Choppy 4k Playback with Plex Media Player but not VLC on i3 Intel HD Graphics 630

Plex Players Desktop Players
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Server Version#: 1.14.0.5470
Player Version#: 2.24.0.924

I’m using a HP Prodesk Mini G3 400 with an Intel HD Graphics 630 as both a server and media player. It plays 720, 1080p without any problems but when i try to play 4k HEVC content, it’s choppy. The problem appears to be with Plex Media Player as the playback on VLC is smooth. The Plex Server indicates that it is direct play so its not trying to transcode. CPU using is also very low. Interestingly, if I jump out of full screen, the playback is smooth. It’s just choppy with full screen. I’ve tried all the video card settings as well as plex media player settings. The best I can get it is with OpenGL off and Hardware acceleration on for the best frame rate. I’ve also tried the latest video drivers but doesn’t seem to make any difference.

Any ideas on what the issue is?

Thanks,
Dennis.

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see Enabling VOBSUB subtitles makes video stutter and freeze

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Hey @OttoKerner,

Thanks for the response. I have checked everything in the link. Here’s some detail:

  • DirectX 12 is already on the latest
  • Using latest video drivers
  • Native OpenGL makes the frame rate worst for 4k HEVC but is fine for 1080p or lower and it doesn’t matter what the hardware acceleration setting is, frame rate is still poor
  • With Native OpenGL off, I get the “best” frame rate with Hardware acceleration on but it’s still quite bad, it’s an irregular frame rate between 10-20fps
  • If I drop the resolution of the screen to 1080P and turn on Display Mode Switching, the screen will switch to 4k and will play with a smooth framerate but I believe it is upscaling as it looks a little bit softer.
  • VLC player has no issues with the same 4K files on the 4k screen resolution on the same PC.

Is there any way I can get more information about why this is happening? Any hidden settings I can tweak? It’s been pretty frustrating as I’ve got a few devices using Plex and they all seem to have a downfall:

  • The i3 can’t play 4k at native resolution at a good frame rate
  • My Samsung TV Plex app has a good framerate but has weird artifacts appear on the screen every key frame
  • My PS4 Pro can play HEVC back smoothly but if I turn on subtitles, it transcodes and the i3 can’t handle it.

There’s no winning! :slight_smile:

Thanks again,
Dennis.

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