Recently moved my PMS over from my Netgear Readynas to a new PC running an Intel i7-7700, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD.
I definitely had issues with the netgear and its lack of CPU power especially when it came to transcoding, was hoping this new CPU would do a lot better. checked my tautulli dashboard and noticed im still transcoding at 720, 480 and even 328p. None of them seem to transcode at 1080p even though they are 1080p files.
I believe i’ve set my server to allow for this but not sure if this something i have wrong or if its client side. I have it set to “Make my CPU hurt” and checking task manager, its only using like 40% or so CPU. screenshot attached, for example - top left and top right are watching the same media file.
Are any of the devices remote? If so, check Settings -> Remote Access -> Internet Upload Speed and Limit Remote Stream Bitrate.
The transcode quality (resolution) is what is requested by the client. If the client requests a 1080p video but at a 720p quality, the server will transcode it to 720p.
On the 55" Samsung, check the playback quality setting in the Plex app. Is it set to 720p/4Mbps instead of Original?
A transcode does not always use 100% of a CPU. The transcoder is using 40% of the CPU because that is all it needs. “Transcode (Throttled)” means the CPU has extra cycles, not that it is overworked.
Under Remote Access, its set to Original and nothing is limited. Do you think they are transcoding due to something on the clients side? this is mostly my family accessing from different states so i can’t really check their settings but im shocked it would drop down to 328p.
Yes. It definitely looks like something on the client side.
The LG TV & 65" Samsung are direct playing at original quality. The Safari Plex Web client is transcoding at original quality. It looks like Safari does not support the video codec.
The 55" Samsung, Xbox, & S9+ are transcoding to a reduced quality. It looks like the client has requested a lower quality, which is causing the transcode.
Have them check the settings on the 55" Samsung, Xbox, & Galaxy S9+.
Edit: If the person using Safari is on a Mac, have them try Plex Media Player instead. It is a much better client. It supports more audio & video codecs than web browsers. You’ll see less transcoding load on your Plex server. There is also a Windows version for anybody using a PC. If they’re on an iPhone or iPad, then they should try the native iOS app.
very strange that the 55" samsung would be transcoding at such a low resolution, same with the xbox. The S9+ i did notice he was on cellular so that makes sense, he probably never changed his setting.
just weird to see the tv and xbox default to such a low res.
Server. 2nd item in Settings, between General & Agents. Login to PMS via Plex Web or Plex Media Player. Server settings are not visible in Smart TV, mobile, etc clients.
Some clients default to lower bandwidth settings when first installed. For example, Android mobile defaults to 720p, 2 mbps for remote streams (wifi) and .7 Mbps / 320p for cellular (which explains the S9+). See screenshot below from my Nexus 5X. I deleted / re-installed the app, and it reverted to default settings.
Check default settings on Samsung TV & Xbox & change if needed.
I must be blind.. This in on the server side.. but dont see the setting you are talking about
Settings -> Remote Access -> Internet Upload Speed and Limit Remote Stream Bitrate.
My bad. You’re not blind. It is a Plex Pass feature. I previously checked the Plex Free vs Paid page, but not the Remote Access documentation (where it is mentioned). Apologies for the mix-up.
yea i double checked all my settings. no idea why sometimes my dads showing streaming at full resolution and other times it transcodes down to 480p. weird,
