[REQUEST] Input only mode (no video)

[samkitty]

Would it be possible to add a setting to Apollo that disables video encoding/decoding and leaves the stream open for input (touch/mouse/controller) only? That way phones/handhelds can be used as a wireless gamepad, which would be very useful for something like party games with 8 players local co-op. Guests can simply show a pin code and start playing on their phones. Steam Link allows you to do this already by disabling video/audio and leaving just input. Apollo would replace the need for apps like Unified Remote and Remote Gamepad if this feature is implemented.

This was a semi-popular request for the official Moonlight app but it was never worked on.

I tried launching a virtual display then turning it off in windows display settings, but the stream automatically switches to the primary display in that case. A truly black screen with input only (like when using External Monitor Mode) would be ideal.

Thanks!

[ClassicOldSong]

Possible but requires some heavy modifications. No guarantees to time of implementation.

[samkitty]

Got it. Current workaround is using tasker to display a black overlay on top of the stream, but that is a far from elegant solution.

Thank you for revitalizing sunshine/moonlight development 🫡

[ClassicOldSong]

Making an overlay doesn't stop the video/audio from being encoded and sent from the host. What's your purpose for not showing the copied view on other clients?

[samkitty]

What's your purpose for not showing the copied view on other clients?

Using the phone as a trackpad/keyboard for the PC at night. The phone display becomes a distraction and might get OLED burn-in. I set the bitrate/resolution to lowest and mask it with Tasker. I know this isn't the same as not encoding the video in the first place, but it's the only way I can get a black screen on the client as far as I can tell.

[ClassicOldSong]

Hmmmm I see, I'll think about this.