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Hi, I have an issue with audio playback on some files. Generally it all works fine, but if a file has AC3 5.1 on it only, I just hear background noises, no voices etc. My setup is basic, Plex server running on a PC, with a firestick plugged into my TV. Just using TV speakers so not fussed about audio quality, but just want it to work.
I’ve seen some guides on how to lower the audio coding output but can’t see settings to do so on my server.
What is the audio setting for the FireStick (not the Plex app)?
Try setting it to Always Dolby Digital.
In the Plex app set Passthrough = HDMI.
This will tell Plex & the FireStick to passthrough AC3 5.1 to your TV. Your TV can then decode and play the audio.
If it still does not work:
In Plex app settings, set Display Information = On.
Play a movie/show with AC3 5.1 audio. During playback, pull up the on-screen controls (tap bottom of ring on remote, pause video, etc). In upper left corner of display, it will say if media is direct playing, direct streaming, or transcoding. If the latter, it will provide a reason. What does it show?
I set passthrough to be HDMI on the FireStick and it doesn’t work. With display info on, it comes up saying
“Transcode reason: unable to direct play as source media has higher H264 level (41) than supported (40)”
So, I set the H264 maximum to disabled and it still doesn’t provide sound. But just says “Direct play” on the info panel.
If I hit the cog on a show that’s playing and tell it to convert to 720p, the audio is back. So I am able to watch stuff. It also says “Resolution or bitrate exceeds maximum allowed” when playing with the audio working.
I don’t seem to be able to change anything else. Maybe a server setting to set outgoing shows to a standard?
Just use 5.0 - results with it disabled may be unpredictable.
Your TV, obviously, can’t downmix 5.1 to 2.0 - or it’s doing it so poorly it decides you don’t need the dialog tracks. Disable passthrough in the Plex app settings. That’ll force the FireTV to handle the audio and if it can’t Plex will transcode a suitable audio stream (probably AAC 2.0 - but at least it may downmix better) and you may recover the dialog tracks (center - or something).
It’s complicated and even that info above may send you wandering aimlessly through the woods - 'cause it’s difficult to know who’s doing what with what we have.
FireTV Audio Setting: DD+ Auto.
Plex App:
Set the H264 level to 5.0
Disable HDMI passthrough in the Plex App.
Still no audio with the settings you said. It does now say ‘direct play’ in the info screen. I hear the track for added noises, a baby crying, credit etc.
Plex and/or FireTV think the TV can deal with AC3 5.1, but it can’t and nobody else seems willing to do the downmixing. That’s the problem. Nothing you do seems to trigger Plex into transcoding that audio stream the TV can’t deal with.
You can force Plex to transcode the entire stream by fiddling with the quality, but you don’t really need anything, but the audio to transcode - a Direct Stream in other words, but that isn’t happening for some reason.
Note: in trying to raise some interest for this thread, I quoted it in another thread about Android/FireTV Audio problems <---- and that thread has a staff member involved… we’ll have to wait and see what happens… In the meantime continue hunting for the appropriate work-around that may force Plex to do what it’s supposed to do - transcode something when it won’t play on something.
Xmedia Recode can downmix anything - to anything - while copying the video stream - and put it into any container you want - while dealing with any subtitles - in moments.
There is no ‘instruction manual’. It doesn’t need one. Those clever Germans that invented it made it so easy to use - it’s almost idiot proof (certified idiot speaking).
I use it every single day to change DTS and E-AC3, I can’t use, into AC3 I can use. You could maintain the original audio track (copy), while downmixing a ‘Stereo’ track to be used right now. XR can easily put both tracks in an MKV file - along with 49 sub tracks if you like…lol
You could at least deal with the ones you want to watch for now - and hope for something else later.
I offer the link above and XR as an immediate solution, but perhaps not the best solution for the long-haul.
I’m struggling with the same issue, no dialogue on fire stick connected to an older samsung tv, tried passthrough, changing h264 levels etc… still no joy.
