I just built a new HTPC to use as a Plex Server. I have a little test batch of MKV movie files with lossless audio. When I play them in VLC on the computer the audio passes thru in native format to my receiver, which correctly decodes it as Dolby, DTS, etc.
Then I installed Plex Media Server. It opens in a browser which I thought was weird but ok, it seems to work. Got my movie library folders added, gave the server a name, and so far so good. Found the movies, automatically located the right cover art, all pretty easy!
But when I play a movie, now my receiver is showing PCM 2.0. So my first question: should I change the audio output settings, or should not be using the PC for movie playback - only file management - and should I be using a Plex app on a client instead? If I do that, will the audio pass thru correctly?
Next question: I installed the Plex app on my phone and logged in. Found my movies. But when I try to play them the app limits my playback to 1 minute unless I buy Plex Pass. I thought I only needed PP for off-network streaming? My phone is connected to my home network the same as my server, but the app is requiring PP. any help?
After installation, put it into “TV Mode” by clicking on the box in upper right with “TV” in it.
Select your Username, choose settings.
Go into Audio. You’ll see options to set device type (hdmi, optical), channels (2.0, 5.1, etc), and what audio codecs to passthrough.
PMP has two modes, Desktop Mode, which you see on initial launch, and TV Mode, which is meant for HTPC setups. The audio/video/etc settings made in TV Mode are still in effect when using Desktop Mode.
Thank you. I figured there must be an app but I couldn’t find PMP in the Microsoft App Store. I’ll use that link (even tho my hope is eventually to use a TV app and only use the HTPC as a true server for file management).
Anybody know about the issue I’m having with the iPhone app telling me I need to buy Plex Pass and limiting me to one minute streams? I thought I could stream without PP as long as I was on the same network as my server, but the app doesn’t seem to realize this.
