TrueHD still transcodes on FireTV 4K Max 2nd Gen

Plex Players Streaming Devices
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Server Version#: 1.32.7.7621
Player Version#: 10.3.0.4685

I bought the new generation FireTV 4K and the FireTV 4K Max as well, since I read some reports, that plex finally is able to direct play TrueHD on these devices. Unfortunately it still transcodes on both devices (while Kodi with Plex-Plugin direct plays TrueHD without any issues). I tried all available options regarding surround sound in plex and the FireTV OS but the issue persists.

Is there any info if Plex is even trying to fix this issue?

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For the FireTV 4K Max, passthrough for TrueHD + Atmos and EAC3 + Atmos works with the current 10.5 release.

Amazon has a longer update approval process than Google. As a result, FireTV devices are usually a release or two behind what is current on Google.

If desired, you can download 10.5 from the announcement thread and sideload it on the Firestick. Use the FireOS Devices version. Sideloaded apps do not auto-update, so you’ll have to delete & re-install from Amazon store to get auto-updates back.

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Thank you very much for your input. Unfortunately, also with this 10.5 version TrueHD still transcodes to OPUS. Reason: Device doesn’t support TrueHD. Are you also on FireOS 8.1.0.1 and set passthrough to ‘HDMI’ in the Plex app?

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To what is the FireStick connected?

Go to FireStick settings → Display & Sounds → Audio/Video Diagnostics.
That displays the video and audio formats the FireStick detected as supported by your TV/soundbar/etc.

Also, try disabling refresh rate switching and resolution switching in the Plex app (in Advanced, next to Passthrough setting).

My setup:
FireStick 4K Max gen 2 → Denon AVR-X4300H → LG TV
FireStick audio: Best Available
Plex app: Passthrough = HDMI

I’m not near the FireStick right now. Last used it two days ago and the FireOS was up to date at that time.

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Oh my god, thank you a million times. The stick is connected to a LG OLED E9. I just realized that under advanced audio settings in the LG menu, the HDMI audio input was set to PCM. This had the FireTV thinking that only PCM was supported. After changing the setting to bitstream, TrueHD passthrough works.

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