Plex DVR live and recorded HD tv is in wrong aspect ratio (4:3 when it should be 16:9)

General Discussions Plex Features
1

Hello,

I’m running a PMS server in a freeNAS plugin, version 1.13.0.5003 (the latest PlexPass version as of this post). My server is connected to an HDHomeRun Prime, tuning into RCN Chicago broadcasts via a CableCard. I’ve noticed for a few months now that on any HD content, the Plex DVR streams/records it in 1920x1080 but forces a 1.33 (4:3) aspect ratio, which causes widescreen content to be “letterboxed” on the left and right sides. This happens on all HD channels and content, and occurs while streaming to all devices (web client, Android, PS4, iOS).

I had “experimental” transcoding-while-recording on for a few weeks, but this made it even worse. Several recordings were transcoded directly into a 1920x1440 file (4:3 ratio), which meant they were permanently stretched!

The HDHomeRun, when accessing via their app, displays streaming content at the correct aspect ratio, so this appears to be an issue directly with Plex, or at least how it’s communicating with the HDHomeRun.

Based on a bunch of posts that I’ve searched, this seems to be an ongoing intermittent bug for several months that has not yet been fixed. Is there any way to force an aspect ratio while streaming, or at least manually change it for files?

1 Like
2

i have the same problem. my server is running on windows 10 and i have a hdhomerun connect duo tuner. its happening for me on SD content as well. my clients are mainly Samsung smart TV’s. at the moment i am having to manually convert the files once they have recorded using 3rd party software which is a bit of a pain.

3

Hello,

Any update? I have same problem. If I transcode to 720p it vill be OK, but I want use on 1080p

Thanks,
M.

4

I’m also having this issue. For me it seems to be mostly SD content from the Hdhomerun that is being broadcast in 16:9, but plex is displaying it in stretched 4:3. My server & player are both a Nvidia shield. The tv is coming from hdhomerun. The HD homerun app shows the aspect ratios correctly as does all other apps that interface with the Hdhomerun. It’s only plex that is not working correctly.
C’mon plex programmers! This has been an identified issue for a while & surely can’t be that hard to fix? I’m starting to regret my lifetime plex pass though.
While I’m having a whinge, why does it take so look long to change the channel in live tv?