# Transcoder error when using external subtitles (opensubitles) **URL:** \ **Category:** Plex Media Server\ **Tags:** server-qnap, subtitles\ **Created:** [September 21, 2025, 4:59pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/transcoder-error-when-using-external-subtitles-opensubitles/931496 "2025-09-21T16:59:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![kain80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/d2c977/32.png) [@kain80](https://forums.plex.tv/u/kain80)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2025, 4:59pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/transcoder-error-when-using-external-subtitles-opensubitles/931496/1 "2025-09-21T16:59:20Z")
Server Version#:1.42.2.10156 Player Version#: 4.152.0 **Issue:** Playback fails with the error _“Transcoder failed”_ whenever external subtitles are used (from OpenSubtitles or local `.srt`). No additional error is shown. **Repro steps:** 1. Play any video. 2. Select external subtitles (OpenSubtitles or local `.srt`). 3. Playback stops with _“Transcoder failed”_. **Notes:** - Works only if subtitles are manually embedded into the `.mkv` (e.g., with MKVToolNix). - Happens on both public release and beta builds. ---
**Author:** ![zbe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/zbe/32/324194_2.png) [@zbe](https://forums.plex.tv/u/zbe)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 10:27am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/transcoder-error-when-using-external-subtitles-opensubitles/931496/2 "2025-09-24T10:27:04Z")
Same issue. Seems like all external subtitles have this issue, when burn–in is required. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/2/a/2acb9765406f63293d357b4ec509ec39aa28f2ad.png) [@system](https://forums.plex.tv/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 2025, 10:27am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/transcoder-error-when-using-external-subtitles-opensubitles/931496/3 "2025-12-23T10:27:50Z")
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