I try to find the right settings, I adjusted the quality in Web to a lower setting, I had it at 2Mbps but then I saw on my server that plex had its transcoder eat up 98% of the processor power, so I turned it up to maximum, and the processor was at rest during playback. Then I was checking out other clips and saw the server spiking again up to 100% even, when I stopped playback it fell down again to rest. So, what setting do I need here to make it so that all media is not going through the transcoder, because not all media is the same, and it is impossible to check everything and convert everything because converting takes processor power too, and the media is altered, something I do not want.
Anyone ideas?
When I have money to compose a new server and software, I’mlooking for a graphicscard that can do this transcoding, instead of the CPU.
So, any insight here is welcome.
Thanks.
That is a loaded question. There are many reasons why transcoding is activated.
But I can tell you that the likelihood for transcoding to occur is highest when using the web app. Simply because the web app is restricted by the media playback abilities of web browsers – which are quite poor when compared to other players.
So the best strategy to avoid transcoding is to avoid the web app.
Check out Plex for Windows/Mac/Linux or Plex HTPC. Download below.
If you are using subtitles, make sure to avoid picture-based subtitles (PGS, VOBSUB) and use text-based ones (e.g. SRT) instead.
Because many clients cannot handle picture-based subs and therefore ask the Plex server to burn those subtiles into the video picture. Doing so is: transcoding.
Don’t use 4K HDR “raw rips”. Because most clients cannot handle these cleanly. Be it the HDR, be it the 10 bit color depth or the extended color range, be it the picture-based subs, or the high-end surround sound which typically accompany these UHD Bluray rips.
For instance, Chrome on Windows is able to direct play 4K UHD video. But it will still cause Plex to switch on the transcoder, because it cannot handle PGS subtitles or TrueHD audio.
Preparation of your files is key. Supply them with a basic stereo soundtrack in AAC format (ideally muxed-in before the high end surround sound) and SRT subtitles.
Many thanks for fast reply. I did not know that chrome would be so intrusive, never realized it and I use it because it is quick and dirty to look at things, if subs are ok and the media is viewable (Sssst, I dl a lot) ((-:
I have no interest in HQ and 4K material, I only store it and when I find something interesting, I buy the BR version. I try to remember to start using the app more, but I hope they make a exit button on those (for desktops please).
Thanks Otto.
First thing; you said that it happened more with chrome, (web based viewing I suppose you mean) so, then is Chrome more intrusive or demanding, or name it as you wish, it make a greater impact on the viewing of material.
Second thing; I can start the Plex App but there is not a clear button to leave. So Alt F4 is the only way.
I tried the same file that put the CPU at hurt and with the PLEX APP it also kept at rest, so, that is a very good reason to use it more often. Thanks again Otto.
What is “the Plex App” for you? There are quite a few different “Plex” apps on Windows.
Do you mean the Plex server? This one is controlled by its task tray icon, so you can close it using the mouse.
Neither. Chrome (and other web browsers) have limited video playback capabilities. So when the file can’t be played natively, your server needs to transcode the video. Depending on the video and your computer, this can require upto 100% of your cpu power. If you have an Intel cpu that supports QuickSync or a dedicated NVidia video card, the load can be passed to that to spare your cpu. https://support.plex.tv/articles/115002178853-using-hardware-accelerated-streaming/
Our Plex apps (Plex for Windows or Plex HTPC) look like they are running in a browser, but do something different under the hood that allows support for more codecs so they typically do not require transcoding from your server. There are always exceptions, but in general, these apps can play most files.
And before you ask, no, we cannot bring this capability to the normal Plex Web client.
OK, ENOUGH with the things I ought to use because it was a very good option at the time, now I downloaded the plex app, (Plex-1.67.2.3705-db506a00-x86_64.exe) from (https://www.plex.tv/nl/media-server-downloads/#plex-app) so, it is that program that is not user friendly.
As an example, I can browse through ALL my folders on CHROME-BASED connection to my server and yet I have a really hard time finding such option on THAT APP!!!
Oh, I can see what I do not need to watch further, or recently added, and all the other mumbo jumbo that it is showing, I simply want my server access. Maybe that was the very main and good reason for me to hump back to Chrome based connection where I can see actually what I have instead of looking for it through a looking glass! (the search option)
I hope I did not come to strong onto you, but I think this is where my frustration from a few years back came boiling up. And don’t forget to mention the EXIT button, as the APP is mouse controlled, and to leave you need the keyboard. In what age did the creators thought they lived? (not that using the keyboard is bad, but inconvenient)
ps. and your reaction about the playback capabilities in any web browser, as you said, it asks more from the server, so that is what I meant by intrusive and demanding. The playback was ok, but only the server’s cpu went berzerk, remote I did not notice anything. And I am fine with Plex Web client as it is, just a curious member and hope the APP will be improved to the things I mentioned, let us not go search for our content but make it so that we can choose as in the Web clients is present.
Thanks.
Pps. Why is everything different after a while? Now suddenly I can see my folders? sigh… If this stays, then ignore that part of my reaction please.
I found out not from any manual, but when I click on items at the left side, the screen focus goes from a silly startpage to that item, thus holding all items in that part of the library. Ehm, interactive manual for this app? is that a possibility to add? so that for future users who are also not into the app make their way?
It sounds like you used Plex HTPC. This one has a “10-foot user interface” which is made for operation with a traditional remote control. It is very similar to other Plex clients on game consoles, TV devices, and streaming boxes.
You will probably feel more at home on the other app, “Plex for Windows/Mac/Linux” which looks just like the regular Plex web app.
Dear Otto, as far as I can tell, the file I pointed out in my previous reaction IS the file you mention.
Never mind now, I found out how it works, and it is ok. Thanks again folks. (Not the HTPC)
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Plex voor Windows
Windows 10 or later (64-bit Intel or AMD processors only)
