Hello,
I am experiencing inconsistent transcoding behavior depending on the client used.
Server Environment
-
Plex Media Server: 1.43.1.10611
-
Host OS: Unraid 7.2.4
-
Installation type: Docker
-
Docker image: Official Plex container
-
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS
-
GPU: AMD Radeon 780M (HawkPoint)
Hardware Transcoding Configuration
-
Use hardware acceleration when available: Enabled
-
Use hardware-accelerated video encoding: Enabled
-
Hardware device selected: AMD HawkPoint1
-
/dev/dripassed into container: Yes
Problem Description
Hardware transcoding only works when using Plex through web browsers. It works correctly in Plex Web (Chrome and Safari), but does not work properly in native Plex applications.
So far, I have reproduced the issue with:
-
Plex for iOS (iPhone 15)
-
Plex for Android
-
Plex for Mac
-
Plex for Apple TV / tvOS
Works correctly
Using the exact same media file:
-
Plex Web in Chrome
-
Plex Web in Safari
Dashboard shows:
-
Source: HEVC Main10 (hw)
-
Output: H264 Transcode (hw)
GPU usage is visible and CPU usage remains low.
Fails in native apps
Using the same file in Plex apps:
-
GPU activity starts briefly (sometimes)
-
Then stops
-
CPU usage spikes heavily
-
Transcoding continues on CPU
Dashboard shows transcoding, but without sustained hardware acceleration.
Test Media
-
4K DoVi / HDR10
-
HEVC Main10
-
Audio: EAC3 5.1
-
[MKV / MP4]
Reproduced with multiple unrelated media files (H264, HEVC, SDR, 1080p, simple AAC audio).
Issue only affects native Plex apps.
Plex Web hardware transcoding works correctly.
Reproduction Steps
-
Open Plex app (iOS / Android / Mac / Apple TV)
-
Play the file
-
Force transcoding (1080p / lower bitrate)
-
CPU usage becomes very high
-
GPU is not used continuously
Then test the same file in Chrome or Safari:
- Hardware transcoding works normally
Question
Is this a known client profile issue, codec negotiation problem, or a bug affecting native Plex apps with AMD hardware transcoding?
Thank you.
