TCL C725 will not direct play HEVC on local network

Plex Players Smart TVs
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Server Version#: 1.24.3.5033
Player Version#: 8.23.1.28053

Connected via ethernet and or wifi (5ghz, with 84MB/s tested) I cannot direct play HEVC content from my server. I can on my mobile, my iPad, my Samsung and PC’s but not this brand new TV. It is a 2021 model TCL android TV from JB hifi and is documented as having HEVC H.265 support which it does have as I successfully tested the same files streaming from the plex machine through VLC app on the TV and it also works playing the files from USB.

Any ideas guys???

1 Like
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Check the settings Video Quality - local and remote streaming must be in maximal speed

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Thankyou @serge35 its the first setting I change with every new plex login!

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did you allow non secure connection in settings?

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I have tried both allow insecure connections always and never, same behaviour

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Happening to me aswell on the same TV. If i go to playback settings and set a diferent profile ( like 1080p medium quality) and then back to original it starts playing the video in 4k

Server Version 1.24.4.5081
Player Version 8.24.1.28493

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Do you have to do that everytime to get HEVC to direct play. I also realised this is happening with 1080p .265 10bit content

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Yes, i have to do it everytime. I haven’t tried 1080p x265.
Gonna see if i can get a hold of a file like that and test during the weekend. Also try other softwares
to see if it’s the tv or plex (or both)

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Its definitely plex as I can watch 4k HEVC content just fine across the network using VLC on the TV

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I have exactly the same problem, all 4K videos are automatically transcoded to 1080p. Unencrypted connection allowed, all set to original quality. Only when I switch manually to encode 1080p and return again will 4K jump with HDR10 or Dolby Vision.

Someone advise how to fix it, it’s quite inconvenient to manually switch for each video I play :frowning:

My TV: TCL C725
Server version: 1.24.5.5173-8dcc73a59
Client version: 8.25.1.28703

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I ended up giving up and swapping to an LG (UP80) … Night and day better!

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Had the same problem with the same TV. Install Kodi from the Google play store and then install the Plex video plugin. This will enable full 4K playback.

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Pretty cool workaround but you would expect that Plex would have their android TV app sorted by now.

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Yes I would agree, but the answer is unfortunately no. At least this workaround works. And it seems that Sony TVs have the same problem as I got this idea from their forums.

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Well thankyou Kodi! Doesn’t make sense that a $150 android mobile phone has no problem playing the same files compared to a $1000 android TV

16

My problem is now fixed.

Updated my tv to the test V418 IMG firmware and now my 4k movies play without transcoding.

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Hi,
I’m having some stability issue on TCL c725. Where did you find the firmware? Is it the one available from TCL on the device or do you have to install via USB?

Also from your experience did it reset the Play store settings? (I get bothered by the ads for streaming services so I have those turned offl

Thanks

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I got the firmware from XDA.

You have to install it via usb and it will reset your tv settings. This firmware will also upgrade the software to the new GoogleTV

From my experience, the tv responds faster, everything i use is working ( plex, netflix, prime video, digital channels and my tv provider channels).

As for the ads, i didn’t look for a way to turn them off.

Keepn in mind this is a test firmware from an internet forum, no one can guarantee it will work on your device.

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