Bump Frame Control to 0.4.18 (#161 )

Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>
Keep theatre playback running without optional surround (#51 )
2026-10-24 20:02:10 +02:00 · 2026-10-24 10:53:48 +00:00 · 2026-10-24 10:45:48 +00:00 · 2026-10-24 10:19:35 +00:00 · 2026-10-24 10:03:36 +00:00 · 2026-10-24 09:47:24 +00:00
34 changed files with 1691 additions and 31 deletions
@@ -2,6 +2,33 @@

 ## Unreleased

+- Keep media playback running when SteamVR refuses the optional theatre dark
+  surround, including a retry after standby. Log the refusal and play without
+  the surround. Overlay teardown attempts every owned handle and always calls
+  OpenVR shutdown even if a handle fails to close.
+
+- Check the desktop server's single-instance lock before starting background
+  downloads, so a second server exits cleanly with the existing "already
+  running" message.
+
+- Recheck saved spatial layouts on SteamOS 0.5.6 / SteamVR 2.18.2 (issue #31).
+  Read-only probes expose some panel geometry, but safe restoration of
+  Steam/gamescope docking and positions remains unverified. Record exact API
+  results and a reproducible probe; saved layouts remain unavailable.
+
+- Record packaged v0.4.17 Desktop Capture succeeding on a mapped nested KDE
+  compositor on a real Frame with SteamOS 0.5.6. Headset overlay visibility was
+  not established; this is evidence, not a new fix or resolution of issue #73.
+
+- Correct the Return to Game Mode help text: Frame Control selects the switch
+  supported by the headset's SteamOS build, including `steamosctl` on current
+  Frames. The button's behavior is unchanged.
+
+- Distinguish an unreadable gamescope panel list from a confirmed empty list in
+  Desktop Capture and Control (issue #73). Failed discovery now asks users to
+  check SteamVR and report the exact message and SteamOS version, rather than
+  claiming no panel is open. This does not establish a new capture fix.
+
 - Add an opt-in desktop low-battery alert without starting a family session.
  Existing status reads confirm low charge and drain; recovery hysteresis and a
  ten-minute cooldown limit repeat alerts. Off on page open/headset switch;
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
  "name": "frame-control",
-  "version": "0.4.16",
+  "version": "0.4.18",
  "lockfileVersion": 3,
  "requires": true,
  "packages": {
    "": {
      "name": "frame-control",
-      "version": "0.4.16",
+      "version": "0.4.18",
      "license": "MIT",
      "devDependencies": {
        "electron": "^44.4.5",
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
  "name": "frame-control",
  "productName": "Frame Control",
-  "version": "0.4.16",
+  "version": "0.4.18",
  "description": "Desktop app for managing a Valve Steam Frame over SSH",
  "private": true,
  "main": "main.js",
@@ -25,8 +25,28 @@ tested in another full Plasma session under a three-minute rollback timer.
 `ui/frame_backup.py session` reported Desktop Mode despite gamescope, and
 `ui/frame_backup.py game-mode` invoked the same guarded Return function used by
 the button. Game Mode became active and a second call made no switch. Battery
-remained at 99%; the timer and lock were removed. The literal desktop button
-was not clicked in this test, and older SteamOS builds remain fixture-tested.
+remained at 99%; the timer and lock were removed. That test used the production
+CLI rather than clicking the desktop button.
+
+Later on 2026-10-24, the published **v0.4.17 Linux x86_64 AppImage** passed the
+literal packaged-button check on the same Frame/build. With the shared lock and
+a verified three-minute rollback timer, the headset entered full Plasma Desktop
+Mode. In the packaged Electron window, **Tools → Backup & recovery → Check**
+reported Desktop Mode despite gamescope. A trusted automated pointer click on
+the visible **Return to Game Mode** button, accepting its confirmation, returned
+`switched: true` and `steamosctl switch-to-game-mode`. The systemd targets then
+confirmed Game Mode. A second confirmed button click returned `switched: false`;
+the Game Mode service invocation and SteamVR PID stayed unchanged. **Check**
+then reported Game Mode and disabled Return. The test app/server and virtual
+display were stopped; the timer and shared lock were removed. Steam and SteamVR remained running
+at 99% battery. [Commands, responses, cleanup and limits](evidence/return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24.json),
+[before](evidence/return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24-before.png) and
+[after](evidence/return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24-after.png).
+
+This used the unchanged extracted AppImage payload with its bundled Python on
+Xvfb (`--no-sandbox --disable-gpu`), following the packaged Export test in #156.
+FUSE mounting, desktop integration, hardware rendering and the view inside a
+worn headset were not checked. Older SteamOS builds remain fixture-tested.

 ## Back up

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+{
+  "date_utc": "2026-10-24",
+  "version": "v0.4.17",
+  "steam_os_version": "0.5.6",
+  "steam_os_build": "20261015.6141207",
+  "result": "PASS: the real Steam-saved clip exported beyond 60 seconds",
+  "method": "Steam manual recording of a reserved test title, then Frame Control's production frame_clips.export_clip path; no packaged GUI button click",
+  "source": {
+    "kind": "saved Steam clip",
+    "duration_seconds": 100.801,
+    "chunks": 68,
+    "gaps": 0
+  },
+  "export": {
+    "format": "MP4",
+    "bytes": 1377849,
+    "sha256": "82ef31f65e6933d122bc326d664beb2eb2e3ba6969f26c0032552e80fbe8d823",
+    "duration_seconds_ffprobe": 100.833335,
+    "video": "H.264, 1920x1080, 6049 frames",
+    "audio": "AAC, 48000 Hz, stereo",
+    "full_ffmpeg_decode": "passed without errors"
+  },
+  "cleanup": "Restored Steam recording mode to its prior off setting; stopped and removed only the reserved title and its processes; no recording or running Steam apps remained; Game Mode active, battery 100%, shared test lock released",
+  "limits": [
+    "This exercised the production export code path, not a packaged GUI Export click.",
+    "Visible gameplay quality, perceptual audio/video sync, trims and longer recordings were not checked.",
+    "The newly saved Steam source clip was retained; no user recording was deleted."
+  ]
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+{
+  "date_utc": "2026-10-24T09:08:35.523Z",
+  "result": "PASS: packaged Electron visible Export click saved the retained real Steam clip beyond 60 seconds",
+  "frame_control_tag": "v0.4.17",
+  "documentation_base_commit": "4e456480aefbe541e334dbd247328537f535bd94",
+  "host": "lxso2",
+  "steamos_version": "0.5.6",
+  "steamos_build": "20261015.6141207",
+  "package": {
+    "asset": "Frame-Control-linux-x86_64.AppImage",
+    "url": "https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/releases/download/v0.4.17/Frame-Control-linux-x86_64.AppImage",
+    "sha256": "b1b8eb82bf73a227b2cd36e8f0ef3a2ebdf7967c5853efb08a9634f38227015d",
+    "launch": "Verified release asset; --appimage-extract, then unmodified squashfs-root/AppRun. Electron used the bundled server and Python, not checkout source.",
+    "display": "Xvfb :137, 1440x1000x24; Electron window 1400x950 including native chrome",
+    "flags": [
+      "--no-sandbox",
+      "--disable-gpu",
+      "--remote-debugging-port=49371",
+      "--remote-debugging-address=127.0.0.1",
+      "--user-data-dir=/tmp/frame-packaged-export-20261024/electron-profile"
+    ],
+    "isolation": "Throwaway XDG_CONFIG_HOME, FRAME_CONTROL_DATA_DIR and Electron profile; telemetry and update checks disabled; existing SSH identity and normal home Videos destination used."
+  },
+  "ui": {
+    "navigation": "Dismissed optional email prompt with No thanks; clicked Tools, then Capture & Live; scrolled Steam clips into view.",
+    "row": "Steam recording \u00b7 Clip; Oct 24, 8:53 AM \u00b7 1:40 \u00b7 2 MB",
+    "action": "Playwright connected to this Electron instance over local CDP; locator.click() clicked its visible button named exactly Export. The test did not directly invoke an export function or API POST.",
+    "button": "button.small[data-clip-export=\"0\"]",
+    "click_is_trusted": true,
+    "button_bounds_css_pixels": {
+      "x": 1300.390625,
+      "y": 701.15625,
+      "width": 61.609375,
+      "height": 28
+    },
+    "post_clips_export_http": 200,
+    "job": "0ab20b1788adce63",
+    "job_poll_http": 200,
+    "saved_message": "Saved clip_15658413054201167872_20261024_085343.mp4 to ~/Videos/SteamFrame",
+    "final_row": "ON PC; Export again",
+    "screenshots": [
+      "clip-packaged-export-2026-10-24-before.png",
+      "clip-packaged-export-2026-10-24-after.png"
+    ],
+    "screenshot_scope": "Cropped to Steam clip rows and saved notification; unrelated screenshot thumbnails and host connection identity excluded."
+  },
+  "source": {
+    "clip_id": "10230640/clips/clip_15658413054201167872_20261024_085343",
+    "duration_seconds": 100.801,
+    "duration_provenance": "Retained real Steam clip from clip-long-2026-10-24.json; current packaged UI displays 1:40."
+  },
+  "output": {
+    "path": "~/Videos/SteamFrame/clip_15658413054201167872_20261024_085343.mp4",
+    "bytes": 1377849,
+    "sha256": "82ef31f65e6933d122bc326d664beb2eb2e3ba6969f26c0032552e80fbe8d823",
+    "matches_prior_production_export_size_and_sha256": true,
+    "duration_seconds_ffprobe": 100.833335,
+    "duration_difference_from_steam_seconds": 0.032335,
+    "video": "H.264, 1920x1080, 6049 decoded frames",
+    "audio": "AAC, 48000 Hz, stereo, 4724 decoded audio frames",
+    "validation": [
+      "ffprobe -v error -count_frames -show_entries format=duration,size:stream=codec_name,codec_type,width,height,sample_rate,channels,nb_read_frames -of json <output>: exit 0",
+      "sha256sum <output>: exact match to prior production export",
+      "ffmpeg -v error -xerror -i <output> -f null -: exit 0, no errors"
+    ]
+  },
+  "cleanup": {
+    "shared_lock": "Acquired with ssh frame mkdir /tmp/frame-test.lock after read-only battery/build/lock checks; released with rmdir after app shutdown; absence read back.",
+    "battery_percent_before": 99,
+    "battery_percent_after": 99,
+    "battery_status": "Not charging; charger Full",
+    "packaged_app_and_server_exited": true,
+    "test_xvfb_stopped": true,
+    "frame_export_cache_directories_remaining": 0,
+    "ffmpeg_processes_after": 0,
+    "game_mode_and_steamvr_running_after": true,
+    "steam_source_clip_retained": true,
+    "user_recordings_deleted": false,
+    "headset_install_or_settings_changes": false,
+    "local_export_retained": true
+  },
+  "limits": [
+    "The unchanged AppImage payload ran after extraction on a virtual X desktop, with Chromium sandbox and GPU disabled. FUSE mounting, desktop integration and hardware rendering were not tested.",
+    "The click was automated trusted pointer input in a visible Electron window on Xvfb, not a human click on a physical monitor. T3 collaborative preview opened successfully but drives separate browser tabs; Electron-native automation was used for this window.",
+    "No new game or Steam recording was started. Visible gameplay quality, audible content and perceptual audio/video sync were not assessed.",
+    "Clips longer than this retained 100-second clip, trims and automatic copying remain unverified.",
+    "No release, tag or application code was changed."
+  ],
+  "validation_local": {
+    "clip_regression_suite": "python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_clips.py -v: 34 tests passed in 20.173s, including real ffmpeg long-recording export",
+    "json": "python3 -m json.tool: passed",
+    "diff": "git diff --check: passed"
+  }
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,206 @@
+{
+  "date_utc": "2026-10-24",
+  "base_commit": "de931bc",
+  "issue": 73,
+  "result": "Packaged Desktop Capture passed for a mapped nested KDE compositor on the real Frame; wearer-visible overlay condition was not established. Do not close #73 from this test.",
+  "package": {
+    "tag": "v0.4.17",
+    "asset": "Frame-Control-linux-x86_64.AppImage",
+    "sha256": "b1b8eb82bf73a227b2cd36e8f0ef3a2ebdf7967c5853efb08a9634f38227015d",
+    "release_digest_matched": true,
+    "panel_helper_matches_base": true,
+    "unmodified_payload": true,
+    "host": "lxso2",
+    "display": "Xvfb :139",
+    "flags": [
+      "--no-sandbox",
+      "--disable-gpu"
+    ],
+    "private_profile_and_data": true,
+    "telemetry_and_update_checks_disabled": true
+  },
+  "preflight": {
+    "steamos_version": "0.5.6",
+    "build_id": "20261015.6141207",
+    "battery_percent": 99,
+    "battery_status": "Not charging",
+    "game_mode": true,
+    "full_plasma_session": false,
+    "nested_desktop_running": false,
+    "nested_runtime_present": false,
+    "lock_present": false,
+    "steam_pid": 297826,
+    "vrserver_pid": 297506,
+    "vrcompositor_pid": 297620,
+    "gamescope_service_invocation": "e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355",
+    "focusable_windows": [],
+    "focused_windows": []
+  },
+  "session": {
+    "started_utc": "2026-10-24T09:43:48Z",
+    "lock_acquired": true,
+    "launch": [
+      "systemd-run",
+      "--user",
+      "--unit=fc-issue73-desktop-20261024",
+      "--collect",
+      "--property=RuntimeMaxSec=180s",
+      "--property=TimeoutStopSec=15s",
+      "--property=KillMode=control-group",
+      "--setenv=DISPLAY=:0",
+      "--setenv=XDG_RUNTIME_DIR=/run/user/1000",
+      "--setenv=DBUS_SESSION_BUS_ADDRESS=unix:path=/run/user/1000/bus",
+      "--setenv=XDG_SESSION_TYPE=x11",
+      "--setenv=XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP=gamescope",
+      "/usr/bin/steamos-nested-desktop"
+    ],
+    "response": "Running as unit: fc-issue73-desktop-20261024.service; invocation ID: 92cff1e57c794212997d46c0a68877ec\n"
+  },
+  "discovery": {
+    "focus": 62914560,
+    "focus_display": ":0",
+    "panels": [
+      {
+        "window": 62914560,
+        "display": ":0",
+        "name": "KDE Wayland Compositor - Press right control key to grab input",
+        "x": 0,
+        "y": 0,
+        "width": 1920,
+        "height": 1080,
+        "app": 0,
+        "focused": true
+      }
+    ]
+  },
+  "window_evidence": {
+    "xwininfo_map_state": "IsViewable",
+    "width": 1920,
+    "height": 1080,
+    "focused_after_show_request": true,
+    "steamvr_overlay_key": "valve.steam.desktopgame.0",
+    "steamvr_overlay_visibility_after_show_request": "not_visible"
+  },
+  "capture": {
+    "repeat_utc": "2026-10-24T09:44:47.323Z",
+    "route": "/api/screenshot?view=panel&window=62914560&display=%3A0",
+    "http": 200,
+    "content_type": "image/png",
+    "content_length": 1209980,
+    "source_header": "panel",
+    "decoded": {
+      "width": 1920,
+      "height": 1080,
+      "source": "panel",
+      "selected": {
+        "window": 62914560,
+        "display": ":0",
+        "name": "KDE Wayland Compositor - Press right control key to grab input",
+        "x": 0,
+        "y": 0,
+        "width": 1920,
+        "height": 1080,
+        "app": 0,
+        "focused": true
+      },
+      "stamp": "9:44:48 AM",
+      "badge": "Desktop \u00b7 KDE Wayland Compositor - Press right control key to grab input"
+    },
+    "canvas_png_bytes": 2011278,
+    "first_capture_pixel_statistics": {
+      "width": 1920,
+      "height": 1080,
+      "min": 2.3333333333333335,
+      "max": 255,
+      "hidden": false
+    },
+    "first_capture_click_event": {
+      "isTrusted": true,
+      "utc": "2026-10-24T09:44:12.738Z"
+    },
+    "actions": "Two Playwright locator.click() actions on the visible #shotBtn in the actual packaged Electron window; first click recorded isTrusted=true. No direct screenshot API invocation by harness."
+  },
+  "device_cleanup": {
+    "utc": "2026-10-24T09:45:33Z",
+    "before_stop": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "MainPID=300739\nControlGroup=/user.slice/user-1000.slice/user@1000.service/app.slice/fc-issue73-desktop-20261024.service\nActiveState=active\n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "hide_dashboard": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "HideDashboard",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "stop_owned_unit": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "after_stop": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "MainPID=0\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "desktop_processes": {
+      "exit": 1,
+      "out": "",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "nested_runtime_exists": false,
+    "session": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "Id=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=active\nInvocationID=a2fee8ebf55c42c7b546390d14cd985c\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=inactive\nInvocationID=\n\nId=gamescope-session.service\nActiveState=active\nInvocationID=e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355\n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "steam": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "297826 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -cef-enable-debugging -deckard -gamepadui -steamdeck -steamos3 -vrgamepadui\n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "steamvr": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "297506 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-297420\n297620 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrcompositor\n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "xprops": {
+      "exit": 0,
+      "out": "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS(CARDINAL) = \nGAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW(CARDINAL) = \n",
+      "err": ""
+    },
+    "battery": {
+      "capacity": "99",
+      "status": "Not charging"
+    },
+    "owned_lock_released": true
+  },
+  "host_cleanup": {
+    "electron": {
+      "pid": 1578431,
+      "exists_after": false
+    },
+    "xvfb": {
+      "pid": 1578428,
+      "exists_after": false
+    },
+    "x_socket_absent": true
+  },
+  "delayed_final_readback": "2026-10-24T09:46:39Z\nshared-lock-absent\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\nId=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=active\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=inactive\nInvocationID=e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355\n297826 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -cef-enable-debugging -deckard -gamepadui -steamdeck -steamos3 -vrgamepadui\n297506 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-297420\n297620 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrcompositor\nnested-runtime-absent\n100\nFull\nGAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS(CARDINAL) = \nGAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW(CARDINAL) = \n",
+  "validation": {
+    "focused_panel_suite": "42 tests passed in 14.805s (test_touch.py), including production-page Node behavior tests",
+    "website": "2 tests passed (node --test site/test/*.test.mjs)",
+    "node_panels": "Passed independently (node tests/page/desk_panels.mjs)",
+    "metadata_and_links": "JSON parsed; result/cleanup assertions and relative evidence/streaming/testing links passed",
+    "diff": "git diff --check passed"
+  },
+  "limits": [
+    "SteamVR continued reporting not_visible after ShowDashboard, despite mapped X window and confirmed focus. No worn-headset visual assessment; does not establish the reporter's visible-overlay condition.",
+    "SteamOS 0.5.6 only; reporter used 0.4.5 with unknown Frame Control version and no reproduction steps.",
+    "Nested desktop launched with SteamOS steamos-nested-desktop from a bounded transient user unit using Steam display/session variables; not launched through a wearer's Steam UI.",
+    "Extracted unchanged AppImage on a virtual X display with Chromium sandbox and GPU disabled; no FUSE, physical monitor or hardware-rendering test.",
+    "No Live video, Control input or full Desktop Mode test.",
+    "Nested-desktop journal included gamescope WSI/Vulkan-hook warnings. No warning was dismissed; captured compositor pixels were nonblank.",
+    "Initial CDP response.body() yielded zero bytes despite successful image decode. Repeat verified Content-Length, fresh decoded image, panel selection and PNG export from canvas; the initial raw-body size is not treated as capture failure or proof.",
+    "No private desktop pixels, issue screenshot or raw desktop journal committed."
+  ]
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+# Packaged Desktop Capture, 2026-10-24
+
+Base: `de931bc`. Package: Linux x86_64 **v0.4.17**. Device: real Frame,
+SteamOS **0.5.6**, BUILD_ID **20261015.6141207**. Host: lxso2.
+[Sanitized state and response evidence](desktop-capture-packaged-2026-10-24.json).
+
+## Result and issue boundary
+
+The packaged app discovered the nested KDE compositor and both automated
+Desktop **Capture** button clicks succeeded. The repeat returned HTTP 200,
+`Content-Type: image/png`, `X-Capture-Source: panel`, and Content-Length
+1,209,980. The app decoded a fresh, nonblank 1920×1080 image and displayed
+the Desktop panel badge. No further product failure was reproduced or fixed.
+
+This does **not** establish the full visible-desktop condition in
+[#73](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/issues/73). `xwininfo` reported
+the desktop window `IsViewable`, and gamescope confirmed focus after
+`vrcmd --showdashboard valve.steam.desktopgame.0`. However, SteamVR still
+reported that overlay `not_visible`. There was no worn-headset visual check.
+The observation proves capture of a mapped nested compositor, not its visible
+presentation to a wearer. Do not close #73 from this evidence.
+
+The issue screenshot shows a desktop panel in the headset view while Desktop
+Capture logs “no app panel is open in the headset.” The reporter used SteamOS
+0.4.5, gave no Frame Control version or reproduction steps, and has not replied
+to the maintainer's 0.4.3 update request. The duplicate page function was already
+fixed; [PR #152](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/152) subsequently
+improved unknown-state diagnostics. Its [earlier investigation](panel-discovery-2026-10-24.md)
+was blocked from starting a desktop by another task's lock. This run adds a
+current-package capture observation, without reproducing the older failure.
+
+## Procedure
+
+1. Read-only preflight found Game Mode active, full Plasma inactive, Steam and
+   SteamVR running, battery 99%, no nested desktop/runtime and no test lock.
+2. Compared the retained AppImage's SHA-256 with the live v0.4.17 release asset
+   digest: `b1b8eb82bf73a227b2cd36e8f0ef3a2ebdf7967c5853efb08a9634f38227015d`.
+   Extracted an independent copy; `cmp` confirmed its `frame_touch.py` matches
+   the base checkout. No payload was edited.
+3. Started the package's own AppRun, bundled server and Python on Xvfb `:139`
+   with private config/cache/data/profile, telemetry and update checks disabled,
+   and `--no-sandbox --disable-gpu`. Used the existing authorized `ssh frame`
+   identity. T3 preview opened the package server page but does not attach to
+   the existing Electron window. The literal Electron button test used the
+   same Playwright-over-loopback-CDP workflow as the earlier packaged tests.
+4. Acquired `/tmp/frame-test.lock` with atomic `mkdir` and wrote an owner marker.
+   Rechecked no nested runtime or Plasma was present. Started SteamOS's
+   `/usr/bin/steamos-nested-desktop` in the owned transient user unit
+   `fc-issue73-desktop-20261024.service`, using Steam's display/session variables.
+   `RuntimeMaxSec=180s`, `TimeoutStopSec=15s` and `KillMode=control-group` bounded
+   the session. This launches a desktop panel inside Game Mode; no full Desktop
+   Mode switch was sent.
+5. In the actual packaged Electron window, navigated Tools → Capture & Live →
+   Desktop and clicked Capture with `locator.click()`. The first click event
+   recorded `isTrusted=true`. The page selected the KDE compositor on `:0`;
+   the production screenshot path used window `62914560`. Requested the desktop
+   dashboard, read back focus/visibility, and clicked Capture again. Recorded
+   response metadata, fresh decoded image dimensions and canvas pixel range.
+   No direct screenshot API call was substituted for these button clicks.
+6. Ran the packaged `frame_touch.py panels` read-only over SSH to retain its
+   exact discovery result: one focused KDE compositor panel, app ID 0, 1920×1080,
+   display `:0`, with no diagnostic `why` field.
+
+## Cleanup and limits
+
+The owned desktop session ran **09:43:48–09:45:33 UTC** (105 seconds). Hid the
+dashboard to restore its initial hidden state, stopped only the owned unit,
+and verified it was unloaded/inactive with MainPID 0. No Plasma/KWin desktop
+process or nested runtime remained; gamescope's focusable/focused lists were
+empty again. Released only this task's lock, after checking its owner marker.
+
+Delayed readback at **09:46:39 UTC** confirmed the lock absent, Game Mode active,
+full Plasma inactive and the original Steam, vrserver and vrcompositor PIDs
+still running. The Game Mode service invocation was unchanged. Battery was
+99% at cleanup and 100%/Full on the delayed check. Closed both owned preview
+tabs, Electron and Xvfb; their processes and X socket were gone. No test server
+remained. No reboot, installation, security/global setting change or full
+Desktop Mode transition was performed.
+
+The nested desktop journal included gamescope WSI/Vulkan-hook warnings. No
+warning was dismissed. Capture produced nonblank compositor pixels, but this
+run does not assess their usability to a wearer. Private image files stayed
+outside the repository; only state and response metadata are published.
+
+The initial CDP `response.body()` read yielded zero bytes despite successful
+decoding in the page. The repeat verified the PNG Content-Length, fresh image
+dimensions/source/selection and a 2,011,278-byte PNG exported from the canvas.
+The initial raw-body measurement is a harness limitation, not evidence of a
+product capture failure. No Live video, Control input, physical monitor, FUSE
+mounting or hardware rendering was tested. Older SteamOS and other packages
+remain outside this observation.
+
+## Offline verification
+
+`python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_touch.py -v`: **42 tests passed**,
+including the production page's Node panel behavior tests, duplicate-function
+guard, absent versus empty panel diagnostics, alternate displays, capture/input
+target validation and discovery deadlines. JSON parsing and `git diff --check`
+were also checked. No new regression test was added because this is an
+evidence-only change with no reproduced product defect.
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+# Linux PC host feasibility on lxso2, 2026-10-24
+
+**Blocked on this host's current desktop environment. No feature enabled and
+no feature PR opened.** Investigation for [issue #23](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/issues/23),
+starting at `4e45648` (main after #154). This concerns flat desktop panels,
+not Linux PC VR streaming.
+
+## Decision
+
+The smallest useful candidate is one explicitly selected **whole screen**,
+captured through the ScreenCast portal's restricted PipeWire connection,
+encoded locally with GStreamer/x264, and sent to the existing viewer through
+the shared SSH controller. Input, individual windows and virtual displays
+would remain unsupported until separately verified. This candidate was **not
+implemented**: lxso2 currently cannot exercise the real capture permission path.
+
+Development packages could unblock compilation, but would not create a desktop,
+portal backend or consented screen. Synthetic encoding, an Xvfb screen grab or
+using the Frame as its own host would not verify Linux PC desktop capture.
+No host packages or services were changed.
+
+## Evidence
+
+Host: `lxso2`, Linux x86-64, kernel `6.8.0-139-generic`.
+
+- `DISPLAY`, `WAYLAND_DISPLAY` and `XDG_SESSION_TYPE` were unset. The user bus
+  was reachable at `/run/user/1000/bus`.
+- `/run/user/1000/pipewire-0` and `/run/user/1000/wayland-0` did not exist.
+  No processes matched Xorg, Xwayland, Xvfb, GNOME Shell, KWin Wayland, Weston,
+  PipeWire, WirePlumber or xdg-desktop-portal at the process check.
+- D-Bus `ListNames` returned D-Bus, systemd and anonymous connections, with no
+  `org.freedesktop.portal.Desktop`. `ListActivatableNames` also had no desktop
+  portal. These calls queried D-Bus itself without activating capture services.
+- `dpkg-query` found no `xdg-desktop-portal*` or `pipewire*` packages.
+  `libgstreamer1.0-0:amd64` was installed at `1.24.2-1ubuntu0.1`, but
+  `gstreamer1.0-tools` was uninstalled. `gst-launch-1.0` and `gst-inspect-1.0`
+  were absent from PATH. Xvfb was installed, but supplies no portal by itself.
+- `pkg-config --modversion` failed for `gstreamer-1.0`,
+  `gstreamer-app-1.0`, `gstreamer-video-1.0` and `libpipewire-0.3`.
+  `gio-unix-2.0` reported `2.80.0`.
+- `desktop/bundle/pc-host.so` did not exist.
+  `python3 desktop/build.py --with-x264 --out /tmp/frame-linux-pc-feasibility`
+  exited **1** before compilation: required GStreamer pkg-config modules were
+  missing. No native build or encoder runtime success is claimed.
+
+Reproduce the non-activating portal checks in the intended desktop user's
+session, using that session's actual runtime directory and bus:
+
+```sh
+gdbus call --session --dest org.freedesktop.DBus \
+  --object-path /org/freedesktop/DBus --method org.freedesktop.DBus.ListNames
+gdbus call --session --dest org.freedesktop.DBus \
+  --object-path /org/freedesktop/DBus --method org.freedesktop.DBus.ListActivatableNames
+pkg-config --modversion gstreamer-1.0 gstreamer-app-1.0 gstreamer-video-1.0 gio-unix-2.0
+```
+
+## Existing implementation reviewed
+
+- `ui/frame_pcview.py` selects PCView only on Windows and rejects Linux even
+  when enabled. Linux installers do not carry its native bundle.
+- `desktop/portal.c` creates a **RemoteDesktop** session, requests pointer and
+  keyboard devices, and selects monitors and windows (`types=3`). It is not
+  ScreenCast-only or screen-only. Its restricted fd/node and fresh-connection
+  handling are reusable.
+- `ui/frame_pc_agent.py` calls the selection a shared window or screen and
+  picks VA-API when the element is present, falling back to x264. A bounded
+  x264 slice needs explicit encoder policy and unsupported-input behavior;
+  exposing the existing Linux path alone would not meet that scope.
+- `app/main.js` starts Python with the inherited environment; it does not
+  supply a compositor, portal backend or capture permission.
+- `.github/workflows/pc-host.yml` installs native dependencies and tests
+  synthetic x264/protocol behavior with fake capture consent/input. This does
+  not establish interactive Linux desktop capture.
+- Issue #23 and its six existing comments distinguish prior synthetic
+  helper/viewer results from untested Linux desktop capture and consent.
+
+## Verification and limits
+
+`python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p 'test_pc*.py' -v` exited **0**:
+27 tests ran successfully, with one additional native-class setup skip
+(`native PC libraries not built on this host`). Coverage includes the compiled
+C controller trace, Python adapters, grants and default-off/Windows-only gates.
+It does not prove native GStreamer capture or local-client streaming.
+
+No fake/local native stream, consent prompt, real desktop capture, Frame viewer
+run, benchmark, input or window mode was tested in this investigation. No SSH
+connection to the Frame was needed; no lock was acquired and no headset install,
+launch, stop or settings change was attempted. Issue #113 was left alone.
+No issue comments or other public messages were sent.
+
+## Concrete unblock and next slice
+
+1. Supply an interactive Linux desktop, physical or VM, with a working
+   ScreenCast portal/backend, PipeWire and accessible consent dialog. Installing
+   the portal frontend alone is insufficient. A VM can establish software
+   capture/x264 behavior while physical-host behavior remains unverified.
+2. Install the native dependencies listed in `pc-host.yml` in that environment
+   and build a local `--with-x264` bundle. Resolve x264 distribution
+   licensing/source obligations before shipping it: the current build labels
+   that option test-only and the Windows installer omits it.
+3. Implement a ScreenCast-only session with monitor-only selection, no
+   RemoteDesktop/device request, disabled input in protocol and viewer, hidden
+   window/virtual-display modes, and explicit x264 selection. Preserve the
+   default-off gate and existing Mac/Windows paths.
+4. Verify consent acceptance/refusal/cancellation, Stop/reopen, connection loss
+   and portal closure with a local client decoding actual captured content.
+   Run the shared benchmark and record results without inferring hardware or
+   physical laser behavior.
+5. Only after local capture works, acquire the shared Frame lock once and
+   follow [the headset procedure](../testing.md#headset-smoke-test) for a brief
+   viewer test. If occupied, leave the lock alone and defer device testing.
+
+These are prerequisites and proposed scope, not a ready feature. The Linux
+host request in #23 remains open.
@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+# Media surround hardening: 2026-10-24
+
+PR [#51](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/51), branch
+`theatre-media-surround-hardening`, merged main `2ded4c5` without rebasing.
+Both fixes remain necessary on that main: an optional-surround error escapes
+`play()`, and a non-`RuntimeError` during overlay teardown skips the remaining
+handles and OpenVR shutdown.
+
+## Offline checks
+
+- Focused media suite: **23 tests passed** on Linux / Python 3.12.3.
+- Final full suite: **1,381 tests, OK (15 skipped)** in 145.384 s with
+  `PYTHONFAULTHANDLER=1 python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -v`.
+  The service-regression module passed **33 tests**. Player/server compilation
+  and `git diff --check` passed. Current macOS/Windows validation is left to CI.
+- The startup/upload, creation/setup, deferred-surround refusal and teardown
+  regression tests were also run with main's player implementation: they
+  failed as expected (six errors across subtests). The screen-refusal test
+  passed, confirming that actual screen failures still propagate.
+- The historical macOS failure was job
+  [109239733717](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/actions/runs/36516462623/job/109239733717),
+  on `dac9dbc`, Python 3.12: 619 tests, three failures in artwork resolver
+  tests (`test_resolver_slot_released_when_thread_cannot_start`,
+  `test_timed_out_lookups_are_capped`,
+  `test_url_fetch_refuses_private_hosts_and_honours_deadline`). Media tests
+  passed. Late DNS workers retained semaphore slots; the first failed
+  assertion could also leak acquired slots into later tests.
+- Main already contains `8051687`'s wait-for-idle and unconditional slot
+  cleanup, preserved by `d546568`. The current artwork module passed all
+  **40 tests** locally. No additional artwork changes were needed.
+- The first full run completed **1,380 tests, 15 skipped**, with one failure:
+  `test_a_second_server_is_refused_until_the_first_exits` observed SIGSEGV
+  (`-11`) instead of exit 1. All 41 server tests passed on a focused rerun.
+  Main started daemon index/TLS workers before refusing a second server;
+  its existing shutdown notes document a race with OpenSSL interpreter exit.
+  This crash mechanism is inferred; the first run did not retain a native
+  fault trace. The subprocess assertion now retains stderr for diagnosis.
+  A deterministic regression now checks that rejection starts no listener,
+  cleanup sweep or background workers. It failed before moving the ownership
+  check ahead of startup work and passed afterwards.
+
+The surround retry now logs a refusal before discarding that cosmetic work.
+Creation, setup and first-upload failures also allow the screen to play;
+standby remains retryable, and screen errors remain fatal. Teardown tests
+exercise OpenVR errors, unexpected exceptions and a late `InterruptedError`,
+checking that all handles are attempted and shutdown runs.
+
+## Earlier blocked real Frame attempt
+
+Read-only SSH preflight: SteamOS **0.5.6**, BUILD_ID **20261015.6141207**;
+SteamVR server PID **297506**, compositor PID **297620**; existing media
+service `inactive/dead`, MainPID 0; battery **99%**, fuel gauge `Not charging`,
+charger `Full`. The shared lock was absent at preflight.
+
+The subsequent atomic `mkdir /tmp/frame-test.lock` failed with
+`FileExistsError(17, 'File exists')`: another session acquired it in between.
+The probe stopped before uploading files, launching media, creating overlays,
+or changing any state. The foreign lock was neither modified nor released.
+All generated fixtures remained on the computer and were then removed; no
+headset cleanup was necessary. Steam/SteamVR and the prior player state were
+left alone.
+
+## Follow-up real Frame smoke at the exact PR head
+
+**Passed, 2026-10-24 10:35:02–10:35:23 UTC**, with byte-identical media modules
+from **`5d551a81658d9ff14f49285c28609d506cbc20aa`**. This later run resolves
+the earlier lack of fresh playback evidence. No production code changed.
+The headset was unworn. SteamOS **0.5.6**, BUILD_ID **20261015.6141207**,
+SteamVR **2.18.2**; battery **100%, Full** before and after.
+
+Read-only preflight found Game Mode (`XDG_CURRENT_DESKTOP=gamescope`,
+`start-gamescope` running, no `plasmashell`), Steam/SteamVR running, no media
+overlays, and the installed media service inactive/not loaded. The test then
+acquired `/tmp/frame-test.lock` with atomic `mkdir`; it did not take over a
+foreign lock. Under the lock, those safety conditions were checked again.
+
+Only generated media and the PR's four unchanged modules were uploaded, under
+the test-owned, uid-1000 directory
+`/tmp/pr51-5d551a8-4c0976a52564-utfbk_m0/`. The clip was a **12 s, 30 fps,
+960×540 half-SBS H.264** MP4 with solid red/cyan eye images and **silent AAC**.
+It was generated with FFmpeg's `color`, `hstack` and `anullsrc` sources; no
+personal or external media was used.
+
+The exact `frame_media_remote.run()` Play/status/Stop path was exercised by
+importing its unmodified module and changing only its in-memory `ROOT`,
+`RUNTIME`, `STATUS` and `UNIT` constants to the isolated test locations and
+`frame-control-media-pr51-5d551a8-4c0976a52564.service`. The real
+`frame_media_player.py` ran unchanged with `--layout auto --theatre`, using
+`h264_v4l2m2m` and Pulse output. This checks the player and its systemd lifecycle;
+it does **not** reverify the HTTP/UI upload or runtime installer, nor the
+literal production unit name. The installed media runtime, log, status and
+library were preserved.
+
+- First Play: `starting` → `playing` → **`ended`**, **360 frames**, **160 dropped**,
+  **12.0397 s**, `running=false`. The drops were the normal unworn/standby
+  `SetOverlayRaw` retry path; no fault was forced. At 60 frames, dropped was 0.
+  `vrcmd --overlays` listed `framecontrol.media.surround` as **1×1 visible**
+  and `framecontrol.media.screen` as **visible**. These are SteamVR metadata,
+  not a wearer or eye-capture verification.
+- After EOF: unit **inactive/dead, not-found, MainPID 0**, no test player or
+  decoder, and neither owned overlay remained. Stop after EOF succeeded and
+  retained `ended`.
+- Second Play reached `playing`, 60 frames, 0 dropped. Explicit Stop returned
+  **`stopped`, 72 frames, 0 dropped, `running=false`**. Again the unit was
+  inactive/dead/not-found with MainPID 0, no player/decoder and no owned overlays.
+- The test unit's `ExecStart` and cgroup identified the unique temporary
+  runtime. First-run player/decoder PIDs were **309650/309655**; second-run
+  PIDs were **309805/309810**. Stop controlled only this dedicated test unit.
+  Its player log was empty; no surround refusal or teardown error was logged.
+
+### Uploaded SHA-256 values
+
+```text
+generated_SBS.mp4      1b39cac1d3b092b89657250c817019b68e87a474976ccd44aeb38e8eee44ffca
+frame_media.py         001e3158f4c3931794846b21f1e4cb553349d9326b4db1454a01976d446ad97a
+frame_media_player.py  86b0a140ebff857c2819c74d3ac45d1897735c585d44c7360ad6f18c2ecf2645
+frame_media_remote.py  b60386eb192d32594358246a4e665474c543600f2c564c2efd554ef38d7a631d
+frame_splat.py         f35750926f1149c41b95617a302012406d355c0dfdd4530438b0c42ee6d55daa
+```
+
+### Cleanup and limits
+
+The temporary directory, including its fixture, code, bytecode, status and log,
+was removed only after verifying that its player and decoder had exited. The
+transient unit was collected. The test released only its own lock after cleanup.
+All installed media runtime file hashes, including `player.log` and
+`status.json`, were unchanged. The installed `frame-control-media.service`
+remained inactive/not loaded. Steam **297826**, vrserver **297506**,
+vrcompositor **297620**, vrdashboard **297721**, and start-gamescope **296997**
+kept the same PIDs. The pre-existing overlay key/dimension/visibility/type
+inventory matched the final inventory, and all dashboard main panels remained
+`not_visible`. No dashboard command, wake request, global setting, reboot or
+Steam/SteamVR stop was issued.
+
+Cosmetic surround refusal and exceptional teardown remain **fake-tested**;
+no real refusal or teardown fault was induced. This short unworn-headset
+smoke does not verify appearance, eye isolation, comfort, audible sound/lip
+sync (the AAC was silent), sustained display performance, or the issue #28
+report of laggy 1080p video. It does not cover new H.265, photo or splat cases.
+Historical checks remain in the earlier PR #51 description and
+[media playback notes](../vr-video.md). The PR remains draft and unmerged
+for parent review and CI.
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+# Panel discovery investigation, 2026-10-24
+
+Base: v0.4.16 (`040581a`). Scope: issue #73, Desktop Capture and Control.
+
+## Evidence and change
+
+Issue #73 reports SteamOS 0.4.5 with its desktop visibly running, without a
+Frame Control version or steps. The maintainer's 2026-10-12 comment identifies
+the duplicate `loadPanels` UI function fixed in 0.4.3 and requests the exact
+remaining message and SteamOS build if it persists. There is no reporter
+follow-up. At this base, the functions are distinct and the existing Node
+regression checks their uniqueness and the Desktop GET request.
+
+Read-only source inspection found a remaining diagnostic ambiguity:
+`read_props()` returns `{}` for failed/timed-out X queries and missing root
+properties. `panels()` treated that like a confirmed empty focusable-window
+list. With no detected Plasma process it claimed no panel was open; with Plasma
+it claimed SteamOS was not listing the desktop. Neither claim follows from an
+unreadable list.
+
+The change checks for the presence of `GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS` before
+those claims. An absent list now reports unknown panel state, suggests checking
+SteamVR and retrying/Headset view, and asks for the exact message and SteamOS
+version if persistent. Missing-tool and whole-run deadline explanations retain
+precedence. No new probes, retries, timeouts, input or capture routes are added.
+
+## Real-device boundary
+
+A preliminary read-only SSH inspection returned SteamOS 0.5.6, BUILD_ID
+`20261015.6141207`, battery 99%, discharging, and X0/X1 socket names. It made
+no headset changes. The shared lock was absent at that moment.
+
+The subsequent atomic `mkdir /tmp/frame-test.lock` failed with `File exists`.
+The guarded command exited with status 3 before the session, X-property or
+panel-helper probes ran. The other task's lock was left alone. No application
+was installed, started, stopped or focused; no headset settings changed.
+
+That implementation probe was blocked by the occupied shared device. The
+coordinator later supplied a separate narrow read-only observation on SteamOS
+0.5.6, BUILD_ID `20261015.6141207`, at battery 99%, with the shared lock absent
+and both `xprop` and `xwininfo` installed:
+
+- In **Game Mode**, `DISPLAY=:0 xprop -root GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS
+  GAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW` returned both properties **present but empty**.
+- On `DISPLAY=:1`, both properties were reported **not found**.
+
+This observation distinguishes a confirmed empty list on `:0` from absent
+properties on `:1`. It does **not** reproduce #73's Desktop Mode report on
+SteamOS 0.4.5, and it does **not** test this PR's code on the headset. It is a
+coordinator-supplied observation, separate from the blocked implementation probe
+above; no new headset probe was run for this follow-up.
+
+Remaining limit: there is no reproduction establishing a further
+capture/discovery fix for the reported Desktop Mode/build combination. This PR
+improves a demonstrated diagnostic error; it must not close #73 as a verified
+new capture fix.
+
+## Offline verification
+
+Focused Python regressions distinguish absent, focus-only, failed/timed-out X
+queries, confirmed empty and desktop-running lists. Existing tests cover
+missing tools, alternate displays, successful discovery and the 12-second
+deadline. The production page's Node behavior test verifies that both Capture
+and Control preserve the unreadable-list advice. These use fake X/HTTP/DOM
+boundaries and do not prove real SteamOS 0.4.5 capture or physical input.
@@ -0,0 +1,168 @@
+# Saved panel layouts: feasibility recheck, 2026-10-24
+
+Issue: [#31](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/issues/31). Base: main
+`5b47cd3`. This investigation covers spatial save/restore for existing
+Steam/gamescope panels without another overlay application.
+
+## Decision and user behavior
+
+Keep saved layouts unavailable. The current Frame exposes some geometry,
+including a standing-space coordinate transform, but this investigation did
+not establish a complete dock-state snapshot or a controlled restore path for
+these panels. The existing companion/headset switcher still lists panels and
+requests focus; users arrange them with SteamVR's dashboard controls. No layout
+file, new control, overlay application or background service is added.
+
+This is a limit of the investigated route, not proof that every native
+implementation is impossible. In particular, failure of
+`GetOverlayTransformAbsolute` does **not** mean all pose readback is denied.
+
+## Device and read-only results
+
+SteamOS **0.5.6**, BUILD_ID **20261015.6141207**; `vrcmd --version`:
+**2.18.2**. `gamescope-session.service` was active and
+`plasma-workspace.target` inactive: Game Mode. gamescope used the OpenVR backend
+and `--virtual-connector-strategy PerAppId`. Battery was 99%, Not charging,
+before the probe and 100%, Full, afterwards.
+
+The [exact probe](panel-layout-2026-10-24/probe.py) loads only
+`FnTable:IVROverlay_028` from the shipped
+`/opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/libopenvr_api.so`. It uses application type 3
+(`VRApplication_Background`, avoiding runtime startup) and shuts down its own
+OpenVR connection in `finally`. Initialization and interface acquisition both
+returned 0. It calls getters only, with no image capture or input injection.
+
+[Raw result](panel-layout-2026-10-24/readback.json):
+
+| Getter | `valve.steam.desktopgame.0` | `valve.steam.gamepadui.main` |
+|---|---|---|
+| FindOverlay | 0, Success | 0, Success |
+| Rendering process | `gamescope-wl` | `gamescope-wl` |
+| Width | 0; 2.6700000763 m | 0; 2.6670000553 m |
+| Curvature | 0; 0 | 0; 0 |
+| Transform type | 0; 5, DashboardTab | 0; 5, DashboardTab |
+| Absolute transform | 18, WrongTransformType | 18, WrongTransformType |
+| Tracked-device-relative transform | 18, WrongTransformType | 18, WrongTransformType |
+| Coordinate transform, center, standing origin | 0; identity matrix | 0; scaled/translated matrix |
+| Coordinate transform, center, seated origin | 23, RequestFailed | 23, RequestFailed |
+| Coordinate transform, center, raw origin | 23, RequestFailed | 23, RequestFailed |
+
+The dashboard and both panels were reported hidden; neither panel was active.
+The standing-space matrix is the transform for the overlay point `(0.5, 0.5)`;
+it does not identify World/Dashboard/Theater/controller docking or recreate a
+dashboard frame. The Steam panel's basis has scale about 0.369. Treat neither
+that scaled matrix nor the hidden Gamescope panel's identity as a validated
+physical placement to feed to an absolute-transform setter. Visible placement,
+matrix freshness and correspondence to dashboard size were not checked by a
+wearer.
+
+## API and dashboard boundary
+
+The ABI and result names were checked against Valve's
+[OpenVR v2.12.14 C header](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/openvr/blob/v2.12.14/headers/openvr_capi.h)
+and [C++ interface comments](https://github.com/ValveSoftware/openvr/blob/v2.12.14/headers/openvr.h).
+That header declares `IVROverlay_028`; its SHA-256 is
+`d58a2b149e434b2b8ee25cb4253ca6157feed8092f621e78ecfed6846d35d3e4`.
+The absolute getter is explicitly limited to absolute transforms. The
+coordinate getter returns the 3D transform for a 2D overlay point. Public
+`IVROverlay_028` has no getter/setter pair for dashboard dock location or frame
+scene-graph state. The probe fails closed if that exact interface is absent.
+
+Read-only inspection of the shipped dashboard
+`/opt/steamvr/resources/webinterface/dashboard/chunk~8012d0c89.js`
+(SHA-256 `937ec62c67a481f030a416099ceb98b0fe2a702aea5a0705601c6c40d4969f6d`)
+found:
+
+- `dockLocation` reads an internal `_getDockLocation(frameID)` store;
+  `SetDockLocation` updates that store or sends a VRLink request.
+- `m_mapLastRelativeTransformForDockLocation` keeps per-location transforms.
+  World initialization requests a dashboard scene-graph transform through
+  `requestSGTransform`, then updates the component's `xfTransform`.
+- The `vrcmd_dock_overlay` handler accepts `dashboard`, `lefthand`, `righthand`,
+  `theater` and `world`. It selects the frame associated with the supplied key,
+  **falls back to the active frame if no match exists**, sets dock location and
+  may switch frame. This is not an exact pose restore or a readback response.
+
+Those are observations of shipped internal code, not proof that Frame Control
+can safely access its state through a supported external API. No dashboard
+JavaScript was injected, private store edited or VRLink command sent. The
+active-frame fallback is an additional reason not to experiment with docking
+commands on a stale key.
+
+The [2026-09-28 probe](../panels.md#saved-spatial-layouts-blocked-on-the-current-panel-route)
+on SteamOS 0.4.1 / SteamVR 2.18.1 recorded an absolute setter returning
+12 (`PermissionDenied`) on a temporary, test-owned gamescope panel. That setter
+result is **historical**, not a new test on 2.18.2. The newer read-only results
+above neither overturn nor reverify it.
+
+## Commands, safety and cleanup
+
+Read-only inspection used `ssh frame` with `BatchMode=yes` and
+`ConnectTimeout=10`, `cat /etc/os-release`, battery sysfs reads,
+`systemctl --user is-active gamescope-session.service plasma-workspace.target`,
+process inspection, and `vrcmd --version`, `--help`, `--overlays`. An initial
+`--listoverlays` attempt returned `Unknown command`; `--overlays` is the actual
+enumeration command. Dashboard sources were read/copied to local `/tmp` for
+inspection. No files were installed on the Frame.
+
+Run the retained probe from the repository root, following
+[the shared-device rules](../testing.md#headset-smoke-test). Stop if the lock is
+occupied or battery is at/below 20%; never remove another task's lock:
+
+```sh
+ssh -o BatchMode=yes -o ConnectTimeout=10 frame \
+  'set -eu; mkdir /tmp/frame-test.lock || exit 3; trap "rmdir /tmp/frame-test.lock" EXIT; timeout 25 python3 -' \
+  < docs/evidence/panel-layout-2026-10-24/probe.py
+```
+
+This command acquired the lock, completed with exit 0 and released it. A
+subsequent check confirmed the lock absent, Game Mode active, and Steam,
+`vrserver` and `vrcompositor` running. The probe's only headset filesystem
+change was creating/removing that shared lock. Its Python source ran from
+stdin. There were no test panels, installs, profiles or services to remove.
+
+No mutation test was essential: without verified dock/relative-frame readback,
+there was no exact original layout and bounded rollback to justify changing a
+panel. Existing user panels were never focused, shown, hidden, resized, moved
+or docked. No global settings, security, passwords, runtime processes or modes
+were changed; no reboot or reset occurred.
+
+## Validation and remaining gaps
+
+Existing `tests/test_panels.py` covers main-panel enumeration, hidden panels,
+focus revalidation, unavailable-runtime errors and HTTP authentication/Host/
+Origin guards. `tests/test_page_scripts.py` checks the production page's shared
+JavaScript scope. These offline checks do not prove spatial placement. The
+retained probe is evidence tooling, not a new product API; no fake layout
+backend or layout tests claiming device support were added.
+
+Validation passed:
+
+```sh
+python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_panels.py -v       # 8 passed
+python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_page_scripts.py -v # 5 passed
+python3 -m py_compile docs/evidence/panel-layout-2026-10-24/probe.py
+python3 -m json.tool docs/evidence/panel-layout-2026-10-24/readback.json
+git diff --check
+```
+
+The initial panel-suite attempt hit sandbox socket restrictions in four HTTP
+tests; rerunning with loopback sockets permitted passed all eight. No real
+headset connection is used by those tests. The full suite and fake Frame were
+not run for this evidence-only change.
+
+Before shipping layouts, a native route still needs proof of dock state and
+relative-frame readback, authorized restore on an owned test panel with exact
+rollback, and correspondence between saved size/pose and visible placement.
+It also needs stable source identity and a fresh capture-permission/ticket
+flow when reopening viewers. Reconnect, panel recreation, reboot recovery,
+Steam-launched gameplay, controller docking and worn-headset input were not
+tested here. The existing Frame Control-owned media renderer is not proof that
+Steam/gamescope panels can be restored. No third-party overlay app was used.
+
+## Announcement
+
+We rechecked saved panel layouts on SteamOS 0.5.6. SteamVR exposes some panel
+geometry, but we have not verified safe restoration of Steam's panel positions
+and docking. Saved layouts remain unavailable; use SteamVR's dashboard to
+arrange panels. The panel switcher continues to list and show open panels.
@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+"""Read-only issue #31 probe; pipe to `ssh frame 'timeout 25 python3 -'`.
+
+Acquire /tmp/frame-test.lock first per docs/testing.md. No overlay is created,
+focused, docked or changed. Background init (3) does not start SteamVR.
+ABI: ValveSoftware/openvr v2.12.14 headers/openvr_capi.h, IVROverlay_028.
+"""
+import ctypes as C
+import json
+from pathlib import Path
+
+H = C.c_uint64
+Matrix = C.c_float * 12
+
+
+class Vector2(C.Structure):
+    _fields_ = [('v', C.c_float * 2)]
+
+
+def probe():
+    vr = C.CDLL('/opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/libopenvr_api.so')
+    vr.VR_InitInternal2.argtypes = [C.POINTER(C.c_int), C.c_int, C.c_char_p]
+    vr.VR_InitInternal2.restype = C.c_uint32
+    vr.VR_GetGenericInterface.argtypes = [C.c_char_p, C.POINTER(C.c_int)]
+    vr.VR_GetGenericInterface.restype = C.c_void_p
+    vr.VR_ShutdownInternal.argtypes = []
+    vr.VR_ShutdownInternal.restype = None
+    err = C.c_int()
+    vr.VR_InitInternal2(C.byref(err), 3, None)
+    report = {'init_error': err.value, 'interface': 'IVROverlay_028', 'panels': []}
+    if err.value:
+        return report
+    try:
+        ptr = vr.VR_GetGenericInterface(b'FnTable:IVROverlay_028', C.byref(err))
+        report['interface_error'] = err.value
+        if err.value or not ptr:
+            return report
+        table = C.cast(ptr, C.POINTER(C.c_void_p))
+
+        def function(slot, result, *args):
+            return C.CFUNCTYPE(result, *args)(table[slot])
+
+        def read(slot, handle, output_type):
+            output = output_type()
+            rc = function(slot, C.c_int, H, C.POINTER(output_type))(handle, C.byref(output))
+            return {'rc': rc, 'value': output.value if rc == 0 else None}
+
+        report['dashboard_visible'] = function(68, C.c_bool)()
+        for key in ('valve.steam.desktopgame.0', 'valve.steam.gamepadui.main'):
+            row = {'key': key}
+            report['panels'].append(row)
+            handle = H()
+            row['find_rc'] = function(0, C.c_int, C.c_char_p, C.POINTER(H))(
+                key.encode(), C.byref(handle))
+            if row['find_rc']:
+                continue
+            pid = function(10, C.c_uint32, H)(handle)
+            row['rendering_pid'] = pid
+            try:
+                row['rendering_comm'] = Path('/proc/%d/comm' % pid).read_text().strip()
+            except OSError:
+                row['rendering_comm'] = None
+            row['visible'] = function(45, C.c_bool, H)(handle)
+            row['active_dashboard'] = function(69, C.c_bool, H)(handle)
+            row['width_m'] = read(23, handle, C.c_float)
+            row['curvature'] = read(25, handle, C.c_float)
+            row['transform_type'] = read(32, handle, C.c_int)
+            for name, slot, scalar in (('absolute', 34, C.c_int),
+                                       ('tracked_device_relative', 36, C.c_uint32)):
+                origin = scalar()
+                matrix = Matrix()
+                rc = function(slot, C.c_int, H, C.POINTER(scalar), C.POINTER(Matrix))(
+                    handle, C.byref(origin), C.byref(matrix))
+                row[name] = {'rc': rc, 'origin_or_device': origin.value if rc == 0 else None,
+                             'matrix': list(matrix) if rc == 0 else None}
+            row['coordinate_transforms'] = []
+            for origin in (0, 1, 2):  # seated, standing, raw/uncalibrated
+                matrix = Matrix()
+                rc = function(46, C.c_int, H, C.c_int, Vector2, C.POINTER(Matrix))(
+                    handle, origin, Vector2((.5, .5)), C.byref(matrix))
+                row['coordinate_transforms'].append({
+                    'tracking_origin': origin, 'coordinates': [.5, .5], 'rc': rc,
+                    'matrix': list(matrix) if rc == 0 else None})
+        return report
+    finally:
+        vr.VR_ShutdownInternal()
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    print(json.dumps(probe(), indent=2, allow_nan=False))
@@ -0,0 +1,152 @@
+{
+  "init_error": 0,
+  "interface": "IVROverlay_028",
+  "panels": [
+    {
+      "key": "valve.steam.desktopgame.0",
+      "find_rc": 0,
+      "rendering_pid": 297037,
+      "rendering_comm": "gamescope-wl",
+      "visible": false,
+      "active_dashboard": false,
+      "width_m": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 2.6700000762939453
+      },
+      "curvature": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 0.0
+      },
+      "transform_type": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 5
+      },
+      "absolute": {
+        "rc": 18,
+        "origin_or_device": null,
+        "matrix": null
+      },
+      "tracked_device_relative": {
+        "rc": 18,
+        "origin_or_device": null,
+        "matrix": null
+      },
+      "coordinate_transforms": [
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 0,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 23,
+          "matrix": null
+        },
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 1,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 0,
+          "matrix": [
+            1.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            1.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            0.0,
+            1.0,
+            0.0
+          ]
+        },
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 2,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 23,
+          "matrix": null
+        }
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "key": "valve.steam.gamepadui.main",
+      "find_rc": 0,
+      "rendering_pid": 297037,
+      "rendering_comm": "gamescope-wl",
+      "visible": false,
+      "active_dashboard": false,
+      "width_m": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 2.6670000553131104
+      },
+      "curvature": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 0.0
+      },
+      "transform_type": {
+        "rc": 0,
+        "value": 5
+      },
+      "absolute": {
+        "rc": 18,
+        "origin_or_device": null,
+        "matrix": null
+      },
+      "tracked_device_relative": {
+        "rc": 18,
+        "origin_or_device": null,
+        "matrix": null
+      },
+      "coordinate_transforms": [
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 0,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 23,
+          "matrix": null
+        },
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 1,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 0,
+          "matrix": [
+            0.3689989447593689,
+            0.0,
+            0.0008894503116607666,
+            -0.5048462152481079,
+            0.0,
+            0.36899998784065247,
+            0.0,
+            1.2510287761688232,
+            -0.0008894503116607666,
+            0.0,
+            0.3689989447593689,
+            -1.1726053953170776
+          ]
+        },
+        {
+          "tracking_origin": 2,
+          "coordinates": [
+            0.5,
+            0.5
+          ],
+          "rc": 23,
+          "matrix": null
+        }
+      ]
+    }
+  ],
+  "interface_error": 0,
+  "dashboard_visible": false
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+{
+  "date_utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:25.354Z",
+  "result": "PASS: literal packaged desktop Return to Game Mode button switched the real Frame from full Plasma; a repeat visible click made no second switch",
+  "documentation_base_commit": "71288d8980040c14f777f0e417f41f7105eaaac4",
+  "host": "lxso2",
+  "steamos_version": "0.5.6",
+  "steamos_build": "20261015.6141207",
+  "prior_evidence": [
+    "https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/issues/142",
+    "https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/143",
+    "https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/pull/156"
+  ],
+  "package": {
+    "tag": "v0.4.17",
+    "asset": "Frame-Control-linux-x86_64.AppImage",
+    "url": "https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/releases/download/v0.4.17/Frame-Control-linux-x86_64.AppImage",
+    "sha256": "b1b8eb82bf73a227b2cd36e8f0ef3a2ebdf7967c5853efb08a9634f38227015d",
+    "verification": "sha256sum matched the live release asset digest. Independently extracted the retained asset into a new private test directory. cmp confirmed bundled frame_backup.py and frame_backup_remote.py equal the checkout versions. No source or payload was changed.",
+    "launch": "--appimage-extract, then squashfs-root/AppRun --no-sandbox --disable-gpu --remote-debugging-port=49372 --remote-debugging-address=127.0.0.1 --user-data-dir=/tmp/frame-return-button-20261024/electron-profile --window-size=1400,950",
+    "display": "Xvfb :138 -screen 0 1440x1000x24 -nolisten tcp; Electron content screenshot 1400x923",
+    "isolation": "Private XDG_CONFIG_HOME, XDG_CACHE_HOME, FRAME_CONTROL_DATA_DIR and Electron profile; FRAME_CONTROL_TELEMETRY=0 and FRAME_CONTROL_NO_UPDATE_CHECK=1. Existing authorized ssh frame identity retained; bundled server and Python used."
+  },
+  "preflight": {
+    "read_only_first": true,
+    "initial_mode": "gamescope-session.target=active; plasma-workspace-wayland.target=inactive",
+    "initial_battery_percent": 99,
+    "initial_battery_status": "Not charging; charger Full",
+    "steam_and_steamvr_running": true,
+    "running_steam_apps": [],
+    "default_login_mode": "game",
+    "lock": "mkdir /tmp/frame-test.lock succeeded atomically; no foreign lock was removed. Initial harmless probe attempt released its own lock, then a fresh atomic acquisition covered both full-session attempts."
+  },
+  "rollback": {
+    "unit": "fc-return-button-rollback-20261024",
+    "probe": "systemd-run --user --unit=fc-return-button-probe-20261024 --on-active=2s --timer-property=AccuracySec=1s --property=Type=oneshot --property=RemainAfterExit=yes /usr/bin/true",
+    "probe_execution": "Result=success\nExecMainStartTimestamp=Sat 2026-10-24 20:27:07 AEDT\nExecMainExitTimestamp=Sat 2026-10-24 20:27:07 AEDT\nExecMainCode=1\nExecMainStatus=0\n",
+    "arm": "systemd-run --user --unit=fc-return-button-rollback-20261024 --on-active=180s --timer-property=AccuracySec=1s /bin/sh -c <guarded command>",
+    "guarded_command": "if [ \"$(systemctl --user is-active gamescope-session.target)\" != active ]; then exec /usr/bin/steamosctl switch-to-game-mode; fi",
+    "verified_before_desktop": "TimersMonotonic={ OnActiveUSec=3min ; next_elapse=1d 21h 53min 49.130174s }\nNextElapseUSecMonotonic=1d 21h 53min 49.130174s\nBindsTo=\nPartOf=\nActiveState=active\nExecStart={ path=/bin/sh ; argv[]=/bin/sh -c if [ \"$(systemctl --user is-active gamescope-session.target)\" != active ]; then exec /usr/bin/steamosctl switch-to-game-mode; fi ; ignore_errors=no ; start_time=[n/a] ; stop_time=[n/a] ; pid=0 ; code=(null) ; status=0/0 }\nBindsTo=\nPartOf=\n",
+    "user_manager_linger": "yes",
+    "desktop_entry": "ssh frame steamosctl switch-to-desktop-mode",
+    "first_click_utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:27.037Z",
+    "cancelled_before_deadline": true,
+    "fired": false,
+    "limit": "The benign transient timer was observed executing. The actual rollback timer configuration was read back, then cancelled after the UI restored Game Mode; its recovery action was not deliberately allowed to fire."
+  },
+  "ui": {
+    "navigation": "Clicked nav Tools, Backup & recovery, and Check in the actual packaged Electron window. Initial Game Mode disabled Return. After full Plasma entry, Check enabled it.",
+    "automation": "Playwright connected to the packaged Electron instance over local CDP and used locator.click() on the visible button; accepted the native JavaScript confirm dialog. No Return API/CLI or production handler was directly invoked by the test. T3 preview was inspected separately and closed; it cannot control this Electron window.",
+    "clicks": [
+      {
+        "isTrusted": true,
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:27.037Z"
+      },
+      {
+        "isTrusted": true,
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:32.942Z"
+      }
+    ],
+    "button_bounds_css_pixels": {
+      "x": 47,
+      "y": 709.59375,
+      "width": 156.203125,
+      "height": 44
+    },
+    "confirmation_dialogs": [
+      {
+        "type": "confirm",
+        "message": "Return the headset to Game Mode?\n\nThis closes the desktop and any apps open in it, then starts Steam's Game Mode.",
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:27.042Z"
+      },
+      {
+        "type": "confirm",
+        "message": "Return the headset to Game Mode?\n\nThis closes the desktop and any apps open in it, then starts Steam's Game Mode.",
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:32.943Z"
+      }
+    ],
+    "desktop_check": {
+      "http": 200,
+      "body": {
+        "mode": "desktop",
+        "gamescope": true,
+        "plasma": true,
+        "nested_desktop": false,
+        "configured": "gamescope-wayland.desktop",
+        "config_file": "/etc/sddm.conf.d/steamos.conf",
+        "selector": "steamosctl",
+        "session_targets": {
+          "gamescope-session.target": "inactive",
+          "plasma-workspace-wayland.target": "active"
+        },
+        "mode_source": "session-targets"
+      }
+    },
+    "return_responses": [
+      {
+        "http": 200,
+        "body": {
+          "message": "Asked the headset to return to Game Mode; it restarts its session in a few seconds",
+          "state": {
+            "mode": "desktop",
+            "gamescope": true,
+            "plasma": true,
+            "nested_desktop": false,
+            "configured": "gamescope-wayland.desktop",
+            "config_file": "/etc/sddm.conf.d/steamos.conf",
+            "selector": "steamosctl",
+            "session_targets": {
+              "gamescope-session.target": "inactive",
+              "plasma-workspace-wayland.target": "active"
+            },
+            "mode_source": "session-targets"
+          },
+          "switched": true,
+          "command": "steamosctl switch-to-game-mode"
+        },
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:27.316Z"
+      },
+      {
+        "http": 200,
+        "body": {
+          "message": "The headset is already in Game Mode. The desktop you see is a panel: close it from the Steam dashboard.",
+          "state": {
+            "mode": "game",
+            "gamescope": true,
+            "plasma": false,
+            "nested_desktop": false,
+            "configured": "gamescope-wayland.desktop",
+            "config_file": "/etc/sddm.conf.d/steamos.conf",
+            "selector": "steamosctl",
+            "session_targets": {
+              "gamescope-session.target": "active",
+              "plasma-workspace-wayland.target": "inactive"
+            },
+            "mode_source": "session-targets"
+          },
+          "switched": false
+        },
+        "utc": "2026-10-24T09:27:33.126Z"
+      }
+    ],
+    "final_check": {
+      "http": 200,
+      "body": {
+        "mode": "game",
+        "gamescope": true,
+        "plasma": false,
+        "nested_desktop": false,
+        "configured": "gamescope-wayland.desktop",
+        "config_file": "/etc/sddm.conf.d/steamos.conf",
+        "selector": "steamosctl",
+        "session_targets": {
+          "gamescope-session.target": "active",
+          "plasma-workspace-wayland.target": "inactive"
+        },
+        "mode_source": "session-targets"
+      }
+    },
+    "final_return_disabled": true,
+    "final_text": "Game Mode: the headset is running normally. A desktop you see is a panel; close it from the Steam dashboard.",
+    "screenshots": [
+      "return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24-before.png",
+      "return-game-mode-packaged-2026-10-24-after.png"
+    ],
+    "screenshot_scope": "Cropped to the session controls and repeat-action notification; host identity, connection address and backup folder excluded."
+  },
+  "systemd_verification": {
+    "command": "ssh frame systemctl --user show gamescope-session.target plasma-workspace-wayland.target -p Id -p ActiveState -p SubState; ssh frame systemctl --user show gamescope-session.service -p InvocationID",
+    "before": "Id=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=inactive\nSubState=dead\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=active\nSubState=active\nInvocationID=892b843dbe1a4d2ba91b93057bd38463\n295589 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -silent -vrdisable -deckard\n295066 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-294978\n",
+    "after_first_click": "Id=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=active\nSubState=active\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=inactive\nSubState=dead\nInvocationID=e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355\n297506 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-297420\n",
+    "after_repeat_click": "Id=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=active\nSubState=active\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=inactive\nSubState=dead\nInvocationID=e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355\n297826 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -cef-enable-debugging -deckard -gamepadui -steamdeck -steamos3 -vrgamepadui\n297942 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -child-update-ui -child-update-ui-socket 8 -cef-enable-debugging -deckard -gamepadui -steamdeck -steamos3 -vrgamepadui\n297506 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-297420\n",
+    "repeat_did_not_restart_game_mode": true,
+    "unchanged_game_service_invocation": "e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355",
+    "unchanged_steamvr_pid": 297506,
+    "delayed_final_readback_utc": "2026-10-24T09:28:05Z"
+  },
+  "cleanup": {
+    "complete": true,
+    "final_readback": "2026-10-24T09:28:05Z\nId=gamescope-session.target\nActiveState=active\n\nId=plasma-workspace-wayland.target\nActiveState=inactive\nInvocationID=e8c1085b3bbd4e79a323b3e4a9bc6355\nNEXT LEFT LAST PASSED UNIT ACTIVATES\n\n0 timers listed.\nId=fc-return-button-rollback-20261024.timer\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\n\nId=fc-return-button-rollback-20261024.service\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\n\nId=fc-return-button-probe-20261024.timer\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\n\nId=fc-return-button-probe-20261024.service\nLoadState=not-found\nActiveState=inactive\n297826 /home/steamos/.local/share/Steam/steamrtarm64/steam -cef-enable-debugging -deckard -gamepadui -steamdeck -steamos3 -vrgamepadui\n297506 /opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/vrserver -waitformonitor -ipccontrolfilepath /tmp/SteamVR-IPCControlFile-297420\n99\nCharging\ngame\n",
+    "owned_lock_release_exit": 0,
+    "owned_lock_absent": true,
+    "host_processes": {
+      "xvfb": {
+        "pid": 1562020,
+        "exists": false,
+        "cmd": null,
+        "state": null
+      },
+      "electron": {
+        "pid": 1562023,
+        "exists": false,
+        "cmd": null,
+        "state": null
+      },
+      "x_socket_absent": true
+    },
+    "remaining_test_servers": [],
+    "battery_final_percent": 99,
+    "battery_final_status": "Charging",
+    "battery_range_observed_percent": [
+      99,
+      100
+    ],
+    "game_mode_steam_steamvr_running": true,
+    "default_login_mode_after": "game",
+    "headset_installs_or_global_settings_changed": false,
+    "rebooted": false,
+    "notes": "Stopping the timer succeeded. systemctl stop also named its never-started, unloaded service and returned 5; explicit readback confirms both rollback and probe timer/service units are not-found/inactive. No further switch was sent."
+  },
+  "attempts_and_harness_limits": [
+    "Initial harmless timer probe was garbage-collected before its exit metadata could be read. No Desktop Mode switch was attempted. Repeated with RemainAfterExit=yes and verified successful execution.",
+    "First full Plasma attempt clicked the visible packaged Return button and got HTTP 200 / switched=true. The harness then treated absent pgrep matches during the expected session restart as a fatal error. Independent readback confirmed Game Mode and SteamVR had returned. Rollback remained armed until that readback, then was cancelled. This incomplete attempt was not counted as the final pass.",
+    "Final full Plasma attempt tolerated transiently absent Steam/SteamVR while polling systemd targets, passed both trusted visible clicks, and completed the final Check. Stopping the unused rollback service returned unit-not-loaded; explicit subsequent readback verified all four owned probe/rollback units not-found/inactive and zero timers. Cleanup was completed before releasing our lock."
+  ],
+  "limits": [
+    "Unchanged AppImage payload ran after extraction on a virtual X desktop with Chromium sandbox and GPU disabled. FUSE mounting, desktop integration and hardware rendering were not tested.",
+    "Automated trusted pointer clicks in a visible Electron window; no physical-monitor human click or worn-headset visual/interaction assessment.",
+    "Verified only SteamOS 0.5.6 build 20261015.6141207 and the Linux x86_64 v0.4.17 package; older selectors/builds and other desktop platforms remain covered only by their existing tests.",
+    "No release, tag, application code, passwords or security/global settings changed."
+  ],
+  "validation": {
+    "focused_suite": "python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_backup.py -v: 28 tests passed in 2.479s",
+    "json": "python3 -m json.tool: passed",
+    "diff": "git diff --check: passed"
+  }
+}
@@ -190,7 +190,24 @@ HTTP focus is not evidence of worn-headset laser input. Follow the

 ## Saved spatial layouts: blocked on the current panel route

-**Verified 2026-09-28**, same build, using a temporary xterm panel with
+**Rechecked 2026-10-24**, SteamOS 0.5.6, BUILD_ID `20261015.6141207`,
+SteamVR 2.18.2: a read-only probe of the existing Gamescope and Steam main
+panels still reports type 5 (`DashboardTab`), and both the absolute and
+tracked-device-relative getters return 18 (`WrongTransformType`). Width and
+curvature read successfully. **Some pose readback is available:**
+`GetTransformForOverlayCoordinates` at the panel center succeeds in standing
+space; seated and raw origins return 23 (`RequestFailed`). Both panels and the
+dashboard were hidden. That matrix snapshot does not identify docking, prove
+visible placement, or establish a restore operation. The shipped dashboard
+stores dock location and relative transforms internally; no supported external
+snapshot/restore pair was established. No setters or docking commands were run
+in this recheck. See the [exact probe, results, cleanup and remaining
+gaps](evidence/panel-layout-2026-10-24.md). Saved layouts remain unavailable.
+
+### Earlier mutation evidence (2026-09-28)
+
+**Verified 2026-09-28**, SteamOS 0.4.1, BUILD_ID `20260925.6191901`,
+SteamVR 2.18.1, using a temporary xterm panel with
 `STEAM_GAME=2000999031` and `FnTable:IVROverlay_028` from
 `/opt/steamvr/bin/linuxarm64/libopenvr_api.so`:

@@ -107,6 +107,12 @@ The Linux adapter from #38 (desktop portal, PipeWire, VA-API) is in the tree,
 because it shares `capture.c` and the controller, and CI still builds and tests
 it. The app never offers it and the Linux installers don't include it.

+The [2026-10-24 lxso2 feasibility check](evidence/linux-pc-host-lxso2-2026-10-24.md)
+found no running or activatable desktop portal, no PipeWire socket and missing
+native build dependencies. Linux support remains disabled. The evidence records
+the build failure and prerequisites for a screen-only, view-only x264 slice;
+Linux capture, input and window modes have not been verified there.
+
 ## Measuring

 The Mac benchmark accepts the PC host:
@@ -170,14 +170,42 @@ The temporary server stopped, the shared device lock was released, and the
 headset remained in Game Mode at 99% battery. See
 [`docs/evidence/clip-gui-export-2026-10-24.json`](evidence/clip-gui-export-2026-10-24.json)
 for the narrow proof. This did not exercise the packaged desktop installer.
+
+On 2026-10-24, the exact v0.4.17 tag exported a second real Steam-saved clip
+through `frame_clips.export_clip`, the same production path used by **Export**.
+Steam listed the clip at **100.801 seconds**, with 68 chunks and no gaps. The
+copied MP4 was **100.833 seconds** by `ffprobe` and decoded completely with
+`ffmpeg`; it was not cut at 60 seconds. The test restored Steam's recording
+mode, removed its reserved title and processes, and left Game Mode active at
+100% battery. See [the long-clip evidence](evidence/clip-long-2026-10-24.json).
+That code-path test did not click **Export** in the packaged desktop app or
+verify visible gameplay quality or perceptual audio/video sync.
+
+Later that day, the published v0.4.17 x86_64 Linux AppImage also passed the
+packaged desktop **Export** check against the retained 100.801-second clip.
+The asset SHA-256 was verified before launching its unchanged extracted payload
+in an isolated Electron profile on a virtual X desktop. An automated pointer
+click on the visible **Tools → Capture & Live → Steam clips → Export** button
+saved the MP4 and changed the row to **ON PC / Export again**. The saved file
+was 100.833335 seconds, decoded completely, and matched the prior production
+export by size and SHA-256. The app and test display were closed,
+the Frame export cache was empty, the source clip was retained, and the shared
+lock was released at 99% battery with Game Mode and SteamVR still running.
+See [the packaged export evidence](evidence/clip-packaged-export-2026-10-24.json)
+and its cropped before/after screenshots. This verifies the packaged Electron
+button and bundled export path; AppImage FUSE mounting, desktop integration,
+physical display/GPU rendering, gameplay quality and perceptual sync remain
+unverified. The virtual-display launch used `--no-sandbox --disable-gpu`.
+
 Remaining checks include:

 - Perceptual audio/video sync and audible content. Frame Control's separate
  **Record** path stamps camera and audio inputs with the wall clock because
  they otherwise count from different clocks.
- Long saved clips, trims starting partway through a Steam recording, and the
-  packaged desktop app's **Export** button. One real saved clip's directory
-  layout was checked; the parser remains deliberately loose for other layouts.
+- Clips longer than the 100-second test and trims starting partway through a
+  Steam recording. Two real saved clips' directory layouts were checked; the
+  parser remains deliberately loose
+  for other layouts.
 - How much x264 at 1080p30 costs the Frame while a game is running.
 - Automatic copying: that 30 seconds without a write is a safe sign Steam has
  finished saving a clip, and how a once-a-minute listing feels on the Frame.
@@ -7,6 +7,9 @@ This covers three directions, plus input:
 - **C. iPhone → Frame**: mirror the phone inside the headset.
 - **PC VR from Linux**: [feasibility and options](linux-vr-streaming.md),
  including Valve's streaming and USB support. No Linux host tested yet.
+- **Linux desktop → Frame panels**: [PC-host feasibility on lxso2](evidence/linux-pc-host-lxso2-2026-10-24.md).
+  Blocked on missing desktop portal/PipeWire and native build dependencies;
+  Linux desktop capture remains disabled and unverified.
 - **Input**: type and point in the Frame from the Mac or iPhone.
 - **Live view and Control**: watch a panel flat and tap on it to use it.

@@ -285,6 +288,17 @@ How (**verified 2026-09-29**, SteamOS 0.4.1, build 20260925.6191901):
  [#73](https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/issues/73) (SteamOS 0.4.5, desktop
  open but not found). The likely cause there was the page itself: a second
  `loadPanels` (the panel switcher's) replaced the Desktop view's, fixed in #84.
+  If the `GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS` property cannot be read, discovery now
+  reports that the panel list is unreadable and whether a panel is open is
+  unknown. A failed X connection or missing property is not evidence that the
+  desktop is closed. Check that SteamVR is running, retry or use Headset view;
+  if it persists, report the exact message and SteamOS version. The confirmed
+  empty-list advice is retained when the property is present but empty.
+  [2026-10-24 investigation and verification limits](evidence/panel-discovery-2026-10-24.md).
+  A later [packaged v0.4.17 test on the real Frame](evidence/desktop-capture-packaged-2026-10-24.md)
+  captured a mapped, focused nested KDE compositor on SteamOS 0.5.6. SteamVR
+  still reported its overlay hidden, so that test does not establish the
+  wearer's visible-desktop condition in #73 or justify closing it.
 - Tested from the iPhone app (Simulator): a tap on the Desktop view focused a
  text box in the panel and the text field typed into it; a trackpad move went
  exactly (+40, +25).
@@ -165,6 +165,14 @@ Record the build, actual interaction results, cleanup and any unworn-headset
 limits alongside screenshots or logs. These are caller responsibilities; the
 smoke script below does not acquire this shared lock itself.

+[Packaged Desktop Capture evidence, 2026-10-24](evidence/desktop-capture-packaged-2026-10-24.md)
+records v0.4.17 GUI button captures of a real mapped nested desktop on SteamOS
+0.5.6, a bounded owned user unit, and cleanup back to the original Game Mode
+state. Check X window mapping/focus and SteamVR overlay visibility separately:
+successful capture of a mapped window does not prove the desktop is visible
+to a wearer. That run's overlay stayed `not_visible`; #73 remains unverified
+for its reported visible-desktop/0.4.5 condition. Only state/log metadata is public.
+
 ```sh
 scripts/frame-smoke.sh           # needs `ssh frame` to work without a password
 scripts/frame-smoke.sh --pair    # also pairs a throwaway key: approve it in the headset
@@ -374,7 +382,11 @@ trees on the fake Frame. None of it has run on a headset.

 `tests/test_media.py` covers layout evidence and overrides, OU eye ordering,
 hardware-decoder command construction, malformed splats, stereo parallax and
-fake-Frame library/process ownership. `tests/e2e/test_media_transfer.py` checks the real
+fake-Frame library/process ownership. It also covers optional-surround refusal
+at creation, setup, first upload and retry after standby, fatal screen refusal,
+and best-effort overlay teardown with shutdown.
+Run `python3 -m unittest discover -s tests -p test_media.py -v`.
+`tests/e2e/test_media_transfer.py` checks the real
 HTTP/SSH upload and library listing without pretending the fake renders VR.
 Real decode timings and captured stereo output are recorded in
 [vr-video.md](vr-video.md). Generated media only; no external player required.
@@ -101,6 +101,14 @@ Stills and the theatre surround are re-sent after waking. Five minutes
 without an accepted frame is reported as an error. Headset-view captures
 taken during standby show a flat dark frame, not our screen.

+**Optional surround:** if SteamVR refuses the theatre dark surround at startup
+or on a retry after standby, playback continues without it and the player log
+records `Theatre surround unavailable`. Screen errors still fail playback.
+On exit, the player attempts to destroy every owned overlay and calls OpenVR
+shutdown even if an overlay's teardown raises an exception. Refusal and
+teardown errors are covered by fake-OpenVR tests; a real surround refusal has
+not been induced safely. See the [current hardening checks](evidence/media-surround-2026-10-24.md).
+
 ![Media panel in Frame Control while a photo plays on the Frame](img/media-ui-panel.png)

 **Verified failed route:** GStreamer 1.24.2's `playbin` selected
@@ -40,6 +40,15 @@ function page(answer) {
  if (!p.noPanelWhy().startsWith("The headset's desktop is running")) fail("why for capture: " + p.noPanelWhy());
  if (!p.ctrlTarget().why.startsWith("The headset's desktop is running")) fail("why for control: " + p.ctrlTarget().why);
 }
+// An unreadable list is unknown: both Capture and Control retain that distinction.
+{
+  const why = "Frame Control couldn't read gamescope's panel list, so it can't tell whether an app panel is open. " +
+    "Check that SteamVR is running in the headset, then try again or use the Headset view. " +
+    "If this persists, report your SteamOS version and this exact message.";
+  const p = page(() => ({ panels: [], focus: null, why }));
+  await p.loadPanels();
+  if (p.noPanelWhy() !== why || p.ctrlTarget().why !== why) fail("unreadable list reason lost");
+}
 // An older headset script without "why": the generic advice.
 {
  const p = page(() => ({ panels: [], focus: null }));
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ class Media(unittest.TestCase):
        self.assertIn('-frames:v', cmd)

    def play_with(self, name, busy=0, on_pixels=None, sleeps=None, info=None,
-                  fail=None, layout='auto'):
+                  fail=None, layout='auto', on_create=None, on_call=None):
        """Run the player against a fake OpenVR; returns (status, pixels calls).

        Handle 0 is the theatre surround and 1 the screen. `fail(handle, n)` makes
@@ -82,11 +82,18 @@ class Media(unittest.TestCase):
            write_status(path, **values)

        class FakeOverlay:
+            created = 0
+
            def create(self, *a, **k):
-                return len(calls)
+                # Handles in creation order: surround 0, then screen 1 (theatre).
+                FakeOverlay.created += 1
+                if on_create:
+                    on_create(*a, **k)
+                return FakeOverlay.created - 1

            def call(self, *a):
-                pass
+                if on_call:
+                    on_call(*a)

            def pixels(self, handle, data, w, h):
                calls.append((handle, w, h))
@@ -132,6 +139,58 @@ class Media(unittest.TestCase):
        self.assertEqual(result['dropped'], 2)
        self.assertIn((0, 1, 1), calls[3:])

+    def test_theatre_surround_failure_does_not_stop_playback(self):
+        def fail_surround(n):
+            if n == 1:  # the surround's upload is the first pixels call
+                raise RuntimeError('OpenVR SetOverlayRaw failed: 11')
+        result, _ = self.play_with('clip_SBS.mp4', on_pixels=fail_surround)
+        self.assertEqual((result['state'], result['frames']), ('ended', 4))
+
+    def test_theatre_surround_creation_and_setup_failures_are_cosmetic(self):
+        def fail_create(key, *a, **k):
+            if key.endswith('.surround'):
+                raise RuntimeError('OpenVR CreateOverlay failed: 11')
+        def fail_alpha(name, *a):
+            if name == 'SetOverlayAlpha':
+                raise RuntimeError('OpenVR SetOverlayAlpha failed: 11')
+        for hooks in ({'on_create': fail_create}, {'on_call': fail_alpha}):
+            with self.subTest(hooks=hooks), patch('builtins.print') as log:
+                result, calls = self.play_with('clip_SBS.mp4', **hooks)
+            self.assertEqual((result['state'], result['frames']), ('ended', 4))
+            self.assertEqual(sum(h == 1 for h, w, hgt in calls), 4)
+            self.assertIn('Theatre surround unavailable:', log.call_args.args[0])
+
+    def test_theatre_surround_refusal_after_standby_is_not_retried(self):
+        def refuse_retry(n):
+            if n == 3:  # surround busy, screen accepted, surround retry refused
+                raise RuntimeError('OpenVR SetOverlayRaw failed: 11')
+        with patch('builtins.print') as log:
+            result, calls = self.play_with('clip_SBS.mp4', busy=1, on_pixels=refuse_retry)
+        self.assertEqual((result['state'], result['frames'], result['dropped']), ('ended', 4, 0))
+        self.assertEqual(sum(h == 0 for h, w, hgt in calls), 2)
+        self.assertIn('Theatre surround unavailable:', log.call_args.args[0])
+
+    def test_screen_refusal_still_fails_playback(self):
+        def refuse_screen(n):
+            if n == 2:
+                raise RuntimeError('OpenVR SetOverlayRaw failed: 11')
+        with self.assertRaisesRegex(RuntimeError, 'SetOverlayRaw failed: 11'):
+            self.play_with('clip_SBS.mp4', on_pixels=refuse_screen)
+
+    def test_close_attempts_every_overlay_and_shuts_down_after_teardown_errors(self):
+        for error in (RuntimeError('OpenVR error'), ValueError('bad handle'),
+                      InterruptedError('late Stop')):
+            with self.subTest(error=type(error).__name__):
+                overlay = player.Overlay.__new__(player.Overlay)
+                overlay.handles = [10, 20]
+                overlay.vr = unittest.mock.Mock()
+                overlay.call = unittest.mock.Mock(side_effect=[error, None])
+                overlay.close()
+                self.assertEqual(overlay.call.call_args_list, [
+                    unittest.mock.call('DestroyOverlay', 20),
+                    unittest.mock.call('DestroyOverlay', 10)])
+                overlay.vr.VR_ShutdownInternal.assert_called_once_with()
+
    def test_stop_mid_video_reports_stopped(self):
        result, _ = self.play_with('clip_SBS.mp4', on_pixels=lambda n: n == 3 and stop_now())
        self.assertEqual(result['state'], 'stopped')
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@ class OneServer(unittest.TestCase):
        self.assertIn("Frame Control on", first.stdout.readline())
        second = subprocess.run([sys.executable, str(ROOT / "ui" / "server.py"), "--port", "0"], env=env,
                                capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=60)
-        self.assertEqual(second.returncode, 1)
+        self.assertEqual(second.returncode, 1, second.stderr)
        self.assertIn("already running", second.stderr)
        first.terminate()
        first.wait(10)
@@ -19,6 +19,28 @@ import frame_agent as agent
 import frame_android as android


+class StartupTests(unittest.TestCase):
+    def test_rejected_server_starts_no_background_work(self):
+        # A losing process exits through Python teardown. Background TLS/index
+        # workers there can crash it, and it must not sweep the owner's files.
+        with mock.patch.object(server, 'LOCAL', False), \
+                mock.patch.object(server, 'PRIVATE', False), \
+                mock.patch.object(sys, 'argv', ['server.py', '--port', '0']), \
+                mock.patch.object(server, 'one_server', side_effect=SystemExit('already running')), \
+                mock.patch.object(server, 'LoopbackServer') as listener, \
+                mock.patch.object(server, 'sweep_tmp') as sweep, \
+                mock.patch.object(server.threading, 'Thread') as worker, \
+                mock.patch.object(server.frame_telemetry, 'start') as telemetry, \
+                mock.patch.object(server.frame_contact, 'start') as contact:
+            with self.assertRaisesRegex(SystemExit, 'already running'):
+                server.main()
+            listener.assert_not_called()
+            sweep.assert_not_called()
+            worker.assert_not_called()
+            telemetry.assert_not_called()
+            contact.assert_not_called()
+
+
 class TargetTests(unittest.TestCase):
    def setUp(self):
        self.active = {'id': 'a', 'name': 'Headset A'}
@@ -355,6 +355,8 @@ class FindingPanels(unittest.TestCase):
        t.subprocess.run = lambda *a, **k: subprocess.CompletedProcess(a, 0, out, "")
        self.assertEqual(self.real_read_props(":0"), {"GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS": [1, 0, 2, 3, 769, 4],
                                                      "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW": [0]})
+        t.subprocess.run = lambda *a, **k: subprocess.CompletedProcess(a, 0, "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS(CARDINAL) = \n", "")
+        self.assertEqual(self.real_read_props(":0"), {"GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS": []})
        t.subprocess.run = lambda *a, **k: subprocess.CompletedProcess(a, 0, "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW:  not found.\n", "")
        self.assertEqual(self.real_read_props(":0"), {})

@@ -392,17 +394,52 @@ class FindingPanels(unittest.TestCase):
        self.assertIn("Headset view", out["why"])

    def test_desktop_running_but_not_listed(self):
+        self.props[(":0", "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS")] = []
        self.t.desktop_running = lambda: True
        out = self.t.panels()
        self.assertEqual(out["panels"], [])
        self.assertIn("desktop is running", out["why"])

    def test_nothing_open(self):
+        self.props[(":0", "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS")] = []
        out = self.t.panels()
        self.assertEqual(out, {"focus": None, "focus_display": None, "panels": [],
                               "why": "No app panel is open in the headset. Open the desktop or an app in "
                                      "the headset, then try again."})

+    def test_absent_list_is_unknown_even_when_desktop_is_running(self):
+        for desktop in (False, True):
+            with self.subTest(desktop=desktop):
+                self.t.desktop_running = lambda: desktop
+                self.t._ROOT.clear()
+                out = self.t.panels()
+                self.assertEqual(out["panels"], [])
+                self.assertIn("couldn't read gamescope's panel list", out["why"])
+                self.assertIn("can't tell whether", out["why"])
+                self.assertIn("Headset view", out["why"])
+                self.assertNotIn("No app panel is open", out["why"])
+
+    def test_focus_property_without_panel_list_is_unknown(self):
+        self.props[(":0", "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSED_WINDOW")] = [0]
+        self.assertIn("couldn't read gamescope's panel list", self.t.panels()["why"])
+
+    def test_failed_xprop_does_not_claim_no_panels_are_open(self):
+        t = self.t
+        t.read_props = self.real_read_props
+        saved = t.subprocess.run
+        self.addCleanup(setattr, t.subprocess, "run", saved)
+        for failure in ("refused", "timeout"):
+            with self.subTest(failure=failure):
+                def run(*args, **kwargs):
+                    if failure == "timeout":
+                        raise subprocess.TimeoutExpired(args[0], kwargs["timeout"])
+                    return subprocess.CompletedProcess(args[0], 1, "", "Can't open display")
+                t.subprocess.run = run
+                t._ROOT.clear()
+                out = t.panels()
+                self.assertIn("couldn't read gamescope's panel list", out["why"])
+                self.assertNotIn("No app panel is open", out["why"])
+
    def test_missing_x_tools_are_named(self):
        self.plasma_on(":0")
        self.t.shutil.which = lambda tool: None if tool == "xwininfo" else "/usr/bin/" + tool
@@ -88,12 +88,14 @@ class Overlay:
    def close(self):
        # Best effort: SteamVR removes a disconnected client's overlays anyway,
        # and a teardown error must not overwrite a finished playback's status.
-        for h in reversed(self.handles):
-            try:
-                self.call('DestroyOverlay', h)
-            except RuntimeError:
-                pass
-        self.vr.VR_ShutdownInternal()
+        try:
+            for h in reversed(self.handles):
+                try:
+                    self.call('DestroyOverlay', h)
+                except Exception:  # signals are already ignored here, so Stop isn't lost
+                    pass
+        finally:
+            self.vr.VR_ShutdownInternal()


 def probe(path):
@@ -183,6 +185,9 @@ def play(args):
            except OverlayBusy:
                pending.insert(0, item)
                return
+            except RuntimeError as e:
+                # Only the cosmetic surround is queued here.
+                print('Theatre surround unavailable: %s' % e, flush=True)

    def hold(handle, data, w, h):
        """Keep a still (photo or splat) up until Stop, retrying through standby."""
@@ -203,10 +208,14 @@ def play(args):
    try:
        vr = Overlay()
        if args.theatre:
-            surround = vr.create('framecontrol.media.surround', 40, 4, order=0)
-            vr.call('SetOverlayAlpha', surround, .85)
-            if not show(surround, b'\x00\x00\x00\xff', 1, 1):
-                pending.append((surround, b'\x00\x00\x00\xff', 1, 1))
+            try:
+                surround = vr.create('framecontrol.media.surround', 40, 4, order=0)
+                vr.call('SetOverlayAlpha', surround, .85)
+                if not show(surround, b'\x00\x00\x00\xff', 1, 1):
+                    pending.append((surround, b'\x00\x00\x00\xff', 1, 1))
+            except RuntimeError as e:
+                # Cosmetic: play without the dark surround rather than not at all.
+                print('Theatre surround unavailable: %s' % e, flush=True)
        screen = vr.create('framecontrol.media.screen', 3 if args.theatre else 1.6, 2,
                           plan['layout'] != 'mono', aspect)
        if splat:
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ def panels(limit=None):
        out["why"] = ("The headset took too long to list its panels (its X tools didn't answer in time). "
                      + ("Some may be missing. " if found else "") + "Try again, or use the Headset view.")
    elif not found:
-        out["why"] = why_none(unfound)
+        out["why"] = why_none(unfound, props)
    return out


@@ -295,13 +295,18 @@ def desktop_running():
    return False


-def why_none(listed):
+def why_none(listed, props):
    """Why panels() found nothing, in words the person at the computer can act on.
-    listed: how many of the windows gamescope lists aren't X11 windows on any display."""
+    listed: how many of the windows gamescope lists aren't X11 windows on any display.
+    props: the root properties actually read; an absent list is not an empty list."""
    missing = [tool for tool in ("xprop", "xwininfo") if not shutil.which(tool)]
    if missing:
        return (f"This SteamOS build has no {' or '.join(missing)}, which Frame Control uses to find the "
                "headset's panels. Use the Headset view instead, and please report your SteamOS version.")
+    if "GAMESCOPE_FOCUSABLE_WINDOWS" not in props:
+        return ("Frame Control couldn't read gamescope's panel list, so it can't tell whether an app panel is open. "
+                "Check that SteamVR is running in the headset, then try again or use the Headset view. "
+                "If this persists, report your SteamOS version and this exact message.")
    if listed:
        # gamescope lists windows, but none is an X11 window on any display: a Wayland
        # window (a desktop drawn straight to gamescope, say) can't be found or captured this way.
@@ -1738,7 +1738,7 @@
        <button class="small" id="sessionCheck">Check</button></div>
      <div class="sub" id="sessionState">Check which mode the headset is in.</div>
      <div class="row" style="margin-top:12px"><button class="small" id="sessionGame" disabled>Return to Game Mode</button></div>
-      <div class="hint">Uses the same switch as Valve's developer tools (<code>steamos-session-select gamescope</code>).
+      <div class="hint">Uses Valve's supported Game Mode switch for this SteamOS build.
        It closes the desktop and anything open in it. If the headset can't be reached, hold Power for 10 seconds to
        restart it; <a href="https://github.com/saphid/frame-control/blob/main/docs/backup-and-recovery.md#stuck-in-desktop-mode" target="_blank">more ways back</a>.</div>
    </section>
@@ -3637,6 +3637,11 @@ def main():
                    help="stop cleanly when stdin closes (the app closes it on quit; "
                         "Windows has no SIGTERM to catch)")
    args = ap.parse_args()
+    global LINK, _ONE_SERVER
+    if not LOCAL and not PRIVATE:
+        # Refuse before starting daemon workers: the losing process exits through
+        # Python teardown, which can race TLS work and crash instead of exit 1.
+        _ONE_SERVER = one_server()
    httpd = LoopbackServer(("127.0.0.1", args.port), Handler)
    sweep_tmp()
    if os.environ.get('FRAME_COMPAT_SEARCH_REPORTS') != '0':
@@ -3645,10 +3650,7 @@ def main():
    threading.Thread(target=apk_search.warm, daemon=True).start()  # big indexes download before the first search
    frame_telemetry.start()
    frame_contact.start()
-    global LINK, _ONE_SERVER
    if not LOCAL:
-        if not PRIVATE:  # a private server only uses the headsets (see one_server)
-            _ONE_SERVER = one_server()
        LINK = frame_link.Link(frame_devices.Registry(), env_alias=FRAME if FRAME_FROM_ENV else None,
                               mux_base=MUX_BASE, control=CONTROL, apply=route, explain=unreachable)
        LINK.work_lock, LINK.work = _work_lock, lambda: _work[0]
Author	SHA1	Message	Date
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	0da1fe5077	Bump Frame Control to 0.4.18 (#161 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 10:53:48 +00:00
Alex Southwell Claude Opus 5.5 SAPHID	1f7615b312	Keep theatre playback running without optional surround (#51 ) * Never end playback over the cosmetic surround; always shut down OpenVR Review (SWE-2 Max): a non-standby error re-sending the theatre surround could end a healthy still, and a non-RuntimeError during DestroyOverlay skipped VR_ShutdownInternal. drain() now drops a surround that fails for other reasons, and close() shuts down in finally. Fake overlay handles no longer depend on call order. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com> * Play without the theatre surround if SteamVR refuses it Review (SWE-2 Max): a non-standby error creating the cosmetic surround at startup still ended playback before the screen appeared. Theatre now logs it and plays without the surround. close() treats any per-overlay teardown error as best effort (signals are already ignored there). Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com> * Verify media surround fallback and guard server startup ownership * Record exact-head real Frame theatre playback smoke --------- Co-authored-by: Claude Opus 5.5 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com> Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 10:45:48 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	2ded4c5a0d	Document saved panel layout feasibility on SteamVR 2.18.2 (#160 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 10:19:35 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	5b47cd3330	Document packaged Desktop Capture result and visibility limit (#159 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 10:03:36 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	aead570b5d	Clarify Return to Game Mode switch help (#158 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 09:47:24 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	de931bc56f	Document packaged Return to Game Mode button verification (#157 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 09:39:21 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	71288d8980	Document packaged desktop Steam clip Export verification (#156 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 09:19:46 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	64b9babe87	Document Linux PC-host feasibility blocker on lxso2 (#155 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 09:17:14 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	4e456480ae	Document real 100-second Steam clip export (#154 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 09:05:12 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	241f538f99	Bump version to 0.4.17 (#153 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 08:43:00 +00:00
Alex SouthwellandSAPHID	21dacfcbe7	Distinguish unreadable panel discovery from an empty list (#152 ) Co-authored-by: SAPHID <saphid@users.noreply.github.com>	2026-10-24 08:34:56 +00:00