4K file keeps buffering

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Hello,

I’m looking for some assistance in understanding the streaming capability of Plex. I am running Plex on my 4K Roku on a Samsung UHD TV. I am trying to play a 4K file about 40 GB, 135 min so like 38 mb/sec. I am running Plex Server on my 2018 MacBook Pro. I have also tried to play the same file using Plex on a windows 10 desktop PC but run into the same issue. The video file plays for 20–30 seconds and then begins to buffer. It is an MKV file, Other 4K files which stream at about 20 mb/sec seem to work fine. Can someone please explain to me what is causing the issue?

Thanks in advance

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A few things to check. If you’re trying to do hd audio passthrough from roku to receiver I don’t think it’s supported so will likely buffer.

How are you connected? I assume gigabit ethernet? If not, could be poor WiFi, damaged cables…

What network do you have? Do you use a firewall? Check rules and traffic inspection…

Finally, just use ubuntu 20 for your server. It’s rock solid and just works. Buy a vim3l, it’s probably the best and cheapest option

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Thanks! I was actually using a wireless connection. Switched over to wired and now I’m able to get file to work at about 40/Mbps, Which kept on buffering over wireless. The 60/Mbps file is still buffering even over the wired connection. Currently using a cat 5E cable. Just ordered a cat 8 cable. I’ll keep this post updated based on What happens with the new cable. Thanks again

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Cat5e is capable of gigabit so there is probably a bottleneck somewhere. I’d go cat6a, it’s more than enough, cat8 isn’t even a proper standard.

Does the roku have gigabit ethernet port? If you’re using Samsung tv port that’s only 100Mb.

For reference I use a USB2 to ethernet adapter on my LG c9 (28MB/s) and has never buffered. You don’t need anywhere near gigabit for 4k hdr content. Max bitrates are about 170Mb

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Thanks for the tip re: Ethernet cable. My media is on a USB 3.0 drive. Do you think having media on the external drive could also be a bottle neck?

My roku doesn’t have an Ethernet port so it’s connected via wifi.

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