Annoying audio track; how to disable

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Server Version#: 1.40.2.8395 (server-freebsd)
Player Version#: Various Roku devices (no TVs) up-to-date 20240827

I don’t know if this is a server issue, player (Roku) issue, or HD Homerun (HDHR5-4US ) issue.

On some TV shows (only observed on PBS, usually Nova or Nature) there seems to be an annoying audio track that incorporates a voice describing the on-screen activity (in addition to the expected audio track). It seems to be designed for blind TV viewers. This audio track is not apparent when viewing the program OTA (ie, antenna directly connected to TV) or via the Roku HDHomerun app, only when viewing the episode in Plex (live and recorded, both on Roku Plex player and Android Plex player).

Is there a way of turning this audio track off? I’ve played with the Plex player audio controls (many of which I don’t fully understand), Plex server controls (ditto understanding) ,and the HD Homerun doesn’t seem to have many configurable options from the device web interface. Any advice is welcome.

TIA

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If you have a tool like MKVtoolnix (gui), you’ll be able to see if there’s an actual additional separate track and remove it from the file (remux it out)

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Thanks for the tip. On a recorded TV show I can see the problematic track in VLC and am able to selectively enable/disable it during playback. In VLC it displays in the audio control menu as the second track (of three); the third track indicates it is ‘Spanish’ although when selected English is still heard (perhaps it is a placeholder when the program is not dubbed).

Do you have any advice/ideas on disabling the track during live TV viewing (and, secondarily, program recording?

Thanks,
D

4

OK, crickets…
I’ll move on with querying the Silicondust folks with this issue.

As a bit of an aside, is there a ‘wish list’ feature for users to direct towards the Plex developers; in this case adding the ability to filter and/or select from multiple audio tracks?

Thanks,
D

5

Don’t know how to disable specific tracks as they record. i don’t think the Silicon Dust allows that.

I, like most of us, review our media after recording and just remux OUT the track(s) we don’t want.

In most cases, that’s something you can automate.

6

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this.

I do understand that I can remove the offending track on recorded shows.

My main objective is to watch live TV in Plex without the annoying audio. A few hours ago I submitted a ticket to Silicondust WRT this issue.

Thanks,
D

7

I discovered a ‘Settings’ menu, available in both live and recorded TV programs, that allows one to select a specific audio track (when there are multiple) for the show currently being viewed.

“Problem” solved.

D

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