I have noticed that on several media files, the subtitle format cannot be adjusted by the Plex player. Although the subtitle Color, Position and Size are selected, these selections do not make any difference. The subtitles appear white and extra large. I have not noticed whether the type of subtitle file makes a difference, but I do not think so. I have seen a few posts from several years ago, but nothing that helps. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Determine whether the video stream is transcoded or not during playback.
Determine the subtitle format of a few affected files.
Are there differences if you use a different client type? (e.g. Plex for Windows/Mac vs. Plex Web)
I played a media file using the Plex PC app and the subtitles were large. I played the same file on IOS Plex and it was fine (with fewer formatting options, but that is OK). The media file is contained in an MP4 and the subtitle is a Timed Text. Sorry to show my ignorance, but how do I tell is the video stream is transcoded?
What is the “Plex PC app” for you?
You can see it in the Dashboard of the Web app.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/200871837-status-and-dashboard/
I downloaded a Windows program to my PC and I use that for most of my Plex media.
There have been at least 5 different Windows Apps over the years. I need to know which one you have got.
How is it named? What is its software version number?
That’s good info.
Here is an experiment:
Download Subtitle Edit
Open the video file with it. (which should give you the subtitle)
Save the subtitle as a SRT file and place it beside the video file.
Analyze, then Refresh Metadata of the video.
Now select the SRT version of the subtitle and play it.
Is there a change?
The one I use is version 1.55.0.3278-c6164b3c
Excellent, it means you are using the current “Plex for Windows”.
Could you conduct the experiment I mentioned above?
Will do. It may be a moment. I also ran the media file from the Plex Media Server program on my NAS with the same, large format subtitle result.
That looks like it solved the subtitle display problem! Any idea of the best way to avoid the problem altogether (so I do not have to create an SRT file)?
I think we have established that there is an issue with MP4 subtitles.
Could you determine whether the playback was Direct or Transcoded?
I will check into the transcoding issue and get back to you. By the way, thanks a lot!
I am playing a media file on the Plex Media Server. The Activity icon turns orange, with a “1” next to it. When I open the Dashboard information for the video, it says both the video and audio are Direct Play. When I play the same media file on the Plex Windows app, the Activity also icon turns orange, with a “1” next to it. When I then open the Dashboard information for the video, it says both the video and audio are Transcode.
Is the problem with the way Plex handles only MP4 files? Does the same problem occur when Plex plays MKV files?
That is weird. The Windows app should always say Direct Play and the web app may say “transcode” more often.
Does it say “local”, “remote”, or “indirect”?
Plex for Windows identifies the media file and says it is Remote, with the IP address then listed and what I believe is the maximum speed of 8 Mbs. The Video line adds (hw) after the Transcode.
Well, is it actually remote to the server?
Does it matter that the Plex Media Server is loaded on my NAS, while the Plex for Windows is of course loaded on my PC?
It should not, as long as both devices are in your local home network.
Unless you have “split” it up by some means, like for instance by chaining several router-devices or by using a software container technology on the NAS (Docker etc.) and an unsuitable network config thereof.
It is also possible that you have a “DNS rebinding protection” issue. This is caused by the DNS resolver of your network (usually your router, but can also be in an add-on appliance liek a Pi-hole etc.) https://support.plex.tv/articles/206225077-how-to-use-secure-server-connections/
