Stutters on Shield TV 2019 (Tube) when transcoding audio

Server Version#: 1.18.3.2156
Player Version#: Plex for Android 7.28.0

Hi,

I have a Shield TV 2019 (Tube) as a Plex client. I noticed the video does not play correctly when the server is transcoding EAC3 5.1 on a large file (4K HDR with high bitrate).

I know the Shield TV had difficulties with running large files. It seems version 7.28 have fixed some of these problems. And indeed, I do not have any problem when the file is played directly. But as soon as the audio is transcoded (which I need to do because my TV does not support optical audio passthrough for EAC3)

Is it still a bug with Plex on the Shield TV? Or is the problem elsewhere?
I’ll gladly provide logs if it can be helpful.

Thank you for your help.

EDIT. OK, so after digging a bit, it seems subtitles were the issue. Apparently, when Plex on Android transcode audio and subtitles are activated, it will also transcode video. However, when I tried activating subtitles during the movie, the video transcode did not start normally. I guess that somehow caused the client to lag/crash…

Anyway, everything works fine if subtitles are not enabled. The real issue is that Plex must transcode video if audio is subtitles are enable and audio is transcoded too… Now, I only have to find a way to direct play EAC3 or encode these files in a supported codec.

It shouldn’t really have to transcode much for subtitles, not like a full video conversaion, but I would use audio equipment with an HDMI ARC connection to avoid transcoding much.

for best results with shield you really need to plug the shield into a proper receiver with support for 4k/truehd/atmos/dts-hd-ma.

some of the better soundbars may work too, but many have their own limitations.

Thank you for your answers.

I agree, a full video transcode should not be required in this case. Unfortunaly, for some reason, Plex on android TV force a video transcode if I try to read .srt if the audio is transcoding too. It seems that is an issue that is around since 2018 at least.

I will probably get a soundbar with HDMI passthrough. Or just save the money and encode my files with a codec my TV can pass thru to my optical out.

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