As I get more and more 4k content, I have realized that even though I may produce a 1080p or 720p optimized file, if the bit rate doesn’t match exactly from the requestor, it will always transcode the 4k file, which kills my server. For instance, if I transcode my 4k file to 20mbps 1080p and someon…

Plex transcode process isn’t smart when it comes to things like this. It will always fall back to use the “original” file for transcode purposes. What you want to do is “Plex Dance” your files. In other words remove the 4K file and only have in place the 1080p file and scan it. Verify that ONLY …

My question is then, why not make the transcode process smarter (what my feature request is for). Just because it doesn’t do it now, doesn’t mean it can’t. If the resolutions are databased in any way, it should be no problem to rank them by resolution and choose the next highest resolution to trans…

Agree This has been asked for previously by others including myself. :slight_smile:

Count me in on the group that is starting to migrate to 4K and just discovered this. I couldn’t believe it. I am now doing the work around of putting all of my 4k in separate library. It’s annoying but it works for now. I really how the “streaming brain” transcoder gets a little bit smarter.

Use Closest resolution file for transcodes!

Feature Suggestions

Topic		Replies	Views
[Feature Request] Stop transcoding from 4k version when alternative versions exist Feature Suggestions	23	785	August 12, 2018
Optimized Versions for UHD Files? General Discussions	18	2233	January 7, 2020
Disable 4K Transcoding Feature Suggestions	76	9436	June 20, 2025
Transcoding optimization from mulitple sources General Discussions	12	190	May 21, 2022
Plex transcoding HEVC version instead of 1080p version General Discussions	7	434	March 3, 2019

Use Closest resolution file for transcodes!

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