Server Version#: 1.19.4.2902
Player Version#: 8.1.2.18135 (cb28855c)
I just upgraded to a new Nvidia Shield device for playing my Plex library. My PMS is on a separate machine in the same local network. The two are hardwired together via MoCA.
When playing movies on the Nvidia Shield – with both video and audio confirmed to be direct playing – I get massive spikes in bandwidth usage, over 300 Mbps. This is often causing videos to lock up and the Plex app on the Nvidia Shield to crash entirely.
I can confirm the video files themselves aren’t the problem - I’m able to play them on my bedroom Roku TV or cast them via Chromecast just fine, and the bandwidth usage is totally normal and expected.
See the screenshot below taken from my dashboard of this happening. What can I do?
Unsure what is happening with your Shield, but with respect to the bandwidth, it is normal, desired behavior.
The Plex client is using available bandwidth until its buffer is full, then the traffic drops. As the media plays, the amount of data in the buffer decreases. Once the buffer reaches a certain low point it refills, which is why you see the bandwidth jump back to 300 Mbps.
The behavior occurs whether the client is local or remote. However, it is especially helpful when streaming to remote devices. Given the unpredictable nature of the Internet, it is desirable to buffer as much data as possible, as a steady flow of data at the desired rate may not be possible.
Think of it like a leaky bucket. You fill the bucket to the top as fast as possible then stop or slow down the filling. It drains out at a slower rate (playing the media). When the level in the bucket reaches a preset low point, you refill to the top. Repeat as needed.
Most streaming services have similar behavior. Plex, YouTube, Netflix, etc. all use some form of buffering to ensure smooth playback for the user.
Interesting - ok, I didn’t realize that and couldn’t find any detail of that in the documentation! Thank you for explaining.
I guess it makes sense that the Shield sees much larger amounts of bandwidth to build the buffer, then, since it is the only streaming device I have with gigabit ethernet.
In the Plex client, if you’ve resolution rate switching or refresh rate switching enabled, try turning them off. It should not matter, but is a quick, easy check.
If the problem persists, pull the logs and post to the thread:
Enable logging for the Plex client on the Shield (PMS app settings).
Set the Plex Server to debug logs (Server Settings -> General (Show Advanced) -> Enable Plex Media Server debug logging). Make sure Verbose logging is not selected.
With no other devices streaming, play one of the troublesome movies on the Shield, subtitles disabled, to recreate the problem.
After the problem has reoccurred, stop playback but do not exit the Plex app on the Shield. Wait one - two minutes for the server to log everything.
Pull the logs from the Plex server (Server settings -> Manage -> Troubleshooting).
Pull the logs from the Plex app on the Shield (http://shield_ip_address:32500/logging).
Pull the Plex XML info for the movie and save it as a .txt file (the forum does not support .xml attachments).
I see similar activity with my Shield. One or two large spikes when playback begins. It does level out at a lower level as the movie plays. The bandwidth spikes, just at lower levels.
