Saw that I could switch to the new “Download” feature from sync, and I’m seeing a few problems.
The first being that when I go to see the downloaded content, and then again when I go to play the content, I have to wait while it connects to the server. The whole point of downloading things is so I don’t have to connect to the server. I live in an area with low cell service, so it can take a long time for this to complete. Same for at work where they block plex on the network.
The second being that, when I go to “download” a playlist, I don’t appear to have the option to only download the first 5 episodes, or only unwatched items. I don’t want to download the entire show or playlist, I just want the next couple episodes to watch on my lunch break.
This really seems like a step backwards. Is there plans to improve this functionality, because as it is now, it’s almost useless to me.
The app will try to check with your server incase you’ve downloaded anything that was “smart” (i.e. next unwatched item) so it can be updated. The message should go away after a short time. If you are seeing this for an extended amount of time, please let us know and provide logs so we can look into it.
You cannot currently download part of a playlist. We are looking to improve that. For now, a work around is to edit/create a new playlist that matches the criteria you want.
The check for new downloads should be in the background as Plex starts. It should be invisible to the user except as an entry in the notification area. It should not be a pop up that prevents the user from viewing the library, or keeping local music playback from happening.
I should never see this screen when browsing or playing local content.
Sorry, I wasn’t totally clear in my last comment. The actual check for Downloads is done in the background and shown in your notification area.
When you see “talking to server”, it could actually mean the PMS server (or servers) you have access to, to check they still exist and working, or it could mean checking with Plex.tv’s server to verify your account status. i.e. checking that the account you are signed into is an active/valid Plex account. It also sometimes checks in with Plex.tv if it needs to download a updated codec.
I would need to see the android logs to check what it is actually doing.
I get that for when I’m browsing live data on the server, and maybe even the occasional check when I’m browsing downloaded data, but to have it do so every time is not an ideal option.
Once a week, or once a month would be annoying, but fine, and to be honest, these checks could be done in the background without interrupting the user interaction.
As it is, I have to wait for these checks three times. When I first open Plex, I have to wait for it to connect before it even shows me any options. Then again when I load the downloaded library on my phone. And finally when I hit play. None of these issues occur if I have signal, or if I turn on airplane mode. It’s only when signal is bad or if I have good signal, but plex is blocked on the network.
I should be able to get into my car and have music playing before I get to the end of my driveway, as it stands now, I can be a few miles down the road before it finally lets me actually listen to music.
Ok, that is definitely too many. I can’t reproduce. Here’s what I tried.
set phone to airplane mode
open Plex app (I do get a spinner for a long time)
ignore spinner and change to the Downloads library in the sidebar
I do not see that “talking to server” message or any type of delays. I can navigate all my Downloaded content, even play them, without any issues.
What you are seeing is definitely not expected so getting me the logs would be best. You can post them here or you can DM to me if you don’t want to share publicly.
Like I said, no service at all, and good service, and the problem isn’t as bad.
But low signal, where it can try to connect but not really push any data through and it has problems.
Initially, when I start Plex in a low signal area, I’ll get the opening splash screen with the plex logo, and it will basically hang there. The hamburger button will never pop up, I can’t ignore it and go to the sidebar because there is no sidebar yet. It won’t work until I either put my phone in airplane mode, or go where I can get better signal.
The same thing happens if I’m on a network with various ports or IPs blocked. For instance, I can access the plex website at work, but I can’t access any of the services, whether it’s my personal server, or plex services like podcasts.
