I’d like to use the Optimize feature in Plex to create versions of some media files optimized for different clients, mostly Chromecast and and Chrome also. My problem is that I’m don’t know what kind of conversion parameters will be used Plex to convert the original media. Basically I want to control these parameters myself: what video code to use, what audio codec to use, etc.
Is there a way to do this? I’ve dug around in my Plex installation’s files, but I haven’t found any config XML or anything with which I could influence what “Optimize for TV” actually does? I don’t want to use an external program like Handbrake as suggested by others in the forum, because … this functionality seems to be built into Plex.
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Nope, you cannot customize the optimize feature. This is designed with specific codecs and parameters in mind to be the most compatible with the client you choose. If you want to make custom versions, you’ll have to do it manually with some other conversion program or using the PlexTranscoder via command line.
That’s most unfortunate. Is there some documentation available on which “preset” does what kind of encoding? Currently I’m trying to figure out which one could be most optimal for me. I’m trying to optimize my files for Chromecast 2nd gen (no preset for that). My primary goal is to down mix my media with “non 2.0” or “AC3 2.0” audio to “2.0 AAC”. Such media always involves transcoding, even though I can handle the bandwidth.
We don’t have those settings documented. The Chromecast player is very similar to the Smart TV one, so “Optimize for TV” would be the most appropriate for compatibility.
I’ll try it, thanks.
I also have a problem playing back media files in the Plex Web Player in Chrome - everything plays, but again multi-channel audio, AC3 is transcoded. I want to avoid that. My Plex Server is weak 
However I do tried optimizing one of my media file for TV, but playing it in my browser still incurred audio transcode. 
I’m pretty sure it did. I’ll test it again nonetheless using this profile again, maybe I’ve messed up something.
@“MovieFan.Plex” said:
The Chromecast player is very similar to the Smart TV one, so “Optimize for TV” would be the most appropriate for compatibility.
I’ve tried this out, optimized one of my files using this profile and tried playing it on Chromecast, but transcode still happened. I’ve checked with the “Get info” command available in the Plex webapp on the media file that the optimized version still has 5.1 ac3 audio, the container changed from MKV to MP4 though.
I know I could use Chromecast to passthough the 5.1 audio, but I don’t have the equipment. The device is plugged into a TV and that’s it. Is there a way to add a profile to optimize for such a situation? “Optimize for Chromecast?” or something? It’s a 2nd gen device, not the latest Ultra.
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