Transcoding 4k HDR MKVs for watching on SDR screens

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
, , ,
1

Server Version# (on Shield): 1.14.1.5490
Server Version# (on Win 10 1809 PC): 1.15.2.793
Player Version# (on Win 10 1809 PC): 2.30.1.966
Plex App# (on IOS 12.2)): 5.12.1

I have some 4k HDR mkv on an external hard drive that is connected via USB to the Nvidia Shield 2017. I would like to watch this file and others like it on my other devices. I tried playing through

(1) The Plex Media Server web interface on Google Chrome on the PC: the file buffers a bit then play but the colors are very washed out. Please note that the PC’s monitor does not support HDR.

(2) The Plex Media Player on the same PC: the file plays instantly and the colors are fine.

(3) The Plex app on an iPhone 8: the file buffers seemingly indefinitely. I think the iPhone 8 screen does not support HDR either.

Can someone please confirm whether (1) and (2) are normal behaviors? In the cases of (1) and (2), is my PC or the Shield processing the movie?

I’m speculating that for case (3), the Shield is transcoding and were my Wi-fi fast enough, I would be able to watch the movie on the iPhone. Can someone please share some thoughts about this?

2

SDR tone-mapping for HDR videos aren’t supported on all clients.

You can read up on this topic here: When is Plex going to add tone mapping for 4K HDR transcoding?

3

This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.