VC-1 and Direct Play

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Hopefully a simple question / answer.

I can direct play H.264 files just fine. Also one other format which I can’t recall (mayvbe some form of mp4). both within the mkv container.

Plex documentation says VC-1 also can direct play - but for me it starts out choppy until I get a message saying the server can’t handle it.

So that tells me it’s transcoding - right?

My server is a VERY old eMachines Windows 7. I have no good memory of how old - 10 years I’d guess. So SLLOOOWWW - but it works perfectly as a Plex server (its only use).

I have a Sony TV running Android TV. I also have a new Firestick on another TV. Both these clients have this issue.

So - my simple minded thought is that it really CAN’T direct play VC-1. At least not for these clients.
And if I want it to, I need to “convert” to H.264 using either handbrake or XMedia Recode.

I’ve done that in the past - takes a LONG time and there is the whole issue of what RF to use for quality vs size etc. No questions there.

Just this - am I correct that VC1 generally does NOT direct play?

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Playback capability is governed by the the client device, not the server. True if the client can’t handle the format it will ask the Server to change it and in your case not very well.

Does my player support VC1?

Edit: Amend that to the if the Client and the Display can support it, in your case the output from VC-1 may not be able to display on your device.

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