Unable to play second part of episode

[oko2708]

Hello,

I have an episode that is split into two parts. Plex is able to see that the episode consists of two parts, but it’s still only able to play the first part.

Part 1: Lost - S01E24 - Exodus (2) - pt1 Bluray-1080p
Part 2: Lost - S01E24 - Exodus (2) - pt2 Bluray-1080p

I believe I am using the correct filename format. I have also tried removing the “Blueray-1080p” part, but it makes no difference.

Any ideas how to fix this?

[nydave69]

This is how I have the files;

[oko2708]

Thanks but I’d like to stick to the recommended filename format.

[tom80H]

Let’s stick with the actual naming conventions, when sharing examples…

As for the OPs initial question:
the “-pt1” suffix should be the very last segment of your file name – get rid of all the other crap… that’ll only get Plex confused.

so naming your files like this should work:

/Media
  /_Series
    /Lost
      /Season 1
        Lost - S01E24 - Exodus (2) - pt1.mkv
        Lost - S01E24 - Exodus (2) - pt2.mkv

Keep the following things in mind:

1. not all Plex clients support multi-file items
2. for this to work, all files must be in the same format with the same embedded streams (incl. their sequence).
3. you might be better of simply appending/merging the files – you can do that easily using MKVToolNix

[oko2708]

This is the exact format I used, with the exception of the added quality info, but as I mentioned before it does not work without it either.

[tom80H]

The added quality information is definitely throwing Plex off.
Have you simply removed the quality section or did you subsequently perform a Plex Dance to make Plex actually reconsider the context of the files?

1. remove both files form the Plex library folder
2. scan library files for updates
3. clear trash / clean bundles
4. return the files with correct names (nothing after the section identification part)
5. scan the library for updates again

[oko2708]

I did just rename it. I now followed your five steps, but the second file still is not being played.

[tom80H]

Q1: does the file show in Plex Web with a little blue-ish box over the poster showing the number 2 like in the example below? This would imply Plex considers those files 2 separate versions of the same video (instead of 2 parts).

Q2: what client do you use when you try to play it back?

Q3: have you verified the files are structured the same way (same # and type of streams, same sequence)? The above screenshots only show parts of that – you can see the full details in Get Info > Display XML.

[oko2708]

I just noticed the second file width is 4 pixels smaller that the first one, I am guessing that would be the problem then?

[tom80H]

I haven’t run into that scenario yet… to be sure you could try the following:

1. move the 2nd part out of the Plex folder
2. create a copy of part 1
3. rename that copy as part 2
4. let plex scan the files

this way you “enforce” the files have the same structure / streams

[oko2708]

Thats a pretty good idea.

So I deleted part 2, scanned library, emprtied trash. Then copied part 1 and renamed it as part 2 and scanned library again.

However it still does not play part 2 even though it is now identical to part 1.

To answer your previous questions. The blue ‘2’ does not show up and I am using the Plex Desktop client on Windows 10. I’m guessing you won’t be needing the XML since the files are now identical.

[JuiceWSA]

I would:

1. remove both files and anything associated with them.
2. Plex Dance - fixing those names as Tom shows above - not like you have them.

If they’re MP4 files - do the LMA Hack before you finish The Plex Dance.

Video File Naming

With LMA in priority, Embedded Titles within MP4/M4V files are preferred - even over a perfect file name. Local Media Assets should - AT ALL TIMES - remain enabled (unless specifically instructed to turn it off). Local Media Assets should be ‘Demoted’, to the bottom of the stack of active agents under ALL tabs in Shows and Movies, but should NOT be disabled. Local Media Assets is needed for many things - it doesn’t need to be given Tip-Top-Priority (as Plex has so hatefully placed it as it’s …

The Plex Dance ™

The purpose of this is to remove all cached metadata and xml data for an item that Plex usually keeps. This helps when you want to “start from scratch” for particular item move all files for the media item out of the directory your Library is looking at, so Plex will not “see” it anymore scan the library library (to detect changes) empty trash clean bundles (in menu next to server name, when accessed under ‘More’) double check naming schema and move files back scan the library Support articl…

Sometimes Plex can’t change what’s in a bundle - unless you destroy it and write a new one.

[oko2708]

Thanks again for the reply

I have verified that local media assests is enabled on my TV library.

I then tried the plex dance thing again, but again I got the same results.

They are both MKV files.

Lost_S01E24_pt1 2_Media_Info.txt (3.7 KB) (XML not supported )