Playback error - The Server is not powerful enough to convert video

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Server Version#: 1.30.1.6550
Player Version#: Web: 4.87.2

OK, this is a new problem that I have only just noticed, it was present in the Plex server version before (as in I have just updated the server to current with zero effect on the issue).

This problem is a little odd, as it only affects some media, particularly anything recoded using PVR (Homerun), and also some other odd media files.

it also only seems to affect some clients, Web/Android (9.13.1.37459)/IOS are a problem, Roku/Samsung (old)/etc not affected.

the error is this message when attempting to play said media

the server

The server is a Win 7 (Enterprise) box.

Normally, I have transcoding video disabled, but this error is still present when it’s enabled.

The clients have this issue both locally and remotely, all have ‘original’ set for both local and remote quality - ie. transcoding should be unnecessary.

I have checked out the network setting and any issues I can imagine around this (including router settings etc).

So, I am now at a loss as to what this issue is and where it’s come from?

Suggestions?

Edit - I note the android app was updated on the 20th December…

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First things first… have you verified your server is actually strong enough to transcode the media files in question?

If the server is configured not to transcode files, the client might consider that as the server not being powerful enough to transcode.

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kind of missing the point.

server can transcode, but it should not have to, the clients should be able to deal with the native streams.

if I enable transcoding, then change the playback settings to force transcoding, it works, however, what’s the point in forcing transcoding when the client should be able to handle the native stream?

they always used to be able to do this, something has changed.

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Could these affected clients play DVR content before? I ask since Direct Play is device specific and the codec used might not be supported by the player in question and it will need to transcode. As noted before, if transcoding is disabled you typically get the same message.

5

Short answer is yes.

I guess it’s possible the broadcast stuff has changed, however, it does not look like it has:
sample

this is an example of a recorded file.

One thing I may have not made clear, the message comes up instantly, not after a few moments of trying to transcode or anything.

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