Is there a way to import a new video file, in a way that plex doesn’t re import it and add it to “recently added” with blank meta data and tags.
ex. overwriting movie-webrip-720p.mkv with movie-bluray-1080p.mkv
Not if you include the resolution in the file name.
Otherwise name the new file identical to the old, move it and replace the old file. refresh the metadata and the new specs show up but does not add it to the recently added queue.
■■■■■■. I want to rename because they are named by resolution. Oh well
As long as the agent is the same you should be able to.
I’ve tested many times and I don’t have it down pat yet, what I do is remove the old, wait for plex to throw the “trash bin icon” on the poster and then add the new one.
Are you deleting the old file first? And if so, is “Automatically Empty Trash” enabled in the Plex server settings? Don’t do it that way. 
You should be able to add the new file, and include the new resolution info, but keep the original in it’s original location. Let the server find the new version and match it. You should see a little blue “2” in the left hand corner, indicating there are duplicate versions of the movie. I usually let Plex do whatever it’s gonna do with sorting things out, and then later delete the old file (I give it a half hour or so, but you probably don’t need that long) When you remove the old file, The duplicate indicator will disappear. and the new version will not be considered as “Recently Added” If you have “Empty Trash Automatically” disabled, you will have to manually empty the trash to get rid of the “trash can/unavailable” overlay icon.
Hope that helps
If you have “Empty Trash Automatically” enabled, I don’t think you’ll get the trash can icon. so the new version will be considered “Recently Added” if you delete first, because it has been wiped from the database (theoretically)
You won’t. I had that option ON once way back in the day and it was disastrous. Never again. I assume that option is off by default but I don’t know. Heaven knows what plex thinks sometimes.
It is enabled by default on new installations. It didn’t used to be that way. I actually check after each server update to make sure it is disabled, because I don’t want all of my stuff considered “Recently Added” just because a drive became temporarily unavailable or disconnected.
I never understood the reasoning for enabling it by default – something about making it easier for the less technically inclined people, I believe.
What’s more easier. Finding out why some of your content is missing or find out why you have little trash bin icons on your movies?
LOL – That’s a question you’ll have to ask the programmers. I never had a problem finding the “Empty Trash” command, but maybe I’m special. 
You and me both. Though I suspect it’s more nefarious than that.
