"An unexpected playback problem occurred" right before credits roll

Server Version#: 1.24.1.4931 (Plex docker container running on Unraid)
Player Version#: 5.24.1 (Tizen TV)
Logs: Plex Media Server Logs_2021-09-15_21-28-02.zip (4.8 MB) (Note that these logs include a stream that encountered this issue, starting at Sep 15, 2021 19:50:08.689)

I’ve seen a few similar threads but no solutions as far as I’ve found. Some files are cutting out right before the end (usually 1-2 minutes before the end of the file). In many cases this is right before the credits roll, which means the last few lines are often missed. It’s extremely frustrating as the error screen displays an “OK” button, but clicking it does nothing. The only way to get Plex back to a usable state is to restart the TV. Since the error always happens near the end of the file, the “watched” status is updated, and the only way to get back to the end of the file is to start from the beginning and fast forward to the end. After fast-forwarding, it always successfully plays the final few seconds/minutes. I’ve upgraded my server a few times since this issue cropped up but it is still there. Files are always h264 with a variety of audio codecs. I’ve also tried resetting my TV to factory defaults and reinstalling the Plex client, which had no effect.

This thread outlines the exact issue I am having but was closed due to inactivity. Hopefully this can be resurrected as it has happened 3 nights in a row and really takes away from the experience when the cliffhangers are always missed.

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As far as I’m aware this shouldn’t be an issue anymore with the PMS version you’re on. Could you DM me a sample video that reproduces this issue for testing?

I can confirm that it is still happening. I have reported the issue months ago but no one bothered to answer:

@james00794_1 I have a workaround for you - maybe not workaround but “a way” to finish the show episode without restarting the TV. In my case when the issue is occurring the “wheel” is spinning for a while before “An unexpected playback problem occurred” message pops up. Once I noticed the freeze and spinning “wheel” I have to grab the remote as soon as I can and press < “left” on the remote, then the video is skipping 5 seconds back and I can finish watching the episode till the end. I hope Plex people will not consider it as a “resolution”. I would totally buy Plex Pass if not this issue.

Hi @sLumpy
Feel free to use the video below to troubleshoot the issue, it hangs a second before credits appears.
Please skip till 38th minute and then watch until it hangs. If you haven’t see The Expanse - the greatest SF show ever, then do not watch it, I will find another sample.

Thanks

Unfortunately I’m not able to reproduce this was a clip from one of the problematic files. I took a sample via ffmpeg (ffmpeg -i INPUT_FILE -ss 0 -t 120 out.mkv) but this shortened file finished properly in the Samsung client without hanging. I’m happy to send a full file but they are ~4GB so don’t think I can DM such a large file. Let me know how to proceed from here.

I’m having this same issue! It has been happening for months — usually I have to open the episode on my computer or some other device if I want to watch the last couple minutes. It’s sooo annoying! This happens with EVERY episode we watch on the Samsung TV, but not on any other devices.

If you can find a smaller file that can reproduce, then that would be great. Otherwise you can probably throw the file on Google Drive or something similar temporarily.

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