Right. This could be more of an issue with the actual Roku SDK. If that’s all the app is using, then it may not be possible for it to advertise MPEG2 support.
However, as more proof, I’ve been using Emby until the Plex and HDHR Premium Channel issue gets worked out, and OTA channels are direct streaming on my Roku devices.
If MPEG2 is offered on these devices, they’ll be played. However, Plex is never getting that far as it thinks it needs to transcode.
This is why I wish we could actually get someone from PLEX to chime in. How do we do that?
Also, how do you know the HDHR isn’t transcoding?
I wish I knew how to get them to respond more. That’s a pretty big complaint around here – no feedback from devs.
And the only HDHR that can transcode is the HDHomeRun Extend and I don’t own that model. 
Yes, if you use the Emby Roku client it will direct play and if you use the Plex Roku client it will Transcode.
Again as I mentioned try DLNA of the HDHomeRun directly from the Roku box and see how it plays the mpeg2 source (or doesn’t). That little test will tell you everything you need to know.
Right. However, the point is trying to get Plex not to transcode when it doesn’t actually have to.
Open a new thread in the Roku section and add specific mpeg2 support to Roku devices that support it. 
Already did! But, of course, as most things here on this forums, it goes unanswered.
They are busy with the real important stuff: making all plex client UIs look just like the ones for Android and iOS.
Ya but they’ll still probably not include the grid guide and recording control on the ROKU. Do they know that ROKU is the market leader in units sold for this purpose (sarc)???
Not on this side of the world 
OK, even with the new client and the updated PMS it’s still bad. The Pitt/Penn State game is OTA and WFAA is also carried on my YoutubeTV streaming package. The picture is noticeably better when watching through YoutubeTV than PLEX. This is a 4660 ROKU Ultra on a Vizio M70-C3 70" 4K TV via a Yamaha RX-A1020 with the video set to “pass through/no processing” on the receiver.
Should we investigate your issue with not being able to HW transcode? Normally SW transcoding provides for a better PQ experience but it could prove to be the opposite for you if we can get HW transcoding working.
There’s a beta Roku app I just discovered today. It looks great – little sluggish at times, though. Anyway, you can set and view recordings from it. No grid guide, but it says it’s being implemented.
I watched 2 games earlier today on OTA channels and they looked great. NBC wasn’t perfectly smooth, but it never is as it’s broadcast in 1080i30.
I got HW transcoding working by disabling the Plex service and doing this. It was no help to the PQ
Can you get someone to answer all the Q’s above about MPEG2 possibilities with the PLEX client and the ROKU devices? There seems to be confusion and some suggest that the ROKU Ultra can support an MPEG2 stream but PLEX isn’t enabling that capability.
I’ve got the beta. I think I noted that above.
Also, and don’t take offense, a lot of people don’t see things like screen door effect and other display issues. I’ve been in many discussions where people insist that the PQ is perfect, … THAT IS until they finally see it. Trust me, the PQ is NOT right.
NBC as viewed via my YoutubeTV subscription is almost as good as direct OTA and observably better than through PLEX.
Well if its transcoding the OTA broadcast stream, it is already sub-optimal in my book. I am a purist and always demand the best bits that are available. There is no MPEG2 decoder in any of the external Roku STBs. The difficulty you have is that you are heavily vested in the Roku and there simply is no solution that will better your situation (other than moving to a Shield). I have every platform from embedded PMP down to a Firestick. The only device that will direct play LiveTV for you is going to be the Shield. This will give you the PQ you are expecting when compared to a ATSC 1.0 digital signal received by your TV’s tuner.
Sorry, missed that you had the beta.
No offense taken, but I like to think I have a pretty decent eye. It’s not perfect. When it comes to channels like NBC, we’re dealing with interlaced video and live transcoding will never get that just right. I will say it looks very good. Watching on a 4K TV and I have 0 complaints. ABC and Fox do look nearly perfect, though. Those broadcast in 720p60p.
I hate to keep beating a dead horse (and trust me, it’s dead), but some Rokus can actually decode MPEG2. However, it still doesn’t officially support it – it’s not in the SDK. However, it does work.
The Roku TVs, Ultras and Streaming Stick+ I know for sure.
