Why is it that Plex is not capable to create a running App for Smart TVs without transcoding. Most TVs now can actually play X265 (HVEC) on their own players, but Plex is insisting on transcoding streams, which results in the error message “Not enough CPU…”.
Wouldn’t it be easier to use the already existing codec in smart TVs or just not insist on transcoding?
And even if the movie plays, as soon as you want to ad subtitles, the same error occurs.
Despite all paying members, Plex is by far below standard at the moment and there is some work to be done, before somebdody else comes along and makes a better software.
Not entirely correct.
Tried a movie file via Plex with the expected result of failure.
Then I copied the file to USB and played it directly with the player the tv offered. That worked.
So I guess there is a problem with the Plex app on the tv.
In general, Plex supports the codecs supported by the TV, including HEVC video. The Plex client uses the underlying video player supplied by the TV manufacturer, so codec support will vary between different makes.
The streaming protocol used between the server and client may impose further restrictions.
Also, some SmartTVs have limited support due to manufacturer restrictions placed on Plex.
If you are having problems with a specific TV, provide the make and model and someone with the same set may be able to assist.
Thank you very much for your answer. The TV in question is Samsung GQ85QN800BT XZG.
Perhaps somebody can help with instructions on how to avoid the problem.
Nice TV. That will definitely handle HEVC video, including 4K HDR. No idea if/how Plex handles 8K media. I’ve a lowly 4K TV.
It should also support Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus + Atmos audio. TrueHD audio will transcode (no known TV supports TrueHD for TV based apps). DTS audio will also transcode, as Samsung does not support the format.
I’m not sure how it will handle subtitles. SRT should direct play. Not sure about PGS, VOBSUB, & SSA/ASS (I’ve a LG, which behaves differently than Samsung).
Samsung TVs also have a limit of 30 total tracks - video + audio + subtitle. If the file has more than 30 tracks, then Plex will remux or possibly transcode the file. You can remove any unnecessary audio or subtitle tracks using MKVToolNix or similar tools.
Play the video with subtitles turned off and see if it direct plays / direct streams (audio transcode). If that works OK, you can then try it with subtitles.
Monitor playback using Plex Dashboard → Now Playing + Expanded View. It will show if the video or audio is transcoding.
It seems all too plausible that a TV may support a format with the manufacturer’s software, but do a poor job of exposing that functionality to other apps.
I certainly agree that this is the kind of client issue Plex should remediate if possible.
Hello again,
Thank you for your adcise.
I don’t think the numbers of tracks is the problem, I usually have 2 language and a max of 4 subtitle tracks.
As for your suggestions: Some titles play, but as soon as I add subtitles they throw the same error. Subtitles are .srt.
I will see what happens in the next few months.
Thank you. Yes, we can only hope that Plex soon starts doing something about the ongoing problems instead of adding new features, which are mostly useless.
Okay. I tried everything, including a different media player. And, oh wonder, that works.
So, the problem is definitely PLEX and I will go away from using it.
In my Samsung TV I now use DS Player. UX/UI is not as good as PLEX, but it plays all formats without question.
