This server is not powerful enough to convert video {SOLVED}

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Server Version#: 1.24.5.5173
Player Version#:Unknown

Good morning. I have an issue that is relatively recent (last 4-5 weeks). When I try to play certain video files, I get the error message “This server is not powerful enough to convert video”.

My relevant stats are:
OS = Windows 10 Pro (up to date)
PMS = 1.24.5.5173 (up to date)
CPU = Intel i9 11900
RAM = 64GB g.Skil high speed
MB = ASUS Hero 13
HDD = all new and error free
Background = retired IT Director

The files in question are all H264 1080p, ranging in size from 2-4GB. MediaInfo for video stream = 7.339 kb/s, 1920*1080 (16:9), at 23.976 (24000/1001) FPS, AVC (High@L4) (CABAC / 4 Ref Frames). Audio stream is standard AC3.

All these files play perfectly using Media Player Classic, but when I try to play the files within the PMS console, I get the error message. Obviously they will not play in my PLEX app (Nvidia shield - connected to a TV via ethernet).

I have video transcoding DISABLED in PMS because I do NOT wish to have my PC running full blast everytime someone wants to use a PLEX app on their iPad/notebook/TV, etc. If I enable transcoding, the files DO play (but CPU gets a workout). My system is clearly “powerful enough” to play these files without transcoding.

Prior to last 4-5 weeks, these SAME files played perfectly in the PMS console with video transcoding DISABLED. They would also play on any device within my home network. I have checked these files in several software programs and there is nothing wrong with them that I can find.

I have googled this issue and find that others have the same problems. This issue is perPLEXing. :slight_smile:

Hoping someone in the PLEX community can figure this out. Thanking you in advance.

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That error message is displayed when Plex wants to transcode the video, transcoding is enabled, but the CPU is not powerful enough to do so.

It is also displayed when Plex wants to transcode the video, but cannot because transcoding is disabled.

The second reason is applicable to your situation.

So, what you have to figure out is why Plex wanted to transcode the video.

The capabilities of Plex clients vary greatly. Video/audio/subtitle formats that direct play on one client require transcoding when played on another client.

The web client, Plex Web, is probably the least capable client due to limitations imposed by the web browsers themselves. H.264 video, AAC audio, and text (SRT) subtitles direct play, but most other formats require transcoding. Other clients, such as Smart TVs, streaming sticks, and mobile phones, are more capable, but not without their own limitations. Unfortunately, there is no master list of Plex clients and their capabilities and limitations.

Other situations, such as remote clients subject to bandwidth limitations, may also require Plex to transcode the video stream. For example, if you’ve limited remote streams to 10 Mbps and a user plays a 20 Mbps video, Plex will transcode the media to fit it within the bandwidth limit.

If the media seemingly should play without video transcoding, you can look in the Plex server log files to see what is happening.

  1. Configure your server for debug (default level) logging. Verbose logging should be turned off. See Reporting Issues with Plex Media Server for details.

  2. Play the file using the desired client. Wait for playback to fail (error message) or if transcoding is enabled, let it play for 15 - 20 seconds.

  3. Stop playback and wait ~30 seconds for the server to settle.

  4. Pull the server log files (Settings → Troubleshooting).

Attach the entire ZIP file to the thread (drag it into the message window, it will insert at the cursor location). Member of the community can look at the log files and help find out why Plex wanted to transcode the media.

If you wish to look yourself, uncompress the file and look at the Plex Media Server.log files (wraps to .1 to .5). The key lines will have MDE: (Media Decision Engine). Those and nearby log entries generally explain why Plex wants to transcode a file during playback.


Note 1: For Windows and MacOS systems, consider using Plex for Mac/Windows instead of Plex Web. The desktop application is a much more capable client, direct playing most video/audio/subtitle formats.

Note 2: You may want to consider purchasing a Plex Pass, so you can use hardware accelerated transcoding. This uses the graphics processor (Intel QSV) instead of the CPU to transcode video. The GPU is more efficient than the GPU at transcoding video, so there would be less load on your system. This would let you transcode video without the fans spinning up, the CPU maxing out, etc as often (it can still happen under certain circumstances). If interested, you could try the monthly plan (~$5 USD/mo). If you don’t like it, then cancel. If you do like it, keep it or switch to a different plan.

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FordGuy61 - Thanks for the quick reply. Was just getting ready to leave and saw your reply. Will review and respond in detail later. However, a couple of quick notes. I am using PLEX media server for windows and do not use PLEX remotely. The error message is produced when I actually try to play the files while I am in the PLEX media server console (same place you set tags, choose posters, etc). In other words, PMS is telling me it can’t play the file directly (not via any client) because my server is not powerful enough. Definitely something amiss here. Will get at this later. Thanks again.

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You’re using a web browser, correct? That is the Plex Web client. In the Plex system, anything that plays audio or video is a client.

Still, it should play H.264 video w/o transcoding. AC3 audio will transcode, but that should not be a problem.

Play the file with subtitles disabled (for testing purposes). Under certain situations, enabling subtitles can require Plex to transcode the video.

Snag the log files when you get a chance.

1 Like
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FordGuy61 - You sir, are a GENIUS!! I did disable subtitles for the files in question and they played perfectly. I discovered that the issue was PMS saw subtitles as “UNKNOWN - Closed Captions”.
Rather than search for a method to remove closed captioning, I went to PMS Settings> Languages, and changed the “Subtitle Mode” from “Automatic” to “Shown with foreign audio”. I then tested files with known English subs (SRT) for foreign language and they played the subtitles. In other words, changing the Languages setting disabled Closed Captions and retained appropriate srt subtitles.

Can’t thank you enough for your help. What was once perPLEXing is now understood.

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