access Administrators. For further information on using protocols other than ICA, see .http://support.citrix.com/article/ctx121657/

XenDesktop requires desktops and controllers to have synchronized system clocks. This is required by the underlying Kerberos infrastructure that secures the communication between the machines. You can use normal Windows domain infrastructure to ensure that the system time on all machines is correctly synchronized.

To add or remove components, select the Windows option for adding or removing programs, then select Citrix Virtual Desktop Agent. You can then select to add, remove, or reconfigure components, or remove the Virtual Desktop Agent completely.

The enables you to update the site selection and port numbers.Reconfigure the VDA option

Launching the Virtual Desktop Agent MSI in Standalone Mode

Citrix recommends you launch the Virtual Desktop Agent MSI (XdsAgent.msi) only through Autorun, not in standalone mode by double-clicking it. However, if you decide to launch the MSI in standalone mode, you must provide the following configuration information or the Virtual Desktop Agent may not operate as expected:

Add controller information or site details to the Windows registry. If the VM is to be optimized for XenDesktop performance, optimization steps must be carried out manually. For more information about the optimization tool, see http://support.citrix.com/article/ctx125874/ If the Windows Firewall is enabled, perform the following additional steps:

Open firewall ports for ICA, Workstation Agent and CGP (TCP ports 1494, 80, 2598) For user desktop shadowing configuration, enable Remote Assistance and open the firewall port (TCP port 3389) For Real time monitoring, enable and secure Remote Management For HDX RealTime for Audio, open UDP ports 16500-16509.

For more information about configuring firewalls manually, see .To configure firewalls manually

Caution: Not all of these port numbers are IANA registered and may be in use for other purposes.

Installing and Upgrading XenDesktop 5 Technology Preview Server Components

For a fresh installation of XenDesktop Technology Preview on a machine that does not already have XenDesktop installed, follow the same steps as for . The installing XenDesktop 5 server componentsinstallation process automatically detects which components require upgrade and these are shown in the Summary screen before installation proceeds.

If XenDesktop 5 or XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1 is installed already and you want to upgrade the server components, follow the same steps as for . installing and upgrading XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1This upgrades the server components to include XenDesktop 5 Service Pack 1 together with the latest Citrix Policy updates. The installation process automatically detects which components require upgrade and these are shown in the Summary screen before installation proceeds.

1.4. Using the new HDX features and enhancements

Updated: 2011-05-18

Citrix HDX includes a broad set of technologies that provide a high-definition user experience for today's media-rich user environments.

XenDesktop Technology Preview includes many new HDX features and enhancements. The following topics explain how to configure and use the new HDX features and enhancements.

Quick LinksConfiguring HDX MediaStream Flash RedirectionConfiguring AudioVideo Conferencing with HDX RealTime Webcam Video CompressionRedirecting Aero FunctionalityIncreasing 2D and 3D Application Scalability and PerformanceImproving Responsiveness in Low Bandwidth Conditions by Compressing ColorsAssigning Priorities to Network Traffic

1.4.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection

Updated: 2011-05-17

HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection allows you to move the processing of most Adobe Flash content to LAN- and WAN-connected users' Windows devices rather than using server resources. This processing includes animations, videos, and applications. By moving the processing to the user device, Flash Redirection helps reduce server and network load, resulting in greater scalability while ensuring a high definition user experience.

Note: Two types of Adobe Flash Players are required to use Flash Redirection. One type is used with Windows Internet Explorer and is identified by Adobe as . This Flash Player for Windows Internet Explorerplayer is sometimes referred to as an ActiveX player. The second type is used with non-Internet Explorer browsers and is identified by Adobe as . This player Flash Player for Windows - Other Browsersis sometimes referred to as an NPAPI (Netscape Plugin Application Programming Interface) Flash Player.

System Requirements for Flash Redirection

For user devices: The version of Citrix Receiver (formerly called the online plug-in) included with this Technical Preview is required on the user device to use the second generation Flash Redirection features. Online plug-in 12.1 is supported on the user device for the original, or legacy, Flash Redirection features only.A network connection exists and is enabled. To use XenDesktop Virtual Desktop Agents, establish a network connection between the user's Windows device and the agent.Adobe Flash Player 10.1 or above for Windows - Other Browsers is installed on the user device.

Note: If an earlier version of the Flash Player is installed on the user device, or the Flash Player cannot be installed on the user device, Flash content is rendered on the server.

For servers running the Citrix XenApp Technical Preview and Citrix XenDesktop Technical Preview: Flash Player 10.1 or above for Windows Internet Explorer is installed on the servers running XenApp and XenDesktop's Virtual Desktop Agents.Internet Explorer 8 and Internet Explorer 7.

Caution:

Flash Redirection requires significant interaction between the user device and server components. Therefore, this feature should be used only in environments where security separation between the user device and server is not needed. User devices should be configured to use the Flash Redirection feature only with trusted servers. Flash Redirection requires the Flash Player to be installed on the user device. Therefore, Flash Redirection should be enabled only if the Flash Player itself is secured.

Second Generation Flash Redirection

Flash Redirection has been revised for use with: Citrix XenApp Technical PreviewCitrix XenDesktop Technical Preview

The version of Citrix Receiver included with this Technical Preview

New second generation Flash Redirection features include: WAN-connected user support.The second generation and legacy versions of Flash Redirection are complete and run in separate virtual channels.Intelligent Fallback, which allows Flash sessions, on a per-instance basis, to be determined to be more efficient when rendered on the server.The Flash URL Compatibility List replaces the original Flash URL Blacklist setting. Listed URLs can now be blocked or specified for rendering on the user device or the server.

1.4.1.1. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the Server

Updated: 2011-05-17

You can configure HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection settings on the server through the Policies node of Citrix Desktop Studio or Citrix AppCenter. You control the Flash Redirection features through the following Citrix User Policy settings:

Flash backwards compatibilityFlash default behaviorFlash intelligent fallbackFlash latency thresholdFlash server-side content fetching URL listFlash URL compatibility listFlash event loggingFlash accelerationFlash background color list

To enable backward compatibility

The second generation of Flash Redirection can be configured to be backward compatible with its legacy features, supporting user devices with earlier versions of the online plug-in (now the Citrix Receiver). Those devices can access the legacy Flash Redirection features only. This is done by providing two separate virtual channels, one for each generation of Flash Redirection, on the servers and user devices. The following table shows the resulting level of functionality when using a mix of Flash Redirection modes.

Connection Result

Second generation on a user device and second generation on a server

Second generation

Legacy mode on a user device and second generation on a server

Legacy mode

Second generation on a user device and Legacy mode on a server

Legacy mode

The setting on the user device must also Enable HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the user devicebe enabled.

To use the backward compatibility feature: On the server running Desktop Studio or AppCenter, enable the Citrix User Policy setting

.Flash backwards compatibilityOn the user device, enable the Enable HDX MediaStream for Flash on the user devicesetting, selecting the or options.Always Ask

Note: Backwards compatibility is not available if the option is selected.Only with Second Generation

To establish the Flash acceleration default behavior

The Citrix User Policy setting lets you establish the default behavior of Flash Default BehaviorFlash acceleration. The default behavior can be overridden for individual Web pages and Flash instances based on the configuration of the . In addition, on the user device, enable the Flash URL Compatibility List

setting.Enable HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the user device

Three options are available in this second generation feature.

Option Behavior

Block Flash player The user cannot view any Flash content. Second generation and Legacy mode Flash Redirection, and server-side rendering are not used.

Disable Flash acceleration

The user can view server-side rendered Flash content if Flash Player for Windows Internet Explorer compatible with the content is installed on the server. Second generation and Legacy mode Flash Redirection is not used.

Enable Flash acceleration

Flash Redirection is used. Second Generation is available where its requirements are met. Legacy mode is available when backwards compatibility is enabled.

Enable Flash acceleration is the default and will be used if no option is selected.

To set Flash intelligent fallback

Use this setting if you do not want all instances of Flash content to be redirected for rendering on the user device. Typically, small Flash movies are frequently used to play advertisements. Flash intelligent fallback detects these instances and renders the content on the server. Using this Citrix User Policy setting causes no interruption or failure in the loading of the Web page or the Flash application.

Configure the setting by selecting , which is the default, or .Flash intelligent fallback Enabled Disabled

To set the Flash latency threshold

The policy setting only applies to Legacy mode features. This Citrix User Policy is Flash latency thresholdonly applicable if is enabled.Flash backwards compatibility

Flash Redirection Legacy mode measures the round trip latency between the server and user device the first time an individual browser or browser tab accesses an embedded Flash Player. This measurement includes both the latency of the network connection and any other latency in the data path. If the latency is determined to be within an acceptable threshold, Flash Redirection Legacy mode is used to render Flash content on the user device. If the latency is above this threshold, the Flash content is rendered on the network server if a Flash player is available there and delivered over the virtual channels.

The default threshold setting is 30 milliseconds. Increasing the value over 30 milliseconds may result in a degraded user experience. For typical use, it is best practice not to increase the latency threshold setting.

Configure the setting by typing a value between 0 and 30 in the field.Flash latency threshold Value

To identify Web sites for server-side content fetching

Flash Redirection downloads Flash content to the user device where it is played. The Flash server-side setting allows you to specify Web sites whose Flash content can be downloaded to content fetching URL list

the server then sent to the user device. This setting works with the Enable server-side content fetchingsetting on the user device.

This setting is frequently used when the user device does not have direct access to the Internet. The XenApp or XenDesktop server provides that connection.

Consider the following when configuring the setting: Flash server-side content fetching URL listAdd the URL of the Flash application; not the top-level .html page that instantiates the Flash Player to the list.Use an asterisk character at the beginning or end of the URL as a wildcard to expand your list.Use a trailing wildcard to allow all child URLs, for example http://www.sitetoallow.com/*.

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The prefixes https:// are used when present, but they are not required.

Configure the setting by clicking to add new URLs to the list.Flash server-side content fetching URL list New

Important: You must enable the setting on the user device for the Enable server-side content fetching on the server to work.Flash server-side content fetching URL list

To specify where Flash content renders

The second generation of Flash Redirection lets you specify whether Flash content from listed Web sites is: Rendered on the user device.Rendered on the server.Blocked from rendering.

Consider the following when configuring the setting: Flash URL compatibility listPrioritize the list with the most important URLs, actions, and rendering locations at the top.Use an asterisk character at the beginning or end of the URL as a wildcard to expand your list.Use a trailing wildcard to refer to all child URLs, for example http://www.sitetoblock.com/*).The prefixes https:// are used when present, but they are not required.Add sites containing Flash content that does not render correctly on the user device to the list, using the

or options.Render on Server Block

To configure the setting: Flash URL compatibility list

Click to open the dialog box.New Add Flash URL Compatibility list entrySelect an action ( , , or ).Render on Client Render on Server BlockIn the box, type the URL of the Web site upon which you want to act.URL PatternSelect the Flash instance you want to serve as a trigger.

Select : The action occurs any time any Flash instance connects with the listed Web site.AnySelect : Type the Flash player ID. The action occurs only when this specific Flash Specificinstance connects with the listed Web site.

To enable server-side event logging

Flash Redirection uses Windows event logging on the server to log Flash events. You can review the event log to determine whether Flash Redirection is being used and to gather details about any issues. The following are common to all events logged by Flash Redirection:

Flash Redirection reports events to the Application log.The Source value is Flash.The Category value is None.

In addition to the Windows event log, on computers with Windows 7 or Windows Vista, a Flash Redirection-specific log appears in the Applications and Services Logs node. Flash Redirection-specific log is also available on Windows Server 2008 R2 computers running this Early Release version of XenApp. If Windows XP is used, Flash Redirection log information is found only in the Windows application event log.

Configure the setting for Legacy mode by selecting , which is the default, or Flash event logging Enabled.Disabled

Configuration is not available for Second Generation Flash Redirection.

To enable and disable the Legacy mode HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection from the server

Legacy mode Flash Redirection is enabled on the server for client-side rendering by default. You can enable and disable Legacy mode Flash Redirection from the server through the Citrix User Policy setting

, in the Flash Redirection category.Flash acceleration

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Configure the setting by selecting , which is the default, or .Flash acceleration Enabled Disabled

When is selected, all Flash content from sites not blocked by the Flash URL compatibility list is Enabledrendered on the user device using Legacy mode. If is selected, all Flash content is rendered on Disabledthe server.

To enable matching between the Web page and Flash instances

Using the Citrix User Policy setting, you can match the colors of Web pages Flash background color listand Flash instances. This can improve the appearance of the Web page when using Flash Redirection.

Click and type the Web site URL followed by the appropriate 24-bit Web color hexadecimal number. NewFor example, you can use: http://www.sitetomatch.com/* FF0000.

1.4.1.2. Configuring HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the User Device

Updated: 2011-05-16

You can change the default settings on the user device with the Group Policy Object Editor.

To configure HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the User Device with Group Policy Objects

Create or select an existing Group Policy Object.Import and add the HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection - Client administrative template (HdxFlash-Client.adm), available in:

For 32-bit computers: %Program Files%\Citrix\ICA Client\Configuration\ .languageFor 64-bit computers: %Program Files (x86)%\Citrix\ICA Client\Configuration\ .language

Note: For details on creating Group Policy Objects and importing and adding templates, see the Microsoft Active Directory documentation at .http://www.microsoft.com

To enable Flash Redirection on the user device

Configure to determine whether Enable HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the user deviceFlash Redirection is enabled on your users' Windows devices. If no configuration is set, one of the following will occur, based on your users' environment:

Desktop Lock is used: Flash Redirection is enabled by default.All other conditions: The user receives a dialog box the first time they access Flash content in each session in which the user can enable HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection.

In the , expand either the or Group Policy Object Editor Computer Configuration User Configurationnode.Expand the and nodes and select Administrative Templates Classic Administrative Templates (ADM)

.HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection - ClientFrom the list, select Setting Enable HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection on the user deviceand click .policy settingSelect , , or .Not Configured Enabled DisabledIf you selected , from the list, select , , Enabled Use HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection Always Ask

, or .Never Only with Second Generation

Note: Selecting results in users receiving the dialog box the first time Ask Citrix Receiver - Flashthey access Flash content in each session in which the user can enable Flash Redirection. If the user does not enable Flash Redirection, the Flash content is played on the server. Selecting , Always Never, and does not result in this dialog box. Select to always Only with Second Generation Alwaysuse Flash Redirection to play Flash content on the user device. Select to never use NeverFlash Redirection and have Flash content play on the server. Select Only with Second Generationto use the latest Flash Redirection functionality when the required configuration is present and revert to server-side rendering when the required configuration is not present.

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For the policy to take effect: Computer Configuration: Changes take effect as computers in the organizational unit restart.User Configuration: Users in the organizational unit must log off and then log on to the network.

Controlling the Citrix Receiver - Flash Dialog Box

Display specific choices for the user in the dialog box based on how you configure Citrix Receiver - FlashFlash Redirection on the user device. The following all refer to configuring Enable HDX MediaStream

: Flash Redirection on the user deviceIf Citrix Receiver detects the user device does not have the required version of the Adobe Flash Player (

, sometimes referred to as an NPAPI (Netscape Flash Player for Windows - Other BrowsersPlugin Application Programming Interface Flash Player), the dialog box offers Citrix Receiver - Flashthe user the opportunity to obtain and install a copy of the correct player. Before downloading, an explanation of why the player is needed appears.If and are selected, the dialog box appears. At this point, the Enabled Ask Citrix Receiver - Flashuser can choose whether or not to optimize Flash content for the rest of their session. Don't ask me againis not visible. The dialog box appears the first time the user encounters Flash content each session.XenApp only: If is selected, the dialog box appears the Not Configured Citrix Receiver - Flashfirst time the user accesses Flash content in each session. At this point, the user can choose whether or not to optimize Flash content for the rest of the session. If the user selects , Don't ask me againthe optimization choice will be used in future sessions. The dialog box does not appear in the future. Changing this setting requires editing the user device registry.XenDesktop only: If the user opens the dialog box Citrix Receiver - Desktop Viewer Preferencesand selects the Flash tab, a page with contents similar to the dialog box Citrix Receiver - Flashappears. The user can choose whether or not to optimize Flash content in future sessions on this page. If the user selects , the dialog box appears the first time the Ask me later Citrix Receiver - Flashuser encounters Flash content each session. is not visible. The user can change Don't ask me againthis setting at the dialog box.Citrix Receiver - Desktop Viewer Preferences

To synchronize client-side HTTP cookies with the server-side

Enable synchronization of the client-side HTTP cookies with the server-side in order to download HTTP cookies from the server. These HTTP cookies are then used for client-side content fetching and are available to be read, as needed, by sites containing Flash content. Client-side cookies are not replaced during the synchronization; they remain available if the synchronization policy is later disabled.


.HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection - ClientFrom the list, select Setting Enable synchronization of the client-side HTTP cookies with

and click .the server-side policy settingSelect , , or .Not Configured Enabled DisabledFor the policy to take effect:

Computer Configuration: Changes take effect as computers in the organizational unit restart.User Configuration: Users in the organizational unit must log off and then log on to the network.

To enable server-side content fetching

By default, HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection downloads Adobe Flash content to and plays the content on the user device. Enabling server-side content fetching causes the Flash content to download to the server and then be sent to the user device. Unless there is an overriding policy, such as a site blocked through the

policy setting, the content will play on the user device.Flash URL compatibility list

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This setting is frequently used when: The user device does not have direct access to the Internet.The user device connects to internal sites through Citrix Access Gateway.

The second generation of Flash Redirection introduces three new enabling options as described in the following table. Two of these options include the ability to cache server-side content on the user device. This improves performance because content that is reused is already available on the user device for rendering.

Note: The contents of this cache are stored separately from other HTTP content cached on the user device.

Also introduced in the second generation is server-side content fetching fallback. When one of the three Enabled options is selected, server-side content fetching automatically begins if client-side fetching of .swf files fails.

Option Description

Disabled Disables server-side content fetching, overriding the Flash server-side setting on the server. Server-side content fetching fallback content fetching URL list

is also disabled.

Enabled Enables server-side content fetching for Web pages and Flash applications identified in the . Server-side content fetching fallback Flash server-side content fetching URL list

is available. Flash content is not cached.

Enabled (persistent caching)

Enables server-side content fetching for Web pages and Flash applications identified in the . Server-side content fetching fallback Flash server-side content fetching URL list

is available. Content obtained through server-side fetching is cached on the user device and stored from session to session.

Enabled (temporary caching)Enables server-side content fetching for Web pages and Flash applications identified in the . Server-side content fetching fallback Flash server-side content fetching URL list

is available. Content obtained through server-side fetching is cached on the user device and deleted at the end of the session.

Important: The setting on the server must be enabled Flash server-side content fetching URL listand populated with target URLs for server-side content fetching to work.


.HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection - ClientFrom the list, select and click .Setting Enable server-side content fetching policy settingSelect , , or .Not Configured Enabled DisabledIf you enabled this setting, choose an option:

DisabledEnabledEnabled (persistent caching)Enabled (temporary caching)

For the policy to take effect: Computer Configuration: Changes take effect as computers in the organizational unit restart.User Configuration: Users in the organizational unit must log off and then log on to the network.

To redirect user devices to other servers for client-side content fetching

You can redirect an attempt to obtain Flash content using the URL rewriting rules for client-side setting which is a second generation Flash Redirection feature. When configuring this content fetching

feature, you provide two URL patterns using Perl regular expression. If the user device attempts to fetch

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content from a Web site matching the first pattern (the ) , it is redirected to the Web matching patternsite specified by the second pattern (the ).replacement pattern

You can use this setting to compensate for content delivery networks (CDN). Some Web sites delivering Flash content use CDN redirection to enable the user to obtain the content from the nearest of a group of servers containing the same content. When using the Flash Redirection client-side fetching feature, the Flash content is requested from the user device, while the rest of the Web page on which the Flash content resides is requested by the server. If CDN is in use, the server request is redirected to the closest server and the user device request follows to the same location. This may not be the location closest to the user device, however. Depending on distance, a delay between the loading of the Web page and Flash content can occur.


.HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection - ClientFrom the list, select and click Setting URL rewriting rules for client-side content fetching

.policy settingSelect , , or .Not Configured Enabled DisabledIf you enabled this setting, click and using Perl regular expression syntax, type the matching Showpattern in the box and the replacement pattern in the box.Value name ValueFor the policy to take effect:

Computer Configuration: Changes take effect as computers in the organizational unit restart.User Configuration: Users in the organizational unit must log off and then log on to the network.

1.4.2. Configuring Audio

Updated: 2011-05-18

You can configure audio through the Policies node of Citrix Desktop Studio (Citrix XenDesktop) or Citrix AppCenter (Citrix XenApp). You control the settings for the audio features through the following Citrix User Policy settings:

Audio Plug-n-Play (XenApp only)Audio qualityClient audio redirectionClient microphone redirectionAudio redirection bandwidth limitAudio redirection bandwidth limit percentAudio over UDP Real-timeTransport (XenDesktop only)Audio UDP Port Range (XenDesktop only)

Most audio features are transported using the ICA stream and are secured in the same way as other ICA traffic. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) audio uses a separate, unsecured, transport mechanism.

To set audio quality

Generally, higher sound quality requires more bandwidth and greater server CPU utilization. You can use sound compression to balance sound quality and overall session performance. Use policy settings to configure the compression levels you want to apply to sound files.

Consider creating separate policies for groups of dial-up users and for those who connect over a LAN or WAN. Over dial-up connections, where bandwidth typically is limited, users likely care more about download speed than sound quality. For such users, create a policy for dial-up connections that applies high compression levels to sound and another for LAN or WAN connections that applies lower compression levels.

Configure the setting by choosing from these audio quality levels: Audio quality for low-bandwidth connections. Sounds sent to the client Low - for low-speed connections

are compressed up to 16Kbps. This compression results in a significant decrease in the quality of the sound but allows reasonable performance for a low-bandwidth connection.

Select for delivering Voice over IP applications. Audio sent to the Medium - optimized for speechclient is compressed up to 64Kbps. This compression results in a moderate decrease in the quality of the audio played on the client device, but provides low latency and consumes very low bandwidth. Currently, Real-time Transport (RTP) over UDP is only supported when this audio quality is selected. Use this audio quality even for delivering media applications for the challenging network connections like very low (less than 512Kbps) lines and when there is congestion and packet loss in the network.

Select when delivering media applications. This setting provides high High - high definition audiofidelity stereo audio but consumes more bandwidth than the Medium quality setting. Use this setting when network bandwidth is plentiful and sound quality is important.

Note: High definition increases bandwidth requirements by sending more audio data to user devices and increases server CPU utilization.

Important: You must also enable audio on on the user device.Client audio settings

To redirect audio reception

You can allow users to receive audio from an application on a server through speakers or other sound devices, such as headphones, on their user devices. Client audio mapping may cause more load on the servers and the network than is preferred.

Configure the setting by choosing , the default, or .Client audio redirection Allowed Prohibited

Important: When is disabled, all audio functionality is disabled.Client audio redirection

When using XenApp, the setting must be enabled to use multiple audio devices.Audio Plug-n-Play


To activate user device microphones

You can allow users to record audio using input devices such as microphones on the user device. To record audio, the user device needs either a built-in microphone or a device that can be plugged into the microphone jack or USB port.

If audio is disabled on the client software, this setting has no effect.

The setting must be enabled for an enabled to work.Client audio redirection Client microphone redirection

For security, users are alerted when servers that are not trusted by their user devices try to access microphones. Users can choose to accept or reject access prior to using the microphone. Users can disable the alert on the Citrix Receiver, formerly the Citrix online plug-in.

Configure the setting by choosing , the default, or .Client microphone redirection Allowed Prohibited

When using XenApp, the setting must be enabled to use multiple input devices.Audio Plug-n-Play


To set audio redirection bandwidth limits

You can set limits on the allowed bandwidth in kilobits for playing and recording audio. Use the setting to identify a specific maximum kilobit per second bandwidth for Audio redirection bandwidth limit

a session. Use the to identify the maximum percentage of the Audio redirection bandwidth limit percenttotal available bandwidth to be used. If both settings are configured, the one with the lowest bandwidth limit is used.

Configure the and by Audio redirection bandwidth limit Audio redirection bandwidth limit percenttyping a number in the field.Value

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To send and receive audio with UDP

XenDesktop allows you to send and receive lossy audio with UDP using RTP.

Important: Audio data transmitted with UDP is not encrypted.

If Voice over IP (VoIP) quality is unsatisfactory at medium quality on the setting, you can Audio qualityenable the user policy setting.Audio over UDP Real-time Transport

By default, UDP audio on XenDesktop uses two consecutive ports within the range of ports 16500 to 16509 to pass through the Windows firewall. To use other ports, configure the machine Audio UDP Port Rangepolicy setting by typing the port number or range into the field.Value

UDP is not available on XenApp.


To configure audio on the user device


. > > Citrix Component Citrix Receiver User ExperienceFrom the list, select and click .Setting Client Audio Settings policy settingSelect , , or .Not Configured Enabled DisabledIf you selected , select .Enabled Enable audioSelect a , , or sound quality. For UDP audio, use only.High Medium Low MediumFor UDP audio only, select .Enable Real-Time TransportFor UDP audio only, set the range of ports to use to pass through the Windows firewall. This range must be consistent with the range set in the machine policy.Audio UDP Port Range

1.4.2.1. Avoiding Echo During Multimedia Conferences With HDX RealTime

Updated: 2011-05-16

When users take part in audio or video conferences, they may hear an echo in their audio. Echoes usually occur when speakers and microphones are too close to each other. For that reason, Citrix recommends the use of headsets for audio and video conferences.

HDX RealTime provides an echo cancellation option, enabled by default, which minimizes echo during a conference. For echo cancellation to be most effective, the user should select either Medium - optimized

or audio quality. The audio setting for speech Low - for low-speed connections High - high definitionis intended for music playback, rather than conference speech and should be avoided for conferences.

The effectiveness of echo cancellation is sensitive to the distance between the speakers and the microphone. These devices must not be too close to each other or too far from each other.

Echo cancellation is available with the version of Receiver for Windows included with this Technical Preview and Citrix Online Plug-in 12.1 for Windows, as well as Web Interface 5.3.

To enable or disable echo cancellation

For 32-bit computers: On the user device, open the registry and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Citrix\ICA Client\Engine\Configuration\Advanced\Modules\ClientAudio\EchoCancellation.

For 64-bit computers: On the user device, open the registry and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Citrix\ICA Client\Engine\Configuration\Advanced\Modules\ClientAudio\EchoCancellation.

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Caution: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Citrix cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. Be sure to back up the registry before you edit it.

In the field, type or to enable or disable echo cancellation.Value data TRUE FALSE

1.4.3. Video Conferencing with HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression

Updated: 2011-05-18

HDX RealTime provides a webcam video compression option to improve bandwidth efficiency during video conferencing.

Users receive a dialog box the first time their desktops access the webcam or microphone during a session. Users can permit or deny access for the rest of the session. If the user selects the Do not ask me again for

check box, the permission or denial is used for future sessions. The user then makes this virtual desktopfuture changes on the tab of the dialog box.Mic & Webcam Citrix Receiver - Desktop Viewer Preferences

System Requirements for HDX RealTime Webcam Video Compression

To use the HDX RealTime webcam video compression feature:

Install Citrix Receiver for Windows, formerly Citrix online plug-in, included with the Technical Preview or Citrix Online Plug-in 12.1 for Windows on the user device.For Microsoft Office Communicator:

Install Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 on the XenDesktop site.Install Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 on the Virtual Desktop Agent.

For Skype: Install Skype 5.3 on the Virtual Desktop Agent.Optionally, set up a web-based Skype Manager account.

Ensure the user device has the appropriate hardware to produce sound.Use the web camera default settings.Install drivers for web cameras on the user device. Where possible, use drivers obtained from the camera manufacturer, rather than from a third party.

Note: Only one web camera is supported at a time. If a device has multiple web cameras attached, the cameras are tried in succession until a connection is made.

Enable the following Citrix Policy settings in the Citrix Desktop Studio: Client audio redirectionClient microphone redirectionWindows Media Redirection

Configuring Client Audio Redirection

Client audio redirection is a Citrix Uses Policy setting. It allows or prevents the redirection of sound from a hosted application to a sound device on the user device. Client audio redirection is enabled by default.

Configuring Client Microphone Redirection

Client microphone redirection is a Citrix Users Policy setting. It allows or prevents the redirection of microphones. Client microphone redirection is enabled by default.

Configuring Windows Media Redirection

Windows Media Redirection is a Citrix Machine Policy setting. Use this setting to allow or prohibit the delivery

of streaming audio and video to users. Windows Media Redirection is enabled by default.

1.4.4. Redirecting Aero Functionality

Updated: 2011-05-17

Aero Redirection allows remote desktops to use the Windows Aero interface by utilizing the graphics processing unit (GPU) of the host user device rather than that of the server.

The following Windows Aero preview options are available to XenApp users: Taskbar Preview

When the user hovers over a window's taskbar icon, an image of that window appears above the taskbar.

Windows Peek

When the user hovers over a taskbar preview image, a full-sized image of the window appears on the screen.

Flip

When the user presses ALT+TAB, small preview icons are shown for each open window.

Flip 3D

When the user presses TAB+Windows logo key, large images of the open windows cascade across the screen.

Requirements

User Device Hardware

Windows Aero capable DirectX 9-class GPU that supports: Pixel Shader 2.032 bits per pixel128MB memory

1.5 GHz non-mobile central processing unit (CPU)

Software DirectX 9.0c runtime (Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP)

Note: If a user device does not meet these requirements, Windows 7 Basic is used in place of Windows Aero.

Server Hardware

A peripheral component interconnect (PCI) display card with an interrupt request (IRQ) line

Software Aero-capable operating system (Windows 7)Hypervisor: XenServer 5.6 or VMWare ESX

Note: Physical machines are not supported.

Bandwidth Minimum available: 2 MbpsRecommended: 5 Mbps

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The Available and Recommended Mbps incorporate end-to-end latency.

If bandwidth is not able to sustain Windows Aero, Aero Redirection is terminated and Windows 7 Basic is delivered.

To configure Aero Redirection

In User settings, open the dialog box.Aero Redirection Add SettingSelect , which is the default, or .Enabled DisabledOpen the dialog box.Aero Redirection Graphics Quality Add SettingFrom the list, select , , which is the default, , or .Value Lossless High Medium Low

1.4.5. Increasing 2D and 3D Application Scalability and Performance

Updated: 2010-10-01

HDX 3D allows graphics-heavy applications running on XenApp on a physical server to render on the server's graphics processing unit (GPU). By moving DirectX, Direct3D and Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) rendering to the server's GPU, the server's central processing unit (CPU) is not slowed by graphics rendering. Additionally, the server is able to process more graphics because the workload is split between the CPU and GPU. This feature is only available on servers with a GPU that supports a display driver interface (DDI) version of 9ex, 10, or 11. DirectX and Direct3D require no special settings.

To enable WPF applications to render using the server's GPU, in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Citrix\CtxHook\AppInit_Dlls\Multiple Monitor Hook subkey in the registry of the server running XenApp, create the EnableWPFHook key with a key type of REG_DWORD and set its value to 1.

Caution: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Citrix cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. Be sure to back up the registry before you edit it.

1.4.6. Improving Responsiveness in Low Bandwidth Conditions by Compressing Colors

Updated: 2011-05-17

By default, Citrix's HDX features provide a high quality graphics experience in Windows 7 desktops with an efficient use of bandwidth. If you experience low bandwidth, you can improve responsiveness by enabling extra color compression. This compression results in lower quality graphics, however.

When you enable this compression, you also set a bandwidth threshold at which extra color compression occurs. High quality images are delivered as long as the bandwidth remains above the threshold. If the bandwidth drops below the threshold, extra color compression occurs, reducing graphic quality and improving responsiveness. The extra color compression ends and high quality graphics resume when the bandwidth rises above the threshold again.

The two extra color compression settings, which you configure on the server through the HDX Policies node of the Citrix Desktop Studio, are:

Extra Color CompressionExtra Color Compression Threshold

To improve responsiveness by compressing colors

Extra color compression is disabled by default in order to provide high quality graphics to Windows 7 desktops. You can enable and disable extra color compression from the Desktop Studio through the Citrix User Policy setting .Extra Color Compression

When is selected, extra color compression begins, reducing the bandwidth needed to present Enabledgraphics, while concurrently reducing the quality of those graphics. If is selected, high quality Disabledgraphics are delivered and more bandwidth is consumed.

After configuring set the bandwidth threshold with the Extra Color Compression Extra Color setting.Compression Threshold

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To set a threshold to activate extra color compression

After changing the setting to , specify a threshold at which the Extra Color Compression Enablecompression occurs. If the bandwidth is below the threshold, extra color compression occurs. If the bandwidth is above the threshold, extra color compression does not occur and high quality graphics are delivered to the users' Windows 7 desktops.

Set the setting by typing a kbps rate in the field. Extra Color Compression Threshold ValueAlternatively, click to use 2,000 kbps.Use default value

1.4.7. Assigning Priorities to Network Traffic

Updated: 2011-05-18

With XenApp and XenDesktop, priorities are assigned to network traffic across multiple connections for a session with quality of service (QoS)-supported routers. Four Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections are available to carry ICA traffic between the user device and the server (XenDesktop provides an additional User Datagram Protocol (UDP) connection). Each virtual channel is associated with a specific priority and transported in the corresponding TCP connection. You can set the channels independently, based on the TCP port number used for the connection. The four priorities are:

Very High: for realtime activities, such as webcam conferences.High: for interactive elements, such as the screen, keyboard, and mouse.Medium: for bulk processes, such as Client Drive Mapping (CDM).Low: for background activities, such as printing.

XenDesktop supports multiple channel streaming connections only for Virtual Desktop Agents installed on Windows 7 environments. Work with your company's network administrator to ensure the Common Gateway Protocol (CGP) ports configured in the setting are assigned correctly on the Multi-Port Policynetwork routers.

Quality of service is supported only when multiple session reliability ports, or the CGP ports, are configured.

Caution: Use transport security when using this feature. Citrix recommends using Internet Protocol Security (IPsec).

To assign priorities to network traffic

To set quality of service for multiple streaming connections, you must configure: Multi-Stream, a Citrix Machine Policy setting in XenDesktop and a Citrix Computer Policy setting in XenApp.Multi-Port Policy, a Citrix Machine Policy setting in XenDesktop and a Citrix Computer Policy setting in XenApp.Multi-Stream Connections, a Citrix Users Policy setting in XenDesktop and a Citrix User Policy setting in XenApp.

In Machine settings (XenDesktop) or Computer settings (XenApp), open the Multi-Port Policy dialog box.Add Setting

From the list, select a priority.CGP default port priorityType additional CGP ports in , , and , as needed, and identify priorities CGP port1 CGP port2 CGP port3for each.In Machine settings (XenDesktop) or Computer settings (XenApp), open the Multi-Stream Add Settingdialog box and select or .Enabled DisabledIn Users settings (XenDesktop) or User settings (XenApp), open the Multi-Stream Connections

dialog box and select or .Add Setting Enabled Disabled

For the policies to take effect, users must log off and then log on to the network.

1.5. About HDX 3D Pro

Updated: 2011-05-19

HDX 3D Pro is a feature of XenDesktop Enterprise and Platinum editions that enables you to deliver desktops and applications that use a graphics processing unit (GPU) for hardware acceleration, including 3D professional graphics applications based on OpenGL and DirectX. With HDX 3D Pro, you can use XenDesktop to deliver complex interactive graphics over wide area network (WAN) connections with bandwidths as low as 2 Mbps. On local area network (LAN) connections, HDX 3D Pro enables you to replace complex and expensive workstations with much simpler user devices, moving the graphics processing into the data center for centralized management.

You can use HDX 3D Pro to virtualize, for example, tools for computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), geographical information system (GIS) software, and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstations for medical imaging. In addition to specialist graphical applications, HDX 3D Pro also enables you to deliver computationally-intensive non-graphical applications that use NVIDIA compute unified device architecture (CUDA) GPUs for parallel computing.

Key Features of HDX 3D Pro

New in This Release HDX 3D Pro supports user devices with multiple monitors. Users have Multi-monitor support.the freedom to arrange their monitors in any configuration they choose and can mix monitors with different resolutions and orientations. The number of monitors is limited only by the capabilities of the server GPU, the user device, and the available bandwidth. In addition to physical host computers, HDX 3D Pro supports Support for XenServer VMs.XenServer VMs with Multi-GPU Passthrough. The XenServer Multi-GPU Passthrough feature enables you to create VMs with exclusive access to dedicated graphics processing hardware. You can install multiple GPUs on the hypervisor and assign VMs to each of these GPUs on a one-to-one basis. Where available, HDX 3D Pro can leverage H.264 hardware Client-side hardware decoding.decoding on Linux user devices. This reduces the load on the CPU, enabling you to deliver graphically intensive applications more effectively to user devices with less powerful processors. You can use policies in XenDesktop to set the range of image quality HDX 3D Pro policies.adjustment available to users in the image quality configuration tool and to specify whether users can manually enable or disable lossless compression.

Other Features HDX 3D Pro supports lossless compression, which enables you to deliver Lossless compression.pixel-perfect images for applications such as medical imaging. Where a compatible NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPU is available, HDX 3D GPU-accelerated encoding.Pro can leverage the GPU to accelerate the encoding of images. GPU-based compression is particularly efficient at minimizing bandwidth usage for organic images such as textured data, video, and geographical images. If a compatible GPU is not available, HDX 3D Pro falls back to CPU-based compression. On platforms where both GPU and CPU-based compression is available, Automatic codec selection.HDX 3D Pro optimizes the user experience by automatically switching between CPU and GPU codecs according to the capabilities of the user device and the server, and the available bandwidth. HDX 3D Pro supports high resolution monitors. Although High resolution monitor support.all resolutions over 800 x 600 pixels are supported, for optimum performance over LAN connections Citrix recommends a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Citrix recommends a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels for the best results on WAN connections. On LAN connections with bandwidths of 100 Mbps, HDX Best user experience over any bandwidth.3D Pro delivers a user experience equivalent or better than that of a local desktop. Additionally, the performance optimizations in HDX 3D Pro enable you to deliver an interactive user experience over WAN connections with bandwidths as low as 2 Mbps. HDX 3D Pro includes an image quality configuration Real-time image quality configuration tool.tool that enables users to adjust in real time the balance between image quality and responsiveness to optimize their use of the available bandwidth. With HDX 3D Pro and XenDesktop, you can deliver graphically Desktop or VM hosted apps.

intensive applications as part of a complete virtual desktop or as a VM hosted app, according to the requirements of your users.

1.5.1. System Requirements for HDX 3D Pro

Updated: 2011-05-18

This topic describes the requirements for installing and using HDX 3D Pro. It is assumed that your servers and users' devices meet the minimum hardware requirements for the installed operating system.

The current release of HDX 3D Pro is only compatible with XenDesktop Technology Preview.

Host Requirements

The Virtual Desktop Agent for HDX 3D Pro is supported for installation on the following versions of Windows.

Windows 7 64-bit Editions with Service Pack 1 Windows 7 32-bit Editions with Service Pack 1 Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 2 Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3

HDX 3D Pro can be used to deliver any application that is compatible with the supported host operating systems, but is particularly suitable for use with DirectX and OpenGL-driven applications, and with rich media such as video.

The computer hosting the application can be either a physical machine or a XenServer VM with Multi-GPU Passthrough. The Multi-GPU Passthrough feature is currently available for technology preview with the Citrix XenServer "Project Boston" Beta release on the .Citrix Downloads Web site

Citrix recommends that, at minimum, the specification of the host computer include at least 4 GB of RAM and a dual core CPU (or two virtual CPUs) with a clock speed of 2.3 GHz or higher. If you plan to enable Aero on Windows 7, a quad core physical CPU or a minimum of three virtual CPUs are recommended.

Graphical Processing Unit Requirements

For CPU-based compression, including lossless compression, HDX 3D Pro supports any display adapter on the host computer that is compatible with the application that you are delivering. To use GPU-accelerated encoding, HDX 3D Pro requires that the computer hosting the application is equipped with a NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPU with at least 96 CUDA cores and NVIDIA CUDA 2.1 or later display drivers installed. For optimum performance, Citrix recommends using a GPU with at least 128 parallel CUDA cores.

User Device Requirements

To access desktops or applications delivered with XenDesktop and HDX 3D Pro, users must install the latest version of Citrix Receiver for Windows or Citrix Receiver for Linux. For more information on Citrix Receiver system requirements, see .Receiver and Plugins

Users' devices must be equipped with a monitor with a resolution of at least 800 x 600 pixels. For optimum performance, Citrix recommends maximum monitor resolutions of 1920 x 1200 pixels for users with LAN connections and 1280 x 1024 pixels for users with WAN connections.

Citrix recommends that, at minimum

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