Nothing ever works as it should

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
1

Plex Media Server Logs_2020-05-09_19-33-13.zip (5.4 MB)

Server Version#:4.30.2
Player Version#:4.25.2 Tizen (Plex for Samsung)

I’m wondering if anyone can tell me why I am getting constant buffering, if I’m connected to my Plex server via ethernet.

I have a:
Samsung NU8000 UHD 4k 65" television
Netgear Nighthawk CM1200 Modem
Netger Nighthawk AC4000 Router
Synology DS418play

Originally I was watching Plex through my Apple TV 4k, but was unhappy with many of my movies playback quality. A friend of mine said I should ditch the Apple TV, and connect straight to the television. Since I’ve done that, the picture quality is FAR better…If the file actually plays that is.

For example. If I’m watching a 4k movie from my Plex server on my Synology NAS, hardwired to my Apple TV via Cat 8 Ethernet, all my files play fine, but look either Meh, or terrible.

If I watch the same 4k movie hardwired to my Samsung Smart TV, I get serious buffering issues. Sometime endless buffering.

I’ve read all the previous forums about transcoding, and hardware transcoding, I’ve read about changing my settings on my Plex app as well as my Plex sever if transcoding buffering is an issue. Ive read all about compatibility between all of the products.

What I don’t understand, is why if I have a top of the line Modem getting over 200Mbs/s download speed, directly connected to a top of the Line router, directly connected to a NAS that is listed specifically to be able to stream 4k movies, connected directly to High end 4k compatible UHD television, all using the fastest ethernet cables available…why am I having Buffering issues.

I’ve tried changing my playback settings on the app, and the server. I’ve tried telling the NAS to use more or less processing power. I’ve upgraded and added more ram to the NAS. I’ve become a Plex pass holder to allow hardware transcoding. I’ve tried every combination of setting and configurations I can think of and have done research on. Ive updated all apps, firmware, and software on all devices.

The fact the the files at least play through the Apple TV tells me that there is some sort of compression goin on, which is why I’m getting sub par picture quality. So why when I plug into the TV, with the same setting, or upgraded setting, do I get Buffering problems. The picture is Phenomenal, but it won’t play smoothly.

All of my components should be able to handle streaming a 4k movie on my hardwired home network.

PLEASE HELP!!

p.s. This is any first time trying to submit a log file for analysis. If something isn’t correct with the log file please let me know.

2

Thanks for posting your logs with your opening post. It’s greatly appreciated.

I have found your buffering problem immediately.

You have a PlexPass account, the Synology is capable of transcoding the HEVC video you have in hardware, but it’s not enabled.

First, let’s verify:

Settings - Server - Transcoder - Show Advanced

Use hardware acceleration when available should be checked.

Your logs show me:

May 08, 2020 20:10:45.397 [0x7f49859e9700] DEBUG - [Universal] Using local file path instead of URL: /volume1/KashiPLEX/KashiPLEX Movies/Doctor.Strange.2016.2160p.UHD.BluRay.REMUX.HDR.HEVC.Atmos-EPSiLON.mkv
May 08, 2020 20:10:45.398 [0x7f49859e9700] DEBUG - TPU: hardware transcoding: final decoder: , final encoder: 
May 08, 2020 20:10:45.398 [0x7f49859e9700] DEBUG - Job running: EAE_ROOT='/volume1/Plex/tmp_transcoding/pms-ce571414-2d77-4791-afb1-48b2d36af9c6/EasyAudioEncoder' FFMPEG_EXTERNAL_LIBS='/volume1/Plex/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server/Codecs/99c90e0-3095-linux-x86_64/' XDG_CACHE_HOME='/volume1/Plex/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Cache' XDG_DATA_HOME='/volume1/@appstore/Plex Media Server/Resources' X_PLEX_TOKEN='xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx' '/volume1/@appstore/Plex Media Server/Plex Transcoder' '-codec:0' 'hevc' '-codec:1' 'truehd_eae' '-eae_prefix:1' '8p0exopouku4tp67ou69ftj4_' '-noaccurate_seek' '-analyzeduration' '20000000' '-probesize' '20000000' '-i' '/volume1/KashiPLEX/KashiPLEX Movies/Doctor.Strange.2016.2160p.UHD.BluRay.REMUX.HDR.HEVC.Atmos-EPSiLON.mkv' '-filter_complex' '[0:1] aresample=async=1:ocl='\''5.1'\'':osr=48000[0]' '-map' '0:0' '-metadata:s:0' 'language=eng' '-codec:0' 'copy' '-map' '[0]' '-metadata:s:1' 'language=eng' '-codec:1' 'aac' '-strict:1' 'experimental' '-aac_coder:1' 'fast' '-q:1' '0' '-f' 'dash' '-seg_duration' '5' '-init_seg_name' 'init-stream$RepresentationID$.m4s' '-media_seg_name' 'chunk-stream$RepresentationID$-$Number%05d$.m4s' '-window_size' '5' '-delete_removed' 'false' '-skip_to_segment' '1' '-time_delta' '0.0625' '-manifest_name' 'http://127.0.0.1:32400/video/:/transcode/session/8p0exopouku4tp67ou69ftj4/cd8351bb-9087-4a5b-b129-95e2422a097f/manifest?X-Plex-Http-Pipeline=infinite' '-avoid_negative_ts' 'disabled' '-map_metadata' '-1' '-map_chapters' '-1' 'dash' '-start_at_zero' '-copyts' '-vsync' 'cfr' '-y' '-nostats' '-loglevel' 'quiet' '-loglevel_plex' 'error' '-progressurl' 'http://127.0.0.1:32400/video/:/transcode/session/8p0exopouku4tp67ou69ftj4/cd8351bb-9087-4a5b-b129-95e2422a097f/progress'
May 08, 2020 20:10:45.399 [0x7f49859e9700] DEBUG - Jobs: Starting child process with pid 1246

It should be showing me:
TPU: hardware transcoding: final decoder: vaapi, final encoder: vaapi

If the box is checked, uncheck it - save, then check it again and save.
Retest

Let me know your progress.

3

Thank you very much for your quick response. The box was checked. I did as you suggested and there is no change. It still buffers throughout playback, and if i try to fast forward or back up, it buffers indefinitely.

4

To confirm what I’m looking at versus what you tried:

Doctor Strange (2016) ?

If so, please gather the log files again and post a fresh set so I may compare.

Also, have you recently had a DSM software update from Synology?

5

Yes. The movie in question is Dr Strange. I am not using subtitles.

Plex Media Server Logs_2020-05-09_20-57-17.zip (5.5 MB)

I’;ve also tried changing the background transcoding preset to slower and faster.

Screen Shot 2020-05-09 at 8.59.06 PM
Screen Shot 2020-05-09 at 8.59.06 PM926×540 133 KB

6

No TV has gigabit Ethernet so it’s running at 10/100 on subpar hardware. Try switching your TV to wireless.

7

I just figured it out. I’m sorry about this too.

You aren’t going to be happy.

May 08, 2020 19:49:56.053 [0x7f49cc6e5700] INFO - Linux version: DSM 6.2.2.24922-4, language: en-US
May 08, 2020 19:49:56.053 [0x7f49cc6e5700] INFO - Processor Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU J3355 @ 2.00GHz

The J3355 CPU in the DS418play is the lesser CPU of the pair.

J3355 will do 4K H.264
J3455 will do 4K HEVC.

The J3455 is used in the DS718+ and the other 18+ series.

The play series models are “almost as good” and you just hit that limit.

How long have you had this unit?

From the NAS guide

Screenshot from 2020-05-10 00-13-36
Screenshot from 2020-05-10 00-13-361297×385 88.2 KB

8

Going wireless made it worse. Thank for the suggestion though.

9

If you’re going to consider changes, here is the complete NAS Compatibility Guide

I had a Synology and was able to sell it very easy to upgrade to what I wanted.

10

Figures. I’ve had it for a little over a year. So none of the NAS units on that list (Synology or others) actually say “yes”. The best there is is “decode only”. What does that mean exactly? Will mine to h.265?

If I’m going ton have to buy a new NAS anyway, which is the superior product? Should I Stick with a Synology or go with a different Brand. Mind you, the only thing I really have a NAS for to begin with is to watch Plex.

11

H.265 == HEVC

Your “J3355” CPU will do H.264 video like it’s nobody’s business
It will also do 8 bit (SDR) HEVC but there isn’t usually any content like that anymore.

DECODE ONLY is because Plex doesn’t use HEVC as the Output (Encode) format.

Plex will Decode HEVC but send H.264 to your players (maximum compatibility).
Yes, there are arguments to support encoding to HEVC but that’s above my pay grade.

If/When management & engineering ever do decide to support HEVC encoding, all I need to do is change “DECODE ONLY” to “Yes”. The J3455 and other CPUS support HEVC output.

Scroll through the guide to see. There’s quite a bit.

12

So why is it that these files would play if I ran them through the Apple TV. The didn’t look amazing, but they worked…

13

If the video bitrate is low enough , the software transcoding can handle the load.

That’s why it was working. You will always have software transcoding but you’ll not have hardware assist (which is what handles the higher bit rate good stuf)

14

I see. So Would you recommend I stay with Synology or go for a Qnap?

15

I own both Synology and QNAP.

The Synology DS918+ and the QNAP TS-453Be are equivalent.

QNAP’s UI reminds you of Microsoft (a bit more technical and you can get yourself in trouble)

Synology is very smooth, very well polished, Mac-like, and the storage control (Synology Hyrid Share system) beats QNAP any day.

The question to you is a financial one.

There are newer Synology boxes with more bays. Let me look.

EDIT: Quick look was as I thought. Nothing there really viable.

16

Yea I have mine set up on an SHR. And I’ve heard that Qnaps are more tehnical, and potentially dangerous to beginners. I thought that would make it a better machine. But I’m used to the Synology, so I guess Ill just see if I can sell my 418play for anything on Ebay :^/ If I can Ill get the 918+.

I’ve got to say I’m very impressed with this forum support. I didn’t expect to get an answer for a few days at least. Let alone one that actually found the core of the issue. Thanks for all your help!!

17

I’m almost always around ( ZERO personal life right now HAHA)

Normally though, you’ll get a quick reply. I get a notification for everything in the Synology, QNAP, and Linux forums

18

Well I really appreciate it. Is there a survey or anything I can submit to give you a good review?

Also, I see on the supported list that the DS1019+ is capable of HEVC. Can you verify this for me? If I get a new NAS I might as well get another drive bay out of this ordeal.

19

It’s correct. I’m the maintainer of the NAS Compatibility Guide :wink:

Look in the 2nd Column. J3455

20

Just Checking. Thanks again!!