Why oh why would anyone ever want this you ask?
An AVC transcode may require a higher bitrate than a HEVC source to look good. Especially 4K HEVC to 4K AVC.
It could be an option in settings, all bitrates always shown or only shown when transcoding between codecs.
I don’t intend this question to invalidate the request, only to get more info for curiosity.
Can you give an example of that? Devices that support 4K AVC but not 4K HEVC exist, but they are relatively rare.
(My first thought is the HDR → SDR scenario.)
AFAIR this is already implemented. When transcoding from a more efficient codec to H.264 the target bitrate is set higher.
(provided the bandwidth settings of the client and/or the server’s remote connection allow for a higher bandwidth)
I read that the target is higher when using the maximum quality convert setting but higher bitrates don’t appear for manual selection. e.g. the highest option for a 15mbps HEVC file is 12mbps 1080p.
I’m not sure exactly how maximum quality conversion works, but compared to choosing the bitrate, I don’t think it’s ideal for remote streaming when auto-adjust quality is off as there is no expectation that the bitrate/vbv will stick to upload constraints.
It’s not something I really use to be honest. One time my wifi was being spotty so I turned on conversion to 4k but I don’t remember the target bitrate. It’s supported by Plex so I brought it up.
That’s what I meant when I said above
(provided the bandwidth settings of the client and/or the server’s remote connection allow for a higher bandwidth)
Which means that these restrictions are observed. Which can mean that under some circumstances the bitrate of the transcoded stream may not be higher to maintain the visual quality. As the bandwidth restrictions will prevent it.
Oh I see. My main reason for this request is actually streaming over local wifi. A lot of people live in my house, the router is garbage (shared house…) so the bandwidth can vary quite a lot. Quite often I will have a low bitrate 4k file like 15-20mbps which stutters when the bitrate spikes. 20mbps 1080p provides a more stable stream.
Then disable Direct Play in the settings of the client and verify the quality limits.
If possible, resort to hardwiring as many devices as possible. There are routers which can work in WiFi “client mode” for internet access, while providing wired connections for local devices.
That way, your Plex connection is no longer restricted by the WiFi.
Is that an actual setting in clients, to disable Direct Play? I couldn’t find it in the Android or Windows/web app.
Unfortunately renting limitations prevent me from running ethernet pretty much anywhere outside of my own room, otherwise it would have been the first thing I did when I moved in.
Yes. It is not in every client type, but in most.
In the web app, you can find it under
Settings - ‘Show Advanced’ - Plex Web - Debug
Make sure to tell your web browser to not delete the cookies from plex.tv when it’s closed. Or you have to set these preferences every day anew.
The Android mobile app has it as well, after you disable “Recommended” under Quality - Home network streaming
The Android TV app has only a setting to restrict the home network quality to 20 mbps 1080p.
Ah yes, that shows the full quality ladder. Setting to transcode by default is a workaround but it’s quite inconvenient compared to choosing the bitrate from the player. Also my other local user knows to keep lowering the bitrate until it doesn’t buffer but will just give up before trying to disable direct play.
