Server Version#: 1.18.9.2578
Player Version#: 7.30.1 - Plex for Android
I’m spending lockdown staying at a mates, and they have awful internet. We’re having to transcode REMUX files (60-80mbps) down to 2mbps
When transcoding from the server, the android TV is creating large purple pixelated areas - particularly bad in scenes where there is a great deal of motion.
Am unsure what is causing it - even if I create optimised versions of the file, it still creates the file with the purple pixelations.
I have a suspicion that my CPU is simply not fast enough to cope with transcoding from such high levels to such low levels, however it may simply be that hardware transcoding is not configured properly so would really like some advice:
Processor is an Intel Core i7-4770 with a passmark of 7064, so should do for 3/4 transcodes
I am running a Heztner Dedi with latest PG Hetzner iGPU / GPU HW-Transcode enabled
I have enabled hardware transcoding in Settings > Transcode - ‘Use hardware acceleration where available’ and ‘Use hardware-accelerated video encoding’. Background transcoding preset is set to ‘medium’ and quality is set to ‘Automatic’.
After reading around the forum, I’m now out of ideas so would really benefit from some advice as to what I can do to improve transcoding quality, although I’m resigned that I may simply need to upgrade to a new server.
Can i ask are they 4K remuxes?
I only EVER deal in remuxes when they become available and though I don’t check every one and I have around 1800 of them, I don’t recall seeing any 1080p Remux with such a high bitrate.
I only ask as I run my server on Hetzner too with my storage on Gdrive. I do have users who occasionally transcode down to 2/4 Mbps but no one has ever reported your issues with my 1080p remuxes. That said HW (QuickSync) transcoding on the older Intel chips was truly abhorrent. As far as im aware Plex will always use HW transcoding when available if it’s enabled so maybe turn it off and see how software transcoding works out.
If it helps troubleshoot I would be more than happy to give you a limited time share of my Hetzner server with a higher spec iGPU to see if the issue still arises with the newer Intel graphics.
Reach out to me in PM if you feel it would help.
I believe this is an issue in the intel drivers for certain processors when using QuickSync. For newer processors we’re using a newer driver which doesn’t display these issues. Unfortunately, we’re most likely dependent on a fix from upstream.
The remuxes are a mix of 1080p and 4K, but yes you’re right the 1080p are more like 40-50mbps. I thinking I was a little frustrated and exaggerating when I wrote this last night!
I will definitely give software transcoding a go and see if that improves things, but as for the CPU, my server is an auction server which is due an upgrade anyway… I’m thinking EX NVME series. Is this what you have? I’d be very interested in stress testing it if so! Really kind of you to offer. I’ll DM my details and I’ll have a go this evening if that’s OK?
Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll try software transcoding and, failing that, it seems like I need to look into a new server to get around these issues.
Yep I have an EX 42 although I personally went for the extra storage space of the mechanical drives as I use torrents.
One other thing to note is that when you order the EX42’s are advertised as Sky Lakes. However i received a Kaby Lake which was an added bonus. Apparently the guys over at Cloudbox (a script I use on my dedi) told me it can actually be requested in the order comments and Hetzner will do their utmost to supply a box with a Kaby Lake.
Oops sorry. Will PM you.
EDIT Sent. and the offer still stands when you’re back online.
