When I try to play or stream a video with wmv3 video codec, Plex Server says this file cannot be streamed. Interestingly, I can stream it using Synology Mediaserver to my Android TV (with fine video but no audio). Now my questions:
Is there any other solution but converting the videos?
If I need convert, how to do it best? (My NAS processor is not very powerful to support direct optimize)
good freeware converter for Windows PC? Which settings?
Ok to delete the source video after conversion if I convert same quality?
if it’s not just a regular video stream in a WMV container but actually WMV encoded video, you won’t get around transcoding. don’t do it on the NAS but use an app on your Windows PC.
you can check out Handbrake – select the source file, select a preset (defining target container, max-resolution and quality/encode duration), double-check audio/subtitle/chapter settings, go (sounds more complicated than it is, give it a try).
before you go there you can use an app called MediaInfo to confirm the video actually uses Microsoft’s proprietary and non-compliant mpeg4 video formats – use the 1st download option (GUI, universal installer).
IF MediaInfo shows your video is actually a regular encoded video that happens to be in the “wrong” container you can save yourself the pain of transcoding and just move it in valid container. You can use MKVToolnix for that purpose – open the app, select mkvmerge, drag&drop the video, click “start multiplexing”, done in a few seconds
as for your last question – depends…
if you need to transcode and storage is not a bottleneck, keep the original – there’s no need to keep it for Plex. however make sure the new file works before deleting the original
Thanks for the helpful Information! The tools worked well with various video codecs and containers that I tested, except that
I struggle with the Handbrake presets. I did not find presets for full HD (or for converting in original size/quality). I used legacy->normal and it worked for the video (wmv3 codec), but transcribing audio (from wma pro to AAC) did not work. AAC audio was on the output file but “mute”. Any additional ideas?
you can use the general presets. unless you’re very patient, I’d go with HQ 1080p30 Surround – if you have DVD/Blu-Ray subtitles, you should use one of the Matroska presets (e.g. H.264 MKV 1080p30).
Thanks again! I’m fine with the “wmv3” video track conversion, but Handbrake still does not transcribe the “wmapro” audio. Since this seems rather an issue with Handbrake than Plex, I will refer to Handbrake community or search another solution in the Internet.
Note: Microsoft MovieMaker could convert this format succesfully, but I will try find a better solution.
I have done some research in parallel, and there are plenty of tools that can transcribe wmv3/wmapro properly. I am using SUPER now which I had previously installed and used for audio conversions. Works well!
Thanks again to all. Very appreciated!
