AAC 5.1 being transcoded to AC3 but not when Direct Play is Forced

Plex Players Streaming Devices
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Server Version#: Version 1.19.1.2645
Player Version#: Roku 6.5.1

Something that has been confusing me for a while is audio AAC 5.1 being transcoded to AC3 on my Roku. I have a Roku Premiere and when I play any video with audio AAC 5.1 it is by default transcoded to AC3.

However, if I change on the Plex Roku app setting for Video / Direct Play from Auto to Force then there is no longer any transcoding and the video is reported as Direct Play (checked using the server dashboard). Anyone know why is this ?

BTW… EAC3 5.1 always reports as Direct Play, I guess auto picks it up correctly.

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This is done to preserve the audio channels, or down convert as necessary. The internal conversion done on the Roku tends to produce worse audio quality.

related thread: Roku Plex ACC 5.1 to AC3 5.1 Transcode after latest update to V6.5.1

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