Issue Summary

When using Pro Tools with Playback, the Avid Video Engine (AVE) may display the error “The Avid Video Engine was unable to stop.” Video inside Pro Tools may also play back “too quickly” or behave inconsistently.

Technical Overview

Both Pro Tools and Playback use the Mac’s graphics system to render video. Pro Tools relies on the Avid Video Engine (AVE), which uses OpenGL, while Playback also uses OpenGL for video rendering. Because these applications share global graphics resources on macOS, conflicts can occur when both are active at the same time.

This is not a memory or CPU resource problem. The error results from a graphics resource conflict that interrupts AVE’s ability to manage video playback.

Cause

• AVE and Playback are competing for the same graphics resources (OpenGL).
• AVE is more sensitive than other applications to changes in GPU state, which can lead to errors when Playback is also active.
• Video peripherals such as docks, hubs, or external monitors can hold on to GPU resources and make the conflict more likely.

Symptoms

• Pro Tools displays the error: “The Avid Video Engine was unable to stop”
• Video in Pro Tools plays back at the wrong speed (too fast)
• Video playback in Pro Tools is unstable or inconsistent

Workarounds/Troubleshooting

• Quit both Pro Tools and Playback to release graphics resources.
• Unplug and reconnect video peripherals  (Docks, hubs, or external monitors).
• Restart your Mac if the issue continues to fully reset the graphics system.

Best Practices

• Launch Pro Tools first, then launch Playback to minimize the chance of conflict.
• If the error occurs during a session, reconnect video devices before restarting the computer.
• Make sure any video drivers and macOS  are up to date for the best stability.