# LG plex app transcodes everything **URL:** \ **Category:** Plex Players\ **Tags:** lg-webos, server-linux-arm\ **Created:** [June 23, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294 "2021-06-23T20:38:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/1 "2021-06-23T20:38:59Z")
Server Version#: 1.22.3.4392 Player Version#: 4.29.9 WebOS#: 2.2.0 TV#: LG circa 2019 My TV can’t play anything from my server. I have set quality to **Original**. I haven’t selected any subtitles. Still the player complains that the server isn’t powerful enough to transcode. Direct Play and Direct Stream is on ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2021, 8:44pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/2 "2021-06-23T20:44:10Z")
original means original quality, not original file. Enable logging to server in the app, try to play something then grab [server logs](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200250417-plex-media-server-log-files/) and we may be able to tell you why it was trying to transcode. ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2021, 9:10pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/3 "2021-06-23T21:10:32Z")
Thanks. I’m aware that it should be the original quality and not be transcoded. In the plex web dashboard it says that video and audio are both direct played. It also says “error”. Which log file could be of help? I have activated “log to media server” in the player but can’t seem to find a log file named anything like the player. I downloaded the zip from plex web. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2021, 10:32pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/4 "2021-06-23T22:32:19Z")
> [@Martin](#): > > Thanks. I’m aware that it should be the original quality and not be transcoded. that is incorrect . original quality does not mean don’t transcode. it means play it at the same quality (resolution/bitrate) The `plex media server.log` should be fine or just attach the whole zip file ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 6:03am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/6 "2021-06-24T06:03:33Z")
Thanks, here’s the log file. I created a new one, only thing I’ve done is try to play two movies with the webos client. The client often hangs after it has gotten the error message that the server isn’t powerful enough to transcode. [Plex Media Server.log](https://forums.plex.tv/uploads/short-url/lHhokxBmW8MpAe85BymR0zPnJt1.log) (223.5 KB) Thank you for your assistance. ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/7 "2021-06-24T19:48:17Z")
in the app what is your remote quality set to? It looks like the app is connecting as if it is not on the same network. ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 7:53pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/8 "2021-06-24T19:53:50Z")
It’s not on the same network. Remote is set to **Original.** Sidenote, everything works fine in all the other clients that I use. ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 8:10pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/9 "2021-06-24T20:10:26Z")
Did they enable logging to the app then reproduce? We don’t see the LG app logs it appears to be the web app logs. ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 8:32pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/10 "2021-06-24T20:32:09Z")
Yes it was on. Account **[server.user@gmail.com](mailto:server.user@gmail.com)** is the LG TV on WebOS 2.2.0 with Player Version 4.29.9 Some info I find interesting, hope it can help. Jun 24, 2021 06:47:23.025 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Now] User is [server.user@gmail.com](mailto:server.user@gmail.com) (ID: 20788072) Jun 24, 2021 06:47:23.025 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Now] Device is webOS (LG 65UF680V-ZA). Jun 24, 2021 06:47:56.812 [0xb1a30d48] **ERROR** - Unable to find client profile for device; platform=webOS, platformVersion=2.2.0, device=, model=65UF680V-ZA Jun 24, 2021 06:47:56.817 [0xb1a30d48] DEBUG - Streaming Resource: Terminated session 0xb25af220:c4s5lvfj7lfgkqgqkmapu6er with reason Client stopped playback. Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.547 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: The Mole Agent (2020): Direct Play is disabled Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.547 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: The Mole Agent (2020): media must be transcoded in order to use the hls protocol Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.548 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: The Mole Agent (2020): no direct play video profile exists for http/mp4/h264 Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.548 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: The Mole Agent (2020): no direct play video profile exists for http/mp4/h264/aac Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.548 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: The Mole Agent (2020): selected media 0 / 2856 Jun 24, 2021 06:47:24.549 [0xb1929d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] Streaming Resource: Reached Decision id=3095 codes=(General=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK. Direct Play=3000,App cannot direct play this item. Direct play is disabled. Transcode=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK.) media=(id=2856 part=(id=2972 ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2021, 11:34pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/12 "2021-06-24T23:34:49Z")
@Martin is it possible to get a [sample file](https://forums.plex.tv/t/unable-to-find-client-profile-for-device/475401) of one they tried to play. I think the webos just might not support it. ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 9:29pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/13 "2021-06-25T21:29:23Z")
It happens with any file I try to play. Mkv “scene” releases. ---
**Author:** ![kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/kazek127_gmail_com)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2021, 8:47pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/14 "2021-07-06T20:47:50Z")
I have the same problem at home on 2 LG TVs. It is transcoding every time. I can see it on the server preview that the clients are currently transcoded. After launching the browser on the TV and replaying the movie from the browser, the movie is played as in the original without transcoding. ---
**Author:** ![FordGuy61](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/22d042/32.png) [@FordGuy61](https://forums.plex.tv/u/FordGuy61)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/15 "2021-07-07T02:38:57Z")
@kazek127_gmail_com Plex Media Server version & platform? LG client version and model number? Plex server & client versions available at [Authorized Devices](https://app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/settings/devices/all). 1. Set your server to debug level logging. See [Reporting Issues with Plex Media Server](https://support.plex.tv/articles/201643703-reporting-issues-with-plex-media-server/) for details. 2. Set the LG TV to log to server at debug level. 3. With subtitles turned off, play one of the movies that transcodes for 15 - 30 seconds. 4. Stop playback. Wait 1 minute. 5. Pull [server logs.](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200250417-plex-media-server-log-files/) 6. Upload the zip file to this thread (drag it into the message window, it will insert at the cursor location). 7. Retrieve the XML information for the movie you played. Save it as a .txt file. Attach to the thread. See Examining Your Media section of [Investigate Media Information](https://support.plex.tv/articles/201998867-investigate-media-information-and-formats/#toc-1) for details. ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 8:04am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/16 "2021-07-07T08:04:18Z")
Can’t believe I didn’t ask this but what does it say the reason for transcoding is in the app during playback? (select the dots too the left of the play button in on screen controller and look at playback info) ---
**Author:** ![kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/kazek127_gmail_com)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 12:26pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/17 "2021-07-07T12:26:09Z")
[Plex Media Server Databases\_2021-07-07\_05-24-01.zip](https://forums.plex.tv/uploads/short-url/pSt0bmcspYqYmL8DQgA1j40N9Ef.zip) (373.7 KB) [Plex Media Server Logs\_2021-07-07\_05-23-53.zip](https://forums.plex.tv/uploads/short-url/zfIhhH9Z0U59M7vFlLvNs67idTG.zip) (2.3 MB) [the little things.txt](https://forums.plex.tv/uploads/short-url/lPRun5YBqqBnn6U4CGjlFymTvjJ.txt) (42.4 KB) ---
**Author:** ![FordGuy61](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/22d042/32.png) [@FordGuy61](https://forums.plex.tv/u/FordGuy61)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 4:02pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/18 "2021-07-07T16:02:22Z")
@kazek127_gmail_com Thanks for the log files. I see nothing wrong with how your LG is playing movies. The log files show no transcoding for The Little Things. The movie plays normally. An earlier movie, Nobody, was transcoding. That was due to your subtitle and audio track selection. Keep in mind how the Plex LG app behaves with subtitles. It is easy to force a video transcode, especially if the audio is transcoding. 1. Enabling image based subtitles, PGS or VOBSUB, results in a video transcode. 2. If audio is transcoding, enabling any subtitle results in a video transcode. 3. If audio is direct playing, text subtitles, SRT & VTT, direct play. 4. For ASS/SSA subtitles: 1. If Burn Subtitles = Automatic in the Plex LG app, enabling ASS/SSA subtitles results in a video transcode. 2. If Burn Subtitles = Only Image Formats, ASS/SSA subtitles, direct play, but formatting information (color, location, etc) may be lost. To use the Plex LG app with subtitles and avoid video transcoding: - Use text subtitles - SRT/VTT - Choose audio tracks that direct play - AC3/EAC3/AAC ---
**Author:** ![Martin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/martin/32/86798_2.png) [@Martin](https://forums.plex.tv/u/Martin)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 4:58pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/19 "2021-07-07T16:58:17Z")
Any idea why my setup doesn’t work @FordGuy61 ? ---
**Author:** ![FordGuy61](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/22d042/32.png) [@FordGuy61](https://forums.plex.tv/u/FordGuy61)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 5:43pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/20 "2021-07-07T17:43:34Z")
Short Answer: Everything looks normal to me. The log file does not show any video or audio transcoding. Long Answer: I did not see any video or audio transcoding in the log file you provided. Plex is direct streaming (remuxing) the media, which shows in the logs as transcoding the MKV/MP4/etc container. However, this does not effect video or audio quality. Log entry when playing A Glitch in the Matrix: `Jun 24, 2021 06:42:43.359 [0xb1a61d48] DEBUG - [Transcode] Streaming Resource: Reached Decision id=3203 codes=(General=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK. Direct Play=3000,App cannot direct play this item. Direct play is disabled. Transcode=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK.) media=(id=2941 part=(id=3062 decision=transcode container=mpegts protocol=hls streams=(Video=(id=14285 decision=copy width=1920 height=1080) Audio=(id=14286 decision=copy channels=6 rate=48000))))` Key parts: `Video=(id=14285 decision=copy` `Audio=(id=14286 decision=copy` If the video or audio were being transcoded, you would see decision = transcode. The same thing happens when playing The Mole Agent. You can monitor this without having to dig into the log files. Pull up the on-screen display during playback as suggested by BigWheel. You mentioned the TV is remote. You could have someone take a picture of the screen with the info and send it to you. You can also monitor playback via [Plex Dashboard](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200871837-status-and-dashboard/#toc-1) → Now Playing. It is not as detailed as the on-screen display. However, it will show if the video or audio is transcoding. Also, you can do this from your location (or anywhere if you’ve remote access enabled). You do not have to be in front of the TV. ---
**Author:** ![SE56](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/se56/32/222425_2.png) [@SE56](https://forums.plex.tv/u/SE56)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 6:03pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/21 "2021-07-07T18:03:29Z")
My answer for you would be invest in a Box like a Apple TV, Roku or a Shield Pro. The Old Smart TV client was a clunky version, which at times worked as required. Unfortunately does not receive much Plex love anymore. You could future proof for the next TV with 4K box or buy a recent model secondhand unit for much less. This TV must be a HD model and not a UHD for it be 2019 set, I have 2018 model OLED UHD model WebOS 4.3 and the New Client works a treat. Yes it has limitations but I’m extremely happy with the New Plex client. ---
**Author:** ![kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@kazek127\_gmail\_com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/kazek127_gmail_com)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2021, 7:22pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294/22 "2021-07-07T19:22:37Z")
Logs what I present was without subtitles. I always watch movies with sub, and under server status under Panel tab I see that movies are transcoding. Sub are in srt format. [The.Little.Things.2021.1080p.BluRay.1400MB.DD5.1.x264-GalaxyRG.txt](https://forums.plex.tv/uploads/short-url/cyFMXOLUn1xcYRZn0cmzHfJozhP.txt) (74.1 KB) [Next page](https://forums.plex.tv/t/lg-plex-app-transcodes-everything/724294.md?page=2)