I have the new Chromecast with Google TV. It appears that Direct Play is not yet supported on this device. I’m getting transcoding messages about AC-3 too when my Sony Android TV doesn’t have either of these issues.
I know it just came out ;), but any idea when this guy will be better supported?
Are you using the new device to cast to or running the Plex app directly. If running the app please provide the logs from the app Android, Android TV, Fire TV Logs | Plex Support. If you are casting, please provide the log from the casting device.
Also provide the PMS logs (Plex Media Server Logs | Plex Support) and the XML (Investigate Media Information and Formats | Plex Support) for the file you played.
using the Plex app
PM sent with info.
looks like the issue is this Chromecast simply doesn’t decode AC-3. Shame. I’m checking with Google about it.
SoC: HK1 PLUS Amlogic S905x2 Android 8.1 - VissonTech
Edit: had a chat with Google:
Thanks for waiting, Pete. I’m done coordinating with them and as per checking, AC3 audio type is not supported. I know you want to get this working. We’ll take this as a feedback.
That is correct. Android [Chromecast] cannot decode AC3 audio. If the device the Chromecast is connected to supports AC3, you can enable passthrough to send the AC3 to that device.
You didn’t send me the log from the app so I can’t tell if you used passthrough or if AC3 is supported on what it’s connected to. Is the CC connected to the same Sony TV where this is working?
I have the optical passthrough enabled in the Plex app. I tried setting the AC3 encoding type on it but that throws an error when trying to play something, I don’t think my Samsung TV will allow it.
Curious though, the Amazon Fire Stick is on Android yet when playing content with AC3 it handles it natively via DirectPlay, no transcoding needed. Is it the SoC they use or they’ve otherwise modified their version of Android?
Sorry, I meant the CC doesn’t support AC3. The Fire stick does.
Cut the CC doesn’t have an optical out. This won’t do anything.
Cut the CC doesn’t have an optical out. This won’t do anything.
yeah I was thinking that might be the case. 
OK, so the upshot is the CC doesn’t support AC3 and audio transcoding isn’t going anywhere. Well, since we still watch and record (via SageTV) a lot of cable/satellite this is unfortunate as that’s the usual encoding. Oh well.
thanks!
I was able to get AC3 working with CCWG connected to a Vizio M70-c3 by setting Audio Passthrough to HDMI
Yep HDMI passthrough does work, but since I have a receiver (ancient!) which doesn’t have HDMI that doesn’t help me. I’ve been using optical audio and passthrough doesn’t work there. 
Your CCWG has an optical connection? 
the Plex app is running on the CCWG, which is using HDMI to connect to the TV.
Sounds like you have the TV connected to your receiver via optical. Check the TV is sending bitstream (not PCM) to your receiver over optical/SPDIF.
The only non PCM option on the optical audio is listed as “DTS 5.1”. it does send a 5.1 signal to the receiver via optical (the .1 sub works), I’m not sure there is additional processing of any kind happening or not. this is a 2013 set, so it’s a bit behind the times.
here’s the thing. when there is no program playing, the receiver (a Yamaha) completely wigs out and the digital sync indication on the display is flashing wildly. so I don’t like leaving that setting enabled on the Samsung since I have no idea what’s going on.
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