I am new to plex and I have finally set up remote access. My question is, how can I change my client device to receive my content in higher quality video format? Or what would I need to do to my server? I have content ranging from 720p to 1080p and when I remote watch it on an outside network but the video outside my home network is very low quality (320p) and when I try and change it to 720p it defaults back to 320p. I have looked online but can’t find a solution, could anyone help? I assume this question has been asked but I can not find the answer! My server is a Mac mini and my upload speed is 10-12 mb/s.
Most ISPs give you a high bandwidth when it comes to the max download speed but a much lower upload speed. When you’re playing content from outside your home network it all comes down to that upload speed.
Keep in mind… your uplink has not only to deal with the average bitrate of your videos but the maximum bitrate. With an average video, the max bitrate can easily be 30% over the average… in some cases even higher. Also: videos don’t stream in a linear way… so the bandwidth demand can be quite high.
If your bandwidth is not sufficient to transfer the required bitrate, Plex will attempt to transcode the video at a lower bitrate (which can also mean a lower resolution).
Server side restrictions
You can configure Plex to use only a subset of the available upload speed with settings available in Settings > Server > Remote Access. This has a similar effect as described above
Client side restrictions
Most clients support video quality settings for various environments (e.g. home streaming, internet/remote streaming and mobile/cellular streaming). If your bandwidth allows it, always try to go for original or maximum quality. Otherwise Plex will again try to transcode your video in order to meet that setting.
Usually you only want to stream at a lowered quality if you want to „save data“ (e.g. if you’re on a metered connection) or if your client cannot Desk with certain media characteristics of your videos.
I have tested it on my iPhone and iPad, and my friend has tried it on his smart tv. I have gone through loads of settings and can never get a better quality
Hi, sorry about the late reply, but I am not sure, my remote access setting looks like the attached picture, nothing about bitrates or anything, will it be on a different menu on the left? Where would I need to go to see the bitrates? (sorry that I’m not much help, this is all over my head…!)
You can use a service such as speedtest.net to determine your upload speed. Usually this information is also listed in the contract with your ISP or the service description on their home page.
As for the actual files you can e.g. use Plex itself or use 3rd party apps such as MediaInfo to determine a lot more technical details.
Ahh, that makes sense… I didn’t realize the limiting of stream bitrates and the upload speed specification were Plex Pass only, that seems an odd choice, but it’s cool The more you know…
Edit: Does that mean it’s set to use maximum available bandwidth for upload by default? I sure hope so.
Yep - every control that determines quality/bit rate/resolution are in the player apps at the remote location. <—apart from the Plex ‘sniff test’ on the upload wherein it could just transcode when something won’t fit.
Thanks for the reply, my up speed is about 10-12mb is that too low? Also if I get the plex pass would I have additional settings to enable me to get better quality videos on the client apps from outside my home network?
The additional settings will only allow you to better manage additional limitations:
by setting a (maximum) internet upload speed – this helps Plex to operate within that boundary and reduces Plex from blocking the entire bandwidth
by setting a limit to the remote video quality, e.g. restricting clients to a maximum quality.
So both scenarios will not help you in actually improving the overall quality of your video streaming.
As for the video quality… if your content is based on an actual Blu-Ray, it will not be sufficient to stream that in direct / maximum quality (blu-ray content can average in the area of 25 Mbit/s, with peaks in the range of 40-50 Mbit/s). If your media is optimized in the same range as many online streaming services, the average bandwidth usually ranges at 5-10 Mbit/s – however the peaks can still get you in trouble.
Bit rates over about 8mb are going to transcode. Factoring in peaks and the 80% ceiling.
If you have the horsepower Plex will transcode a suitable version for just about anything. If you’re relying on Direct Play - you may have to ‘Create’ some material that’ll do it.
The more you know… 
