Server Version#: 1.18.2.2058
Player Version#: 7.26.0.14578
Nvidia shield
LG C8
For a while now I have noticed Plex will transcode certain audio formats (EAC3 5.1 in particular, transcoding to AAC). I initially thought it was because my TV did not support the format. But I tried installing Plex for Kodi just to check if it made any difference, and behold : no transcoding needed, all audio formats are direct played.
Is there a reason why the Plex app on Shield TV would transcode a supported audio format but the Plex for Kodi add-on would not?
Shield TV (2017) connected to LG C8 through HDMI.
For the audio, I am using Bose Quietcomfort 35 ii plugged into the Nvidia Shield game controller with 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable.
On the Shield settings, all audio options are set to auto.
HDMI passthrough doesn’t matter since the audio isn’t connected through HDMI. Just for good measure I tried enabling / disabling it and the results do not change.
If I am using the Shield Plex app : EAC3 transcoding
If I am using the Plex for Kodi addon : ECA3 direct play
I tried 2 other possibilities :
1.Connecting my headphones directly to the Shield with Bluetooth.
The results are exactly the same.
2. Using the LG TV Plex app with the headphones connected to the TV using bluetooth. The EAC3 audio is direct played.
So it seems to be exclusively the Plex app on the Shield causing the transcode.
From my understanding of how the Shield works, that uses bluetooth and would mux everything down to stereo. I don’t know what codecs the Shield supports for that type of connection.
Suggest the following:
Play the movie with audio through the TV speakers (passthrough = HDMI, no subtitles). EAC3 should direct play.
Shield: Plex app settings, Advanced, Network Logging = On. Note the URL at the bottom of the settings screen (http://shield_ip_address:32500/logging). You’ll need it to pull the Shield logs.
Using your headphones on remote setup, play the movie. Play for about 1 minute & stop. Do not leave the Plex app (or can’t pull logs). Wait 1 - 2 minutes for PMS to log everything.
Pull PMS logs & post to this thread. Attach the entire zip file. Do the same for the Shield logs (save as .txt file). Also, include the Plex XML information for the movie (save as .txt file and attach).
Will probably need a Plex Ninja or employee to take a look at the logs.
The logs will show what is happening with Plex - that the audio is transcoding, what codec is used, etc.
However, it will take somebody with detailed knowledge of Plex to know if there are other options - other codecs, muxing options (ex: 5.1 → 2.0), things that happen on the Shield that are not in Plex logs, etc.
Follow up question: What happens if you use the Plex app on the Shield with the headphones connected to the TV via Bluetooth? If audio direct plays would that be a viable option instead of cabling to the Nvidia remote?
