Slow transcoding chromecast and ubuntu server with HP N40L microserver

General Discussions
1

I have issue with high CPU to transcode movie that is played to chromecast. The movie has been played many times (for my toddler), but recently the lags/buffer time are getting worse, to the point that my toddler had enough with it :frowning:

Specs:
PMS server: HP microserver N40L
PMS memory: 8GB
PMS O/S: Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop
Client: Android 7, cast to chromecast

What can I do to make sure it’s not stuttering? I don’t want my toddler to walk away on me and move on to local cinema to watch his favourite cartoon…

2

If your server is really the HP 658553-001 ProLiant N40L Ultra Micro Tower Server System AMD Turion II Neo N40L 1.5GHz 2C 2GB (1 x 2GB) 1 x 250GB LFF SATA,

Your media has probably been creeping higher and higher in bitrate / quality and the CPU can’t keep up any more

You need to

a) Preprocess your video files so no transcoding is needed (MP4)
b) Buy a bigger machine as that CPU is quite low powered for anything above SD transcoding.

3

If I select “play original quality” (no converting) on my android setting, why does it not do anything? Is it because chromecast cannot play the file extension natively?

4

Without seeing your logs and the MDE output (Media Decision Engine), it’s tough to say.
If you have AVI files, they definitely require transcoding (container change). The same would be true of any audio format or video encoding which the ChromeCast can’t handle natively. Audio is most common. The Chromecast handles stereo only. If you have 5.1 or better, it will be processed down to comply

5

Thanks for your responses so far! I really appreciate it.

It’s a .mkv file

I’d like to send the log file in this post, should I enable the following settings first and replicate the error?

  • Settings > Web > Debug > Debug Level > Enabled (or verbose?)
  • Settings > Server > General > Enable Plex Media Server debug logging
    - Settings > Server > General > Enable Plex Media Server verbose logging (just saw your signature not to have this switched on)

Also, where can I get the MDE output log?

6

Hi ChuckPA,

I’ve managed to get the log file, unfortunately, I cannot attach it in this post (failed multiple times). I have shared it over GoogleDrive: here

Specs:
PMS version: 1.9.5.4339
PMS server: HP microserver N40L
PMS memory: 8GB
PMS O/S: Ubuntu 16.04 Desktop
Client: Android 7, cast to chromecast
File watched: Lego batman :wink:

Thanks for your help

7

Thank you for those logs but it’s insufficient.

Settings - Server - Help - Download Logs will present you with a ZIP file. You can ‘attach document’ ^^ or drag&drop the ZIP file . In both cases, let it upload. The forum will respond with a URL link which is included in your post when fully uploaded

Also, this being an Android -> Chromecast issue changes everything (I don’t know Android)

Can you replicate this using Plex/web (your browser) when casting to the Chromecast ?

8

Hi ChuckPA,

Apologise for not getting back to you; at the end I purchased an Asustor AS-6204T NAS and I found it is better transcoding than my HP N40L.