Best video settings iMac/PlexConnect/atv3

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1

Dear experts,

 

I'm loving PlexConnect, since I now don't have to convert every single MKV-file (movies 1080p) with Handbrake or Ivi to M4V files and import them into Itunes so Itunes can stream it to my Apple TV3.

It saves hours! :)

However, I noticed that my 1080p-movies aren't so crystal clear when I stream them with PlexConnect.
The video quality simply isn't what it should be.

 

Still, it feels like 720p especially when bits of a movie are dark and/or cloudy.

I see some pixelation then and there.

I never had this problem with the converted iTunes files... :(

 

My settings on the Apple TV are 1080p 20mbit, same as on Plex Media Server.
PMS is running on my iMac, bought this year.

 

Am I doing something wrong?

Should I use "force transcoding" of any of the advanced options in the Plex World?

 

I would love to get some advice in this, have searched in these forums for days now!
For the record; I have the latest version of Plex Connect.

 

Thank you very much for your answers!

 

2

You need to provide some media file information really (see the sticky for how to report a problem).

Also are you using subs?

3

Alright, read the sticky so here goes:

I have an ATV3 with 5.1.1 firmware

My DNS server is not the same as my IP-adress, I tried that but PlexConnect never works then, it always says "connecting with Trailers..."
The device that I run PMS on is an iMac, operating on OSX 10.8.4
My PMS version is 0.9.7.17
My PlexConnect version is of Github, dowloaded on July 3rd.

Media info: http://pastebin.com/qUVY62g5

This is "the Avengers" movie, but my problem is with any movie that I stream with PlexConnect.

I've added the PlexConnect Log here: http://pastebin.com/qUVY62g5

And yes, I'm using subs.

Thnx for your answer! :)
 

4

Excuse me, the link to the PlexConnect log is this one: http://pastebin.com/LzACzxaf

5

Update your PMS to latest public version.

6

I already have the latest version (0.9.7.17) :)

7

I already have the latest version (0.9.7.17) :)

That is not the latest public version.

Also do you get the same issue wiht quality if subtitles are turned off?

8

PMS below 0.9.7.27 will always transcode with external subtitles, which means you will get some loss in quality.

I already have the latest version (0.9.7.17) :)

 
9

Thnx, I now have the PMS 0.9.7.28.

I'ts updated now!

Thus, with external subs I always get quality loss?

Hmmm, why does'nt this happen with VLC of Itunes then?

And when I burn the subs into the movie?

Thnx 4 your help!

10

Thnx, I now have the PMS 0.9.7.28.

I'ts updated now!

Thus, with external subs I always get quality loss?

Hmmm, why does'nt this happen with VLC of Itunes then?

And when I burn the subs into the movie?

Thnx 4 your help!

No, that was happening with older versions of PMS, before you upgraded to PMS 0.9.7.28. Now everything should be fine.

So, test and let us know :)

11

I already noticed that long time ago.

12

Have you tried turning transcoding off or selecting the max 1080p/40MB. If your on the local network it should play immediately.

13

I already noticed that long time ago.


You noticed what?

14

Have you tried turning transcoding off or selecting the max 1080p/40MB. If your on the local network it should play immediately.


Yes, I've done this, but PMS max is 1080p/20MB.
So, is it then still wise to select 1080p/40MB on the ATV3?

 

15

I noticed your problem too. I have the same "problem".with the video quality. And ofc i tried 40 mb transcoding which do absolutly nothing.

16

Do either if you have iOS devices you can test this with; you will then need to AirPlay it to check the quality.

17

Do either if you have iOS devices you can test this with; you will then need to AirPlay it to check the quality.

PlexConnect is using AppleTV.xml PMS's profile, right? That one is limited to 720p, while iOS profiles may allow 1080 depending on iOS device.

18

Last time i spoke with Elan about this PlexConnect was using same profile as the generic iOS one (the idea being that it would get replaced with ATV2 and ATV3 specific ones at some point - that way ATV3 owners would not get penalised).

The actual file is PMS.app/Contents/Resources/Profiles/iOS-AppleTV.xml if you want to play about with it on your specific setup (bear in mind any PMS update may oevrwrite it).

19

My IOS device (iPhone 4) surely can’t handle 1080p movies, as The video gets al pixelated etc. Since The update of PMS things did get alot better, but now:

  • In de first minute of streaming The video keeps buffering, pauzing, buffering etc.
  • AirPlay doesn’t work anymore (when I change The DNS to automatic, AirPlay works again…)
20

PMS below 0.9.7.27 will always transcode with external subtitles, which means you will get some loss in quality.

 

I'm sorry to barge in on this thread but this got me curious. I don't have my ATV at the moment, so I'm wondering... PlexConnect for video with SRT-subtitles is displaying them not burned-in like the majority of Plex devices? How are you guys achieving this?