diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/api/schemas/picture_targets.py b/server/src/wled_controller/api/schemas/picture_targets.py
index 729b53c..c094e32 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/api/schemas/picture_targets.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/api/schemas/picture_targets.py
@@ -123,6 +123,7 @@ class TargetProcessingState(BaseModel):
     device_id: Optional[str] = Field(None, description="Device ID")
     processing: bool = Field(description="Whether processing is active")
     fps_actual: Optional[float] = Field(None, description="Actual FPS achieved")
+    fps_potential: Optional[float] = Field(None, description="Potential FPS (processing speed without throttle)")
     fps_target: int = Field(default=0, description="Target FPS")
     display_index: int = Field(default=0, description="Current display index")
     last_update: Optional[datetime] = Field(None, description="Last successful update")
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/calibration.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/calibration.py
index 5019f77..1e15ac9 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/calibration.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/calibration.py
@@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 from typing import Dict, List, Literal, Tuple
 
+import numpy as np
+
 from wled_controller.core.screen_capture import (
     BorderPixels,
     get_edge_segments,
@@ -189,6 +191,62 @@ class PixelMapper:
             f"using {interpolation_mode} interpolation"
         )
 
+    def _get_edge_pixels(self, border_pixels: BorderPixels, edge_name: str) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Get edge pixel array with span slicing applied."""
+        if edge_name == "top":
+            edge_pixels = border_pixels.top
+        elif edge_name == "right":
+            edge_pixels = border_pixels.right
+        elif edge_name == "bottom":
+            edge_pixels = border_pixels.bottom
+        else:
+            edge_pixels = border_pixels.left
+
+        span_start, span_end = self.calibration.get_edge_span(edge_name)
+        if span_start > 0.0 or span_end < 1.0:
+            if edge_name in ("top", "bottom"):
+                total_w = edge_pixels.shape[1]
+                s, e = int(span_start * total_w), int(span_end * total_w)
+                edge_pixels = edge_pixels[:, s:e, :]
+            else:
+                total_h = edge_pixels.shape[0]
+                s, e = int(span_start * total_h), int(span_end * total_h)
+                edge_pixels = edge_pixels[s:e, :, :]
+        return edge_pixels
+
+    def _map_edge_average(
+        self, edge_pixels: np.ndarray, edge_name: str, led_count: int
+    ) -> np.ndarray:
+        """Vectorized average-color mapping for one edge. Returns (led_count, 3) uint8."""
+        # Reduce border dimension → 1D array of shape (edge_length, 3)
+        if edge_name in ("top", "bottom"):
+            edge_1d = edge_pixels.mean(axis=0)  # mean across border_width
+        else:
+            edge_1d = edge_pixels.mean(axis=1)  # mean across border_width
+
+        edge_len = edge_1d.shape[0]
+
+        # Compute segment boundaries (matching get_edge_segments float stepping)
+        step = edge_len / led_count
+        boundaries = np.empty(led_count + 1, dtype=np.int64)
+        for i in range(led_count + 1):
+            boundaries[i] = int(i * step)
+        # Ensure each segment has at least 1 pixel
+        for i in range(led_count):
+            if boundaries[i + 1] <= boundaries[i]:
+                boundaries[i + 1] = boundaries[i] + 1
+        boundaries[-1] = min(boundaries[-1], edge_len)
+
+        # Cumulative sum for O(1) range means — no per-LED Python numpy calls
+        cumsum = np.zeros((edge_len + 1, 3), dtype=np.float64)
+        cumsum[1:] = np.cumsum(edge_1d.astype(np.float64), axis=0)
+
+        starts = boundaries[:-1]
+        ends = boundaries[1:]
+        lengths = (ends - starts).reshape(-1, 1).astype(np.float64)
+        segment_sums = cumsum[ends] - cumsum[starts]
+        return np.clip(segment_sums / lengths, 0, 255).astype(np.uint8)
+
     def map_border_to_leds(
         self,
         border_pixels: BorderPixels
@@ -205,72 +263,58 @@ class PixelMapper:
             ValueError: If border pixels don't match calibration
         """
         total_leds = self.calibration.get_total_leds()
-        led_colors = [(0, 0, 0)] * total_leds
+        use_fast_avg = self.interpolation_mode == "average"
+
+        if use_fast_avg:
+            led_array = np.zeros((total_leds, 3), dtype=np.uint8)
+        else:
+            led_colors = [(0, 0, 0)] * total_leds
 
-        # Process each edge
         for edge_name in ["top", "right", "bottom", "left"]:
             segment = self.calibration.get_segment_for_edge(edge_name)
-
             if not segment:
-                # This edge is not configured
                 continue
 
-            # Get pixels for this edge
-            if edge_name == "top":
-                edge_pixels = border_pixels.top
-            elif edge_name == "right":
-                edge_pixels = border_pixels.right
-            elif edge_name == "bottom":
-                edge_pixels = border_pixels.bottom
-            else:  # left
-                edge_pixels = border_pixels.left
+            edge_pixels = self._get_edge_pixels(border_pixels, edge_name)
 
-            # Slice to span region if not full coverage
-            span_start, span_end = self.calibration.get_edge_span(edge_name)
-            if span_start > 0.0 or span_end < 1.0:
-                if edge_name in ("top", "bottom"):
-                    total_w = edge_pixels.shape[1]
-                    s = int(span_start * total_w)
-                    e = int(span_end * total_w)
-                    edge_pixels = edge_pixels[:, s:e, :]
-                else:
-                    total_h = edge_pixels.shape[0]
-                    s = int(span_start * total_h)
-                    e = int(span_end * total_h)
-                    edge_pixels = edge_pixels[s:e, :, :]
-
-            # Divide edge into segments matching LED count
-            try:
-                pixel_segments = get_edge_segments(
-                    edge_pixels,
-                    segment.led_count,
-                    edge_name
+            if use_fast_avg:
+                # Vectorized: compute all LED colors for this edge at once
+                colors = self._map_edge_average(
+                    edge_pixels, edge_name, segment.led_count
                 )
-            except ValueError as e:
-                logger.error(f"Failed to segment {edge_name} edge: {e}")
-                raise
+                led_indices = np.arange(segment.led_start, segment.led_start + segment.led_count)
+                if segment.reverse:
+                    led_indices = led_indices[::-1]
+                led_array[led_indices] = colors
+            else:
+                # Per-LED fallback for median/dominant modes
+                try:
+                    pixel_segments = get_edge_segments(
+                        edge_pixels, segment.led_count, edge_name
+                    )
+                except ValueError as e:
+                    logger.error(f"Failed to segment {edge_name} edge: {e}")
+                    raise
 
-            # Calculate LED indices for this segment
-            led_indices = list(range(segment.led_start, segment.led_start + segment.led_count))
+                led_indices = list(range(segment.led_start, segment.led_start + segment.led_count))
+                if segment.reverse:
+                    led_indices = list(reversed(led_indices))
 
-            # Reverse if needed
-            if segment.reverse:
-                led_indices = list(reversed(led_indices))
+                for led_idx, pixel_segment in zip(led_indices, pixel_segments):
+                    color = self._calc_color(pixel_segment)
+                    led_colors[led_idx] = color
 
-            # Map pixel segments to LEDs
-            for led_idx, pixel_segment in zip(led_indices, pixel_segments):
-                color = self._calc_color(pixel_segment)
-                led_colors[led_idx] = color
-
-        # Apply physical LED offset by rotating the array
-        # Offset = number of LEDs from LED 0 to the start corner
-        # Physical LED[i] should get calibration color[(i - offset) % total]
         offset = self.calibration.offset % total_leds if total_leds > 0 else 0
-        if offset > 0:
-            led_colors = led_colors[total_leds - offset:] + led_colors[:total_leds - offset]
 
-        logger.debug(f"Mapped border pixels to {total_leds} LED colors (offset={offset})")
-        return led_colors
+        if use_fast_avg:
+            if offset > 0:
+                led_array = np.roll(led_array, offset, axis=0)
+            return [tuple(c) for c in led_array]
+        else:
+            if offset > 0:
+                led_colors = led_colors[total_leds - offset:] + led_colors[:total_leds - offset]
+            logger.debug(f"Mapped border pixels to {total_leds} LED colors (offset={offset})")
+            return led_colors
 
     def test_calibration(self, edge: str, color: Tuple[int, int, int]) -> List[Tuple[int, int, int]]:
         """Generate test pattern to light up specific edge.
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/ddp_client.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/ddp_client.py
index 7b0e383..94297b0 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/ddp_client.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/ddp_client.py
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ import struct
 from dataclasses import dataclass
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Tuple
 
+import numpy as np
+
 from wled_controller.utils import get_logger
 
 logger = get_logger(__name__)
@@ -207,7 +209,7 @@ class DDPClient:
             # Split into multiple packets if needed
             num_packets = (total_bytes + bytes_per_packet - 1) // bytes_per_packet
 
-            logger.info(
+            logger.debug(
                 f"DDP: Sending {len(pixels)} pixels ({total_bytes} bytes) "
                 f"in {num_packets} packet(s) to {self.host}:{self.port}"
             )
@@ -241,6 +243,45 @@ class DDPClient:
             logger.error(f"Failed to send DDP pixels: {e}")
             raise RuntimeError(f"DDP send failed: {e}")
 
+    def send_pixels_numpy(self, pixel_array: np.ndarray, max_packet_size: int = 1400) -> bool:
+        """Send pixel data via DDP from a numpy array — no per-pixel Python loops.
+
+        Args:
+            pixel_array: (N, 3) uint8 numpy array of RGB values
+            max_packet_size: Maximum UDP packet size (default 1400 bytes for safety)
+
+        Returns:
+            True if successful
+        """
+        if not self._transport:
+            raise RuntimeError("DDP client not connected")
+
+        # Handle RGBW: insert zero white channel column
+        if self.rgbw:
+            white = np.zeros((pixel_array.shape[0], 1), dtype=np.uint8)
+            pixel_array = np.hstack((pixel_array, white))
+
+        pixel_bytes = pixel_array.tobytes()
+
+        bpp = 4 if self.rgbw else 3
+        total_bytes = len(pixel_bytes)
+        max_payload = max_packet_size - 10  # 10-byte header
+        bytes_per_packet = (max_payload // bpp) * bpp
+        num_packets = (total_bytes + bytes_per_packet - 1) // bytes_per_packet
+
+        for i in range(num_packets):
+            start = i * bytes_per_packet
+            end = min(start + bytes_per_packet, total_bytes)
+            chunk = pixel_bytes[start:end]
+            self._sequence = (self._sequence + 1) % 256
+            packet = self._build_ddp_packet(
+                chunk, offset=start,
+                sequence=self._sequence, push=False,
+            )
+            self._transport.sendto(packet)
+
+        return True
+
     async def __aenter__(self):
         """Async context manager entry."""
         await self.connect()
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/live_stream.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/live_stream.py
index faf597f..0eb11f3 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/live_stream.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/live_stream.py
@@ -147,12 +147,9 @@ class ScreenCaptureLiveStream(LiveStream):
 class ProcessedLiveStream(LiveStream):
     """Live stream that applies postprocessing filters to a source stream.
 
-    Reads frames from a source LiveStream and applies a chain of filters.
-    Uses identity caching — if the source frame hasn't changed, returns
-    the previously processed result without recomputing.
-
-    Thread-safe: a lock protects the filter application so concurrent
-    consumers don't duplicate work.
+    A background thread polls the source for new frames, applies the filter
+    chain, and caches the result.  Consumers call get_latest_frame() which
+    returns the pre-computed result under a lock (sub-microsecond).
     """
 
     def __init__(
@@ -163,9 +160,10 @@ class ProcessedLiveStream(LiveStream):
         self._source = source
         self._filters = filters
         self._image_pool = ImagePool()
-        self._process_lock = threading.Lock()
-        self._cached_source_frame: Optional[ScreenCapture] = None
-        self._cached_result: Optional[ScreenCapture] = None
+        self._latest_frame: Optional[ScreenCapture] = None
+        self._frame_lock = threading.Lock()
+        self._running = False
+        self._thread: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
 
     @property
     def target_fps(self) -> int:
@@ -176,23 +174,47 @@ class ProcessedLiveStream(LiveStream):
         return self._source.display_index
 
     def start(self) -> None:
-        # Source lifecycle managed by LiveStreamManager
-        pass
+        # Source lifecycle managed by LiveStreamManager; only start our thread
+        if self._running:
+            return
+        self._running = True
+        self._thread = threading.Thread(
+            target=self._process_loop,
+            name="processed-stream",
+            daemon=True,
+        )
+        self._thread.start()
+        logger.info("ProcessedLiveStream background thread started")
 
     def stop(self) -> None:
-        # Source lifecycle managed by LiveStreamManager
-        self._cached_source_frame = None
-        self._cached_result = None
+        # Source lifecycle managed by LiveStreamManager; only stop our thread
+        self._running = False
+        if self._thread:
+            self._thread.join(timeout=5.0)
+            if self._thread.is_alive():
+                logger.warning("ProcessedLiveStream thread did not terminate within 5s")
+            self._thread = None
+        self._latest_frame = None
 
     def get_latest_frame(self) -> Optional[ScreenCapture]:
-        source_frame = self._source.get_latest_frame()
-        if source_frame is None:
-            return None
+        with self._frame_lock:
+            return self._latest_frame
 
-        with self._process_lock:
-            # Identity cache: if source frame object hasn't changed, reuse result
-            if source_frame is self._cached_source_frame and self._cached_result is not None:
-                return self._cached_result
+    def _process_loop(self) -> None:
+        """Background thread: poll source, apply filters, cache result."""
+        cached_source_frame: Optional[ScreenCapture] = None
+        while self._running:
+            source_frame = self._source.get_latest_frame()
+            if source_frame is None:
+                time.sleep(0.001)
+                continue
+
+            # Identity cache: skip if source frame object hasn't changed
+            if source_frame is cached_source_frame:
+                time.sleep(0.001)
+                continue
+
+            cached_source_frame = source_frame
 
             # Apply filters to a copy of the source image
             image = source_frame.image.copy()
@@ -207,9 +229,8 @@ class ProcessedLiveStream(LiveStream):
                 height=source_frame.height,
                 display_index=source_frame.display_index,
             )
-            self._cached_source_frame = source_frame
-            self._cached_result = processed
-            return processed
+            with self._frame_lock:
+                self._latest_frame = processed
 
 
 class StaticImageLiveStream(LiveStream):
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/processor_manager.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/processor_manager.py
index 62c8fa8..a075bd9 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/processor_manager.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/processor_manager.py
@@ -32,6 +32,58 @@ logger = get_logger(__name__)
 
 DEFAULT_STATE_CHECK_INTERVAL = 30  # seconds between health checks
 
+
+def _process_frame(live_stream, border_width, pixel_mapper, previous_colors, smoothing):
+    """All CPU-bound work for one WLED frame (runs in thread pool).
+
+    Includes get_latest_frame() because ProcessedLiveStream may apply
+    filters (image copy + processing) which should not block the event loop.
+    """
+    capture = live_stream.get_latest_frame()
+    if capture is None:
+        return None
+    border_pixels = extract_border_pixels(capture, border_width)
+    led_colors = pixel_mapper.map_border_to_leds(border_pixels)
+    if previous_colors and smoothing > 0:
+        led_colors = smooth_colors(led_colors, previous_colors, smoothing)
+    return led_colors
+
+
+def _process_kc_frame(live_stream, rectangles, calc_fn, previous_colors, smoothing):
+    """All CPU-bound work for one KC frame (runs in thread pool).
+
+    Includes get_latest_frame() because ProcessedLiveStream may apply
+    filters which should not block the event loop.
+    """
+    capture = live_stream.get_latest_frame()
+    if capture is None:
+        return None
+    img = capture.image
+    h, w = img.shape[:2]
+    colors = {}
+    for rect in rectangles:
+        px_x = max(0, int(rect.x * w))
+        px_y = max(0, int(rect.y * h))
+        px_w = max(1, int(rect.width * w))
+        px_h = max(1, int(rect.height * h))
+        px_x = min(px_x, w - 1)
+        px_y = min(px_y, h - 1)
+        px_w = min(px_w, w - px_x)
+        px_h = min(px_h, h - px_y)
+        sub_img = img[px_y:px_y + px_h, px_x:px_x + px_w]
+        colors[rect.name] = calc_fn(sub_img)
+    if previous_colors and smoothing > 0:
+        for name, color in colors.items():
+            if name in previous_colors:
+                prev = previous_colors[name]
+                alpha = smoothing
+                colors[name] = (
+                    int(color[0] * (1 - alpha) + prev[0] * alpha),
+                    int(color[1] * (1 - alpha) + prev[1] * alpha),
+                    int(color[2] * (1 - alpha) + prev[2] * alpha),
+                )
+    return colors
+
 # WLED LED bus type codes from const.h → human-readable names
 WLED_LED_TYPES: Dict[int, str] = {
     18: "WS2812 1ch", 19: "WS2812 1ch x3", 20: "WS2812 CCT", 21: "WS2812 WWA",
@@ -86,6 +138,7 @@ class ProcessingMetrics:
     last_update: Optional[datetime] = None
     start_time: Optional[datetime] = None
     fps_actual: float = 0.0
+    fps_potential: float = 0.0
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -608,7 +661,7 @@ class ProcessorManager:
         state = self._targets[target_id]
         settings = state.settings
 
-        target_fps = state.resolved_target_fps or settings.fps
+        target_fps = settings.fps
         smoothing = settings.smoothing
         border_width = settings.border_width
         wled_brightness = settings.brightness
@@ -620,6 +673,7 @@ class ProcessorManager:
 
         frame_time = 1.0 / target_fps
         fps_samples = []
+        prev_frame_time_stamp = time.time()
 
         # Check if the device has test mode active — skip capture while in test mode
         device_state = self._devices.get(state.device_id)
@@ -634,35 +688,27 @@ class ProcessorManager:
                     continue
 
                 try:
-                    # Get frame from live stream
-                    capture = await asyncio.to_thread(state.live_stream.get_latest_frame)
+                    # Batch all CPU work (frame read + processing) in a single thread call.
+                    led_colors = await asyncio.to_thread(
+                        _process_frame,
+                        state.live_stream, border_width,
+                        state.pixel_mapper, state.previous_colors, smoothing,
+                    )
 
-                    if capture is None:
+                    if led_colors is None:
                         if state.metrics.frames_processed == 0:
                             logger.info(f"Capture returned None for target {target_id} (no new frame yet)")
                         await asyncio.sleep(frame_time)
                         continue
 
-                    # Extract border pixels
-                    border_pixels = await asyncio.to_thread(extract_border_pixels, capture, border_width)
-
-                    # Map to LED colors
-                    led_colors = await asyncio.to_thread(state.pixel_mapper.map_border_to_leds, border_pixels)
-
-                    # Apply smoothing
-                    if state.previous_colors and smoothing > 0:
-                        led_colors = await asyncio.to_thread(
-                            smooth_colors,
-                            led_colors,
-                            state.previous_colors,
-                            smoothing,
-                        )
-
                     # Send to WLED with device brightness
                     if not state.is_running or state.wled_client is None:
                         break
                     brightness_value = int(wled_brightness * 255)
-                    await state.wled_client.send_pixels(led_colors, brightness=brightness_value)
+                    if state.wled_client.use_ddp:
+                        state.wled_client.send_pixels_fast(led_colors, brightness=brightness_value)
+                    else:
+                        await state.wled_client.send_pixels(led_colors, brightness=brightness_value)
 
                     # Update metrics
                     state.metrics.frames_processed += 1
@@ -671,13 +717,19 @@ class ProcessorManager:
                     state.metrics.last_update = datetime.utcnow()
                     state.previous_colors = led_colors
 
-                    # Calculate actual FPS
-                    loop_time = time.time() - loop_start
-                    fps_samples.append(1.0 / loop_time if loop_time > 0 else 0)
+                    # Calculate actual FPS from frame-to-frame interval
+                    now = time.time()
+                    interval = now - prev_frame_time_stamp
+                    prev_frame_time_stamp = now
+                    fps_samples.append(1.0 / interval if interval > 0 else 0)
                     if len(fps_samples) > 10:
                         fps_samples.pop(0)
                     state.metrics.fps_actual = sum(fps_samples) / len(fps_samples)
 
+                    # Potential FPS = how fast the pipeline could run without throttle
+                    processing_time = now - loop_start
+                    state.metrics.fps_potential = 1.0 / processing_time if processing_time > 0 else 0
+
                 except Exception as e:
                     state.metrics.errors_count += 1
                     state.metrics.last_error = str(e)
@@ -728,7 +780,8 @@ class ProcessorManager:
             "device_id": state.device_id,
             "processing": state.is_running,
             "fps_actual": metrics.fps_actual if state.is_running else None,
-            "fps_target": state.resolved_target_fps or state.settings.fps,
+            "fps_potential": metrics.fps_potential if state.is_running else None,
+            "fps_target": state.settings.fps,
             "display_index": state.resolved_display_index if state.resolved_display_index is not None else state.settings.display_index,
             "last_update": metrics.last_update,
             "errors": [metrics.last_error] if metrics.last_error else [],
@@ -1131,7 +1184,7 @@ class ProcessorManager:
         state = self._kc_targets[target_id]
         settings = state.settings
 
-        target_fps = state.resolved_target_fps or settings.fps
+        target_fps = settings.fps
         smoothing = settings.smoothing
 
         # Select color calculation function
@@ -1157,45 +1210,16 @@ class ProcessorManager:
                 loop_start = time.time()
 
                 try:
-                    capture = await asyncio.to_thread(state.live_stream.get_latest_frame)
-                    if capture is None:
+                    # Batch all CPU work in a single thread call
+                    colors = await asyncio.to_thread(
+                        _process_kc_frame,
+                        state.live_stream, rectangles, calc_fn,
+                        state.previous_colors, smoothing,
+                    )
+                    if colors is None:
                         await asyncio.sleep(frame_time)
                         continue
 
-                    img = capture.image
-                    h, w = img.shape[:2]
-
-                    colors: Dict[str, Tuple[int, int, int]] = {}
-                    for rect in rectangles:
-                        # Convert relative coords to pixel coords
-                        px_x = max(0, int(rect.x * w))
-                        px_y = max(0, int(rect.y * h))
-                        px_w = max(1, int(rect.width * w))
-                        px_h = max(1, int(rect.height * h))
-
-                        # Clamp to image bounds
-                        px_x = min(px_x, w - 1)
-                        px_y = min(px_y, h - 1)
-                        px_w = min(px_w, w - px_x)
-                        px_h = min(px_h, h - px_y)
-
-                        # Extract sub-image and compute color
-                        sub_img = img[px_y:px_y + px_h, px_x:px_x + px_w]
-                        color = calc_fn(sub_img)
-                        colors[rect.name] = color
-
-                    # Apply per-rectangle temporal smoothing
-                    if state.previous_colors and smoothing > 0:
-                        for name, color in colors.items():
-                            if name in state.previous_colors:
-                                prev = state.previous_colors[name]
-                                alpha = smoothing
-                                colors[name] = (
-                                    int(color[0] * (1 - alpha) + prev[0] * alpha),
-                                    int(color[1] * (1 - alpha) + prev[1] * alpha),
-                                    int(color[2] * (1 - alpha) + prev[2] * alpha),
-                                )
-
                     state.previous_colors = dict(colors)
                     state.latest_colors = dict(colors)
 
@@ -1281,7 +1305,7 @@ class ProcessorManager:
             "target_id": target_id,
             "processing": state.is_running,
             "fps_actual": round(state.metrics.fps_actual, 1) if state.is_running else None,
-            "fps_target": state.resolved_target_fps or state.settings.fps,
+            "fps_target": state.settings.fps,
             "last_update": state.metrics.last_update.isoformat() if state.metrics.last_update else None,
             "errors": [state.metrics.last_error] if state.metrics.last_error else [],
         }
@@ -1300,7 +1324,7 @@ class ProcessorManager:
             "target_id": target_id,
             "processing": state.is_running,
             "fps_actual": round(state.metrics.fps_actual, 1),
-            "fps_target": state.resolved_target_fps or state.settings.fps,
+            "fps_target": state.settings.fps,
             "uptime_seconds": round(uptime, 1),
             "frames_processed": state.metrics.frames_processed,
             "errors_count": state.metrics.errors_count,
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/core/wled_client.py b/server/src/wled_controller/core/wled_client.py
index 8382182..ae8b096 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/core/wled_client.py
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/core/wled_client.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from typing import List, Tuple, Optional, Dict, Any
 from urllib.parse import urlparse
 
 import httpx
+import numpy as np
 
 from wled_controller.utils import get_logger
 from wled_controller.core.ddp_client import BusConfig, DDPClient
@@ -420,6 +421,30 @@ class WLEDClient:
             logger.error(f"Failed to send pixels via HTTP: {e}")
             raise
 
+    def send_pixels_fast(
+        self,
+        pixels: List[Tuple[int, int, int]],
+        brightness: int = 255,
+    ) -> None:
+        """Optimized send for the hot loop — numpy packing + brightness, fire-and-forget DDP.
+
+        Synchronous (no await). Only works for DDP path.
+        Falls back to raising if DDP is not available.
+
+        Args:
+            pixels: List of (R, G, B) tuples
+            brightness: Global brightness (0-255)
+        """
+        if not self.use_ddp or not self._ddp_client:
+            raise RuntimeError("send_pixels_fast requires DDP; use send_pixels for HTTP")
+
+        pixel_array = np.array(pixels, dtype=np.uint8)
+
+        if brightness < 255:
+            pixel_array = (pixel_array.astype(np.float32) * (brightness / 255.0)).astype(np.uint8)
+
+        self._ddp_client.send_pixels_numpy(pixel_array)
+
     async def set_power(self, on: bool) -> bool:
         """Turn WLED device on or off.
 
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/app.js b/server/src/wled_controller/static/app.js
index f8f595e..23e0b1e 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/app.js
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/app.js
@@ -4168,6 +4168,7 @@ function createTargetCard(target, deviceMap, sourceMap) {
             </div>
             <div class="stream-card-props">
                 <span class="stream-card-prop" title="${t('targets.device')}">💡 ${escapeHtml(deviceName)}</span>
+                <span class="stream-card-prop" title="${t('targets.fps')}">⚡ ${settings.fps || 30}</span>
                 <span class="stream-card-prop stream-card-prop-full" title="${t('targets.source')}">📺 ${escapeHtml(sourceName)}</span>
             </div>
             <div class="card-content">
@@ -4181,6 +4182,10 @@ function createTargetCard(target, deviceMap, sourceMap) {
                         <div class="metric-value">${state.fps_target || 0}</div>
                         <div class="metric-label">${t('device.metrics.target_fps')}</div>
                     </div>
+                    <div class="metric">
+                        <div class="metric-value">${state.fps_potential?.toFixed(0) || '-'}</div>
+                        <div class="metric-label">${t('device.metrics.potential_fps')}</div>
+                    </div>
                     <div class="metric">
                         <div class="metric-value">${metrics.frames_processed || 0}</div>
                         <div class="metric-label">${t('device.metrics.frames')}</div>
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/en.json b/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/en.json
index 80db917..95861c4 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/en.json
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/en.json
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@
   "device.stopped": "Processing stopped",
   "device.metrics.actual_fps": "Actual FPS",
   "device.metrics.target_fps": "Target FPS",
+  "device.metrics.potential_fps": "Potential FPS",
   "device.metrics.frames": "Frames",
   "device.metrics.errors": "Errors",
   "device.health.online": "WLED Online",
diff --git a/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/ru.json b/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/ru.json
index 3ceed13..1078d99 100644
--- a/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/ru.json
+++ b/server/src/wled_controller/static/locales/ru.json
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@
   "device.stopped": "Обработка остановлена",
   "device.metrics.actual_fps": "Факт. FPS",
   "device.metrics.target_fps": "Целев. FPS",
+  "device.metrics.potential_fps": "Потенц. FPS",
   "device.metrics.frames": "Кадры",
   "device.metrics.errors": "Ошибки",
   "device.health.online": "WLED Онлайн",