4k hevc media that was direct playing is now automatically transcoding to 1080p after update

Plex Players Streaming Devices
21

Can’t play any 4k content without transcoding to 1080p, even not optimized versions.
Using FireTV Stick 4k

22

I have a similar issue. After the 4k stick client update, my OTA 1080i recordings are transcoding. It says device doesn’t support format. Started after update a couple days ago. I’m going to try to sideload old version.

23

Same exact thing is happening to me. Hope this can be resolved with haste.

Server Version#: 1.18.6.2368
Player Version#: 7.28.0.15501

24

Bump for this issue, no 4k on the 4k Firestick this evening for me. Same issue on both of my players.

Server Version#: 1.18.6.2368
Player Version#: 7.28.0.15501

25

When I go to Playback Info
Transcode reason: Resolution or bitrate exceeds maximum allowed.

These are all files that worked prior to updates.

Check to see if you all get the same reason.

26

Another thing I just noticed. I have a homerun connected to my plex server that records several shows. While playing those this evening the play back information changed to transcoding as well. Unable to direct play because format isn’t compatible.

27

I am seeing similar issue as well. Everything was working fine on all 3 of my AFTV sticks (non 4K) and after update none of them will play most of my HEVC 10 videos, tries to direct play them. When it does transcode them the quality is absolutely horrendous. It is very pixelated and choppy even on my h.264 files that are supposedly doing direct play. When I play anything on my Laptop, Phone, PS4, or Visio TV apps they play just fine and I have no issues.

Player Version#: 7.28.0.15501
Server Version 1.18.7.2438

28

This makes me so sad, I’ve spend all this time and effort configuring and setting everything up to be able to play my 4K collection on all 3 TVs from the firestick. Now I am not even able to do what it was setup to do. Now I may have to buy nvidia shields for each room? I tried setting up an intel NUC for 4K streaming but this is now showing choppy and does not stream well. I am wasting my time! We are all Plex pass users who pay for a piece of software that we expect to work well. Please resolve or I may have to go to Emby simple…You can’t begin to imagine how upset I am…

2 Likes
29

in Fire TV Plex app (and I assume in other android variations) go to Settings - Advanced - Use New Player and set to OFF.

Fixed the issue for me. no need to sideload anything.

30

It seems that we’re a lot to have trouble with the new version … I have this issue with simple file … not even 4K …

31

fixed by downgrading to 7.27.1
Oh, and I disabled updates!

2 Likes
32

That’s not the solution bro. It may have worked for your specific situation but it sure as hell didn’t for me on any of my hevc media (4k and 1080p). If it was that easy to fix I don’t think anyone would be as upset as they are. Plain and simple the Plex team f’d up the code in the latest version of Plex causing hevc media to transcode because it thinks the fire TV sticks/cubes can’t handle the format.

Side loading the previous version is a solution that will work for everyone (as long as that version worked for you before). It sucks to have to do that but it’s the only solution we have until the Plex team fixes it.

33

Any update on this issue BigWheel?

34

Rolled back to 7.27.1. Annoying but fixed it. The newest build made my entire 4K collection unwatchable. Does anyone beta test anything before releasing these builds? Breaking otherwise stable features is the new Plex norm.

3 Likes
35

Guys,

I have the same thing happening. Can someone tell me how to roll the version back?

I’ve tried to use file explorer but it will not download any files for some reason.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

36

Just reverted version to kepler-armv7a-amazon-stdExo-7.27.1.15203-5c57babb.apk and I can play any 4k HEVC in original quality.
to do that install “ES File Exlorer” and copy apk file from your preffered location(network or cloud) to “downloads folder on FTV”. you may be able to install it from ES but that is pay for option. To get it working for free - install “Total Commander”, browse to “Downloads” folder and install previously downloaded APK.

1 Like
37

Checking in with the same issue. 4k content played perfect on both my fire sticks prior, now they both transcode to 1080p (and looks terrible) and the transcode reason says “4k playback is not supported on this device”.

38

Reverted back as described above. However I used ADB Debugging to do it via my PC on the network. There are several good guides.

4K content is now back!

39

Why hasn’t Plex pulled that bad APP so it doesn’t get loaded…
Just spent 3 hours figuring out how to get back to the previous version…

And I’m sure that I couldn’t tell you how to do it…

WHAT A MESS PLEX!!!

1 Like
40

Using the latest Plex MS released today the 27th, … PlexMediaServer-1.18.8.2468-5d395aa9d-x86

FIX IT!!!

HOW ARE YOU GUYS CONSTANTLY BREAKING THINGS THAT USED TO WORK?? What even is the point of Plex Pass

1 Like