Server Version#: 1.18.8.2527
Player Version#: 4.22.2
I have two videos that are both 4k VP9 videos. One transcodes while the other direct plays. Looking at the files I can’t tell any reason that this occurs. When I look at the logs I see the decision made to transcode but I can’t tell why.
Apr 17, 2020 08:57:43.603 [0x817e91000] DEBUG - Streaming Resource: Reached Decision id=52196 codes=(General=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK. Direct Play=3000,App cannot direct play this item. Direct play is disabled. Transcode=1001,Direct play not available; Conversion OK.) media=(id=56847 part=(id=56849 decision=transcode container=mp4 protocol=dash streams=(Video=(id=118375 decision=transcode bitrate=18664 encoder=libx264 width=2276 height=1280) Audio=(id=118376 decision=copy channels=2 rate=44100))))
Why things transcode in Plexweb is easy to figure out - it’s Plexweb and it’s running in your browser.
Scroll down and get the Dedicated Player App for your OS - at the “Devices/Apps” link below…
and/or (you can use both)
install Plex Media Player - The Millinnium Falcon of Plex Player Apps (it’s even got a cup holder):
Either of those two ‘Player Apps’ will probably Direct Play anything you throw at them.
Plex for Windows/Mac looks exactly like Plexweb, so you’ll never know the difference and PMP looks exactly like Plexweb until you hit the TV View Button - then your world changes and that opens up special/enhanced/super-duper features and settings within. Once set everything works in any view, but they can only be accessed and set from TV View.
Also, it can’t be blamed on PlexWeb as I’m using that for both. Some of my 4k VP9 files transcode while others don’t. Looking at the metadata I haven’t been able to determine any reason why.
