Server Version#: 4.66.1 (Windows)
Player Version#: 8.26.2.29389 (Firestick 4K Max)
I’ve been using “regular” firestick 4Ks for in home streaming of 4K Blu-Ray backups for several months with no issues. Wired gigabit via OTG connector and USB 3.1 hub with built in ethernet (limited to 480 Mbps/sec by OTG, but plenty fast enough and lower latency than wifi). Same setup on 3 TVs in the house. This has and continues to work fine with direct play (HEVC + Dolby 5.1) with no transcoding.
On Black Friday, I bought a few firestick 4K Max devices. I figured the slight increase in processor speed and ram was a good thing. The Plex interface is definitely a bit faster to respond, especially when scrolling through the DVR guide (HD Homerun Prime) or rapidly scrolling through my TV and Movie libraries (all local network). The only issue I’ve seen is trying to direct play the Blu-Ray 4k backups. No error is reported but the screen is black (no video) while the audio plays fine. I’ve confirmed several times that swapping back to a “regular” firestick 4K with the same wires/adapters/USB hub results in normal playback with no transcoding. Swapping back to the firestick 4K Max results in the same issue. FWIW, if I select “automatic transcode” in playback settings, it will HW transcode to 4k on the server and everything works, but it does get a little choppy at times (direct play works much better for 4k in my experience). The “regular” firestick 4Ks are using the same Plex App version number (8.26.2.29389).
Wondering if anyone has seen the same issue, or is aware of a fix coming, or has any suggestions. I could just stick with the “regular” firestick 4Ks if there is no solution. Thanks in advance for any help!!
