Intel drops support for DirectX 9 on many graphics solutions - integrated or ARC

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus using Intel graphics

  * Updates correcting this issue may be available. Ensure that you are using the most current build of SongShow Plus from the Download page before proceeding. *

NOTE: It is NOT recommended to use any integrated graphics solutions with SongShow Plus. 

Symptom:
If you are using an Intel graphics solution, either as an integrated CPU solution or a discrete graphics solution (ARC add-in cards) and you are getting DirectX error messages in SongShow Plus, you may have an unsupported solution in use. This may also present as a hang/freeze of the projected content when using DirectX related functions such as transitions, shadows and other effects.

Possible Cause:
In 2022, Intel dropped native DirectX 9 support for the integrated Iris/Xe/UHD graphics solutions commonly found in 12th Gen (and later) Intel CPUs and Intel ARC GPUs. These solutions no longer support DirectX 9 natively. 
To be clear, our stance is that this is NOT a SongShow Plus bug. It appears that Intel had a choice to implement this directly in their updated hardware/driver and continue native DX9 support OR use the Microsoft D3D9On12 interface - they chose the latter. The bug is either in the Intel implementation of this or in the Microsoft D3D9On12 interface itself.  Solutions that natively support DirectX 9 still work as expected.  

FAQs

• I have used the Intel graphics for a long time - Why did this start now? - As noted above, Intel made this change starting in 2022.  That said, the implementation and impact of the changes can vary depending on the graphics solution used and the Windows version used.  We are finding more frequently that the bad behavior starts after one or more Windows updates.  Windows updates can contain updates to both the core files of Windows (DirectX in this case) as well as system device driver updates (graphics in this case) so the issue appears to happen "all of a sudden" when actually the underlying cause has been present for much longer.
• Will updating to Windows 11 resolve the issue? - No. This issue appears in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Can I upgrade DirectX? - No.  DirectX is a Windows component and cannot be changed.

Possible Solution:
If you have a pre-Gen 12 solution AND driver it may still work as expected.  If you have this solution on a notebook that has dual graphics solutions, you should be able to force your laptop to only use the non-Intel solution.   Refer to the KB article SI17 to force your laptop to use the add-in graphics rather than the integrated solution. 

Possible Solution:
As a temporary workaround it is possible to discontinue the use of the features using DirectX 9.  Generally, this includes ALL transitions and effects.

• Ensure that the opening screen setting is NOT set to the SSP Logo.  This may be introducing a bad state in the renderer with Intel graphics. Change the setting to black: 
  1. Start by opening SongShow Plus and from the main tool bar.
  2. Click Settings > Preferences then select the Opening Screen section. 
  3. Set it to Black by selecting the Black radio button.
  4. Click on Save to close the Preferences window. 
• Set all transitions to NO Transition. 
  1. From the main toolbar select Slide Properties.
  2. For the All Media type set the Transition to No Transition.
  3. Set this for other media types (song etc) if they are set.  Unchecked would be better.
  4. Ensure that no slideshows have transitions set.  These can be edited out in Slide Builder.
• Disable all effects in Slide Properties. 
  1. From the main toolbar select Slide Properties.
  2. Check all sections to ensure that no effects, transitions or shadows are applied.

Possible Solution:
As a temporary workaround it is possible to disable the use of the GPU.  This should only be used as a temporary workaround or for troubleshooting purposes.  Follow the instructions found in this article for more details. Changing the High End Graphics - Use GPU - setting in SongShow Plus

Permanent Solution:
Replace all integrated graphics solutions with add in graphics solutions from Nvidia or AMD.
NOTE: Since they change often, we do not offer recommendations for specific manufacturers or models of cards (there are several), however, the two main chip manufacturers are Nvidia and AMD. 

Since a core function of SSP is DirectX graphics rendering, a current, mid-level gaming card from either should work well.  Generally we advise considering the highest gaming performance card you can afford with at least 1GB of dedicated memory and 2 or more outputs, depending on how many displays you intend to use. Consult your system manufacturer or local IT for specific recommendations.

Sufficient system power availability can be a concern when upgrading graphics solutions.  Consult your system manufacturer or local IT to ensure there is sufficient power to support your selected card.

If this does not resolve the issue, contact the support team for assistance.

(DI15)