Remote Graphics Software
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Remote desktop software |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | HP Inc. |
| Products | Remote desktop client-server application |
| Parent | HP Inc. |
HP ZCentral Remote Boost, initially known as HP Remote Graphics Software (RGS), is a remote desktop client-server application created by HP Inc. and first introduced in 2003. It facilitates remote connections to workstations or virtual workstations from multiple device types, such as other workstations and thin clients. The solution supports features like screen sharing and remote USB functionality, operating across both Windows and Linux environments. HP markets RGS as a tool for "Real-Time Collaboration," "Workstation-Class Mobility," and enabling "Remote Workers."
In 2014, the release of RGS 7.0 expanded remote workstation accessibility to include tablet devices. This software provides reduced latency and minimizes packet loss when compared with rivals like Citrix HDX 3D and Teradici's PCoiP.
HP revamped and rebranded RGS in 2020 under the HP ZCentral Solution umbrella. That year, ZCentral Remote Boost earned an Engineering Emmy Award for its significant contribution to remote post-production workflows during the global pandemic.
The software performs graphics processing on the workstation using hardware acceleration, transmitting only compressed bitmap images to client endpoints. It consists of two parts: the sender component, installed on workstations or servers, and the receiver component, used on client devices. Compatibility includes OpenGL and Microsoft DirectX. While available separately for servers, virtual machines, and non-HP workstations, starting with version 5.4.7 in 2011, HP began bundling RGS with all its desktop Z brand workstations. Additionally, RGS can be downloaded free of charge for HP Z Workstations and ZBook mobile workstations.
An early iteration of the RGS video compression codec stems from patented innovations developed by HP Labs, initially applied in the NASA Mars rover program.
Versions
Compiled from HP RGS release notes.
| Date | Version | Key features introduced |
|---|---|---|
| October 2020 | Remote Boost 2020.1 | Preview release featuring enhanced support for Wacom devices on Windows, macOS, RHEL, and Ubuntu Receivers connecting to Windows and Linux Senders; added hardware acceleration for AVC mode supporting GeForce GPUs (in addition to Quadro); improved administrative controls over user Sender access. |
| May 2020 | RGS 7.7.1 | Added compatibility with RHEL 7.8 and ThinPro 7.x; incorporated HP Velocity support on MacOS Receivers; improved frame rates to reduce video stuttering; introduced new properties for configuring sender display resolution and layout. |
| March 2020 | Remote Boost 2020.0 | Major update incorporating HP ZCentral Connect broker support; enabled receiver-side remote desktop window scaling without altering sender resolution; auto-launch file capability on Linux and macOS; borderless mode on macOS; UI enhancements for high DPI displays; improved WACOM tablet remoting on Linux. |
| January 2019 | 7.6 | Lowered idle CPU consumption on Linux senders using HP3 codec; enhanced AVC codec performance on Windows 10 with Intel graphics; extended compatibility to RHEL 6.10, 7.6, and ThinPro 7.0; added resolution matching feature for Windows Senders with NVIDIA GPUs lacking physical displays. |
| May 2018 | 7.5 | Decreased bandwidth usage of HP3 codec on Windows 10; performance improvements on both Windows and Linux Senders; more responsive Adaptive Image Quality controls; OS-managed Receiver Window frames and scrollbars; repositionable toolbar horizontally; black bars shown if Receiver Window exceeds Sender desktop size; new hotkey 'F' fits Receiver Window to Sender desktop. |
| October 2017 | 7.4 | Linux Sender restart no longer requires X Server reboot; added support for RHEL 7.4 and SUSE 12 SP3; FlexNet Publisher license server upgraded to version 11.14+ included in package for floating licenses; launched 64-bit Sender and Receiver versions for Windows with backward compatibility—future releases will be exclusively 64-bit; note that Windows 10 updates may necessitate reinstalling HP RGS to restore Remote USB functionality; separate installers provided per Linux distribution. |
| February 2017 | 7.3.2 | Introduced support for SUSE Linux Enterprise 12.2 and HP ThinPro 6; MaxImageUpdateRate now effective in AVC mode (previously only in HP3); expanded smart card redirection on Windows receivers to include virtual smart cards supporting Windows (7,8.1,10), RHEL (6,7), SUSE Linux Enterprise 12 senders—smart card redirection remains limited to Windows receivers. |
| October 2016 | 7.3.1 | Enhanced Windows sender performance with AMD and Intel GPUs; AVC mode improvements on Windows receivers; better resolution matching for NVIDIA GPUs on Windows senders; new property optimizing Velocity over VPN connections. |
| August 2016 | 7.3 (macOS receiver) | Released native macOS RGS receiver allowing Mac users to connect to Windows and Linux workstations or VMs. |
| May 2016 | 7.2.3 | Added sender properties simplifying display configuration for VMware virtual machines using Nvidia GRID graphics. |
| March 2016 | 7.2.2 | Enabled simultaneous smart card authentication on both sender and receiver in Windows environments. |
| November 2015 | 7.2.0 | Support extended to Windows 10, RHEL 7.2, Suse Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED) 12; reduced frequency of receiver network warning dialogs; various bug fixes. |
| April 2015 | 7.1.0 | Improved default HP3 codec delivering higher frame rates and resolutions; added multi-core CPU support; full WACOM tablet remoting between Linux systems; enhanced audio performance on Linux; GPU-accelerated AVC codec support on Linux with Nvidia GRID enabling multi-monitor setups; updated GRID SDK for AVC on Windows/Linux platforms; introduced UI tools facilitating property configuration without manual file edits. |
| September 2014 | 7.0.1 | Added compatibility with ThinPro versions 4.4 and 5.0; new sender property allowing selection/order of RGS license types; Easy Login extended beyond specific hardware platforms. |
| June 2014 | 7.0 | Upgraded HP Velocity to version 2.1 improving connectivity robustness and packet loss protection via UDP instead of TCP protocol; introduced tablet-specific features such as gesture-to-hotkey mapping, virtual mouse functionality, zooming, panning capabilities, plus touch-optimized UI enhancements. |
| April 2014 | 6.0.5 | Added support for ThinPro version 4.4 and Bloomberg Keyboards; updated installer command line usage. |
| March 2014 | 6.0.4 | Introduced sender property enabling collaboration without requiring authorization dialogs. |
| 6.0.2 | 'Advanced Video Compression activated in directory mode; extended support for RHEL version 6.4 and ThinPro versions ranging from 3.3 through 4.3. |
|- February 2013 6.0 Redesigned user interface improving usability; introduced H.264 codec reducing bandwidth compared to legacy codecs configurable under Performance settings as "Advanced Video Compression"; optional installation of HP Velocity WAN optimization enhancing network performance under packet loss or latency conditions; added support for Microsoft Windows 8 (desktop mode) on both Sender and Receiver.
|- June 2012 5.4.8 Added Linux screen blanking feature, SLED11 sender compatibility, RHEL6.2 sender support, IP address filtering capability, improved Linux audio handling, ThinPro version 4.1 compatibility plus a Linux equivalent of Easy Login functionality.
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