I just couldn’t seem to find what I was looking for so I will ask. I would like to know the optimum file setup for PLEX. I have about 100 movies in all different formats and would like to convert them to one single file type that works best on PLEX. I will be using Handbrake to do this. I am sorta new to PLEX and I guess I want to ease the server/computer resources. I want the highest resolution possible, 1080p for me is fine as I only use an AppleTV 4 to play the files through. Is there an optimal file configuration so I know how to set up Handbrake to convert the file to? Thanks!
The mp4 file type as @chenks says is also perfect for Rokus and, as far as I know, works well for everything else.
If your ATV4 can play MKV files - that’s what you want.
MP4 files are subject to their own limitations - and the limitations of Plex when it mishandles them.
MKV files do not suffer from either of these shortcomings.
MKV files work fine for everything ‘I own’ - Rokus, FireTVs, Android Mobiles, Plexwebs, PMPs, Plex Players, ect, ect, ect.
In the, perhaps recent past, MP4 files were required for some devices, but I think those days are pretty much gone. Determine if MKV files work for the devices/clients in your Plexiverse - if so - Use MKV files.
I have had recent conversations with @Xhaka that would dispute that claim, but I have no first hand experience and without testing, or further confirmation, I can’t say for sure.
Should I disable video stream transcoding?
NO!
Unless, at some point, you want to watch a black screen (all bars) or have no audio (or both).
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Use the Infuse app for ATV4
I’m not going to be able to find it now (a million posts ago), but I asked @Xhaka specifically about MP4 files on the Apples and such and he, I believe, told me it wasn’t a requirement. We didn’t speak of IOS mobiles and I’d not be too surprised if they were still MP4 dependent.
IF my IOS Mobile was the only thing holding up MKVs - I’d think a transcode @ 360p would be preferable to just about any pain and suffering MP4 files would cause. <—a cast of - many.
I’m not concerned about mobile. Just optimal files for my main setup. Running a 55" Samsung, Sony AMP 5.1 surround, Klipsch speakers, POLK Sub. I want to watch my Blade Runner 2049 without the blacks ghosting and pixelating lol
We don’t really care about display device - what’s more important is the Device/Client feeding it media. If that’s an ATV4, see if it’ll Direct Play MKV files - by giving it one - and if not try that other thing that @SE56 indicated above.
IF you can use MKV files - that’s what you want.
IF you can’t - that’s a shame - there are other hacks to perform to ease the MP4 pain.
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I use an HP laptop Corei5 2.5ghz, 16 MB ram to run the server. Not the greatest but its what I have at the moment.
I would assume you’ll be needing everything to Direct Play - so whatever you need to do to make that happen is what you need to do.
Really chenks, mkv is by far a better format as it’s everywhere now days
Is that an advanced setting? Where is it located if you don’t mind.
That’s not specifically a ‘setting’, but more a ‘condition’.
Your player apps should be set like:
Direct Play - Auto
Direct Steam - enabled
Then by feeding your Plex media it can Direct Play to your client(s) is your next mission. You do that by ‘acquiring’ the proper material - or ‘creating’ it - or changing a setting that might be ‘preventing’ it.
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Can you show us the XML data for that particular movie? Cause if it’s a simple container problem, or audio problem, it shouldn’t be causing ghosting and pixelating (as the video in that situation is untouched). Better yet, if you get Tautulli, and you playback, screengrab the Tautulli playback page and we can see if it’s transcoding, direct streaming, or direct playing, and what combination of things is/are wrong.
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Just to time chime as I got a tag. The new advanced player on tvOS has no issues with direct play of mkv files.
I hardly ever use Plex on my mobile and wouldn’thave blindly liked to say it can… so here’s a nice picture.
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It’s an MP4
That file is, most likely - Dead On Arrival.
It has a stench of YiFi about it.
The bit rate is too low (coming from me - Call Ripley). If you want better material - get some or create some. You can’t ‘fix’ that one.
Advanced player on the iPad works a treat as well, I have 3 in the house.
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