Consider this a question about Plex apps in general and Plex for PS4 in particular. There's rarely support for MKVs, SRT or DTS tracks in any of the apps, which is the reason those videos need transcoding. This is the case with the apps for PS4, iOS, Windows Metro UI etc.
In this case, does Sony need to add support for these media types in the PlayStation platform for the Plex app to be able to support them? I.e. isn't it possible to let the app have its own codecs like Plex Home Theatre, VLC and MPC-HC do?
Native support would of course remove the need for transcoding, saving both CPU power and image quality, and it would be way easier for the end user to just be able to throw any video file on the app and be sure it would play. But I'm sure there are great reasons behind these omissions from a developer standpoint that I don't comprehend. What are they?
In this case, does Sony need to add support for these media types in the PlayStation platform for the Plex app to be able to support them? I.e. isn't it possible to let the app have its own codecs like Plex Home Theatre, VLC and MPC-HC do?
Exactly this.
AFAIK - Essentially it's the devices responsibility to 'play' the file using it's native application, Plex are simply making it easier to access your media on the device and using the server to serve compatible files.
native support of MKV from official manufacturers is a gray area because by supporting said container is supporting a highly pirated container but also its a more technical one than say mp4.
AFAIK - Essentially it's the devices responsibility to 'play' the file using it's native application, Plex are simply making it easier to access your media on the device and using the server to serve compatible files.
Right. Like the way some apps on OS X and Windows rely on QuickTime and Windows Media Player for media playback. If QT/WMP won't play the file, neither will those apps.
native support of MKV from official manufacturers is a gray area because by supporting said container is supporting a highly pirated container but also its a more technical one than say mp4.
the abilities of MKV over mp4 is much higher IME.
I understand just adding "MKV Support" is essentially impossible due to the virtually unlimited codec support of the format. What I'm asking really is why there's no support for MKVs with the same contents as MP4 files, mostly h.264, AAC and AC3. (DTS and SRT is another story though.)
Maybe you're right that it's not a technical issue, but a legal one.
Technically it's possible (I mean, Xbox One 'supports' MKV, but not that many codecs).
But as already posted; this is more of a legal thing. It's a closed system, so Sony has the final say in what is allowed and what's not; and in the end they are responsible. Pretty much the same as with Apple, in that regard.
Technically it's possible (I mean, Xbox One 'supports' MKV, but not that many codecs).
But as already posted; this is more of a legal thing. It's a closed system, so Sony has the final say in what is allowed and what's not; and in the end they are responsible. Pretty much the same as with Apple, in that regard.
Right. That makes sense. Even though it's a bit hypocritical of Sony (and the others) to allow transcoding. I mean, we're still watching MKVs, just not as conveniently as possible. :rolleyes:
I think it's mostly a security issue behind that. Every 3d-party app on the Playstation or Microsoftplattform must use the build-in player because security holes can be fixed by the company itself. If every app could use it's own player, the risk of exploits to hack the consoles security system would be much higher. Simply by providing media files which exploit that holes.
Right. That makes sense. Even though it's a bit hypocritical of Sony (and the others) to allow transcoding. I mean, we're still watching MKVs, just not as conveniently as possible. :rolleyes:
The weird thing with Sony is that they support mkv natively in some BD players. So its not like Sony has a company wide ban on MKV support. Of course as always Sony really is multiple companies with different views and philosophies on a range of issues.
Support will probably come eventually. Thanks to the competition from MS in the console market, they will have to keep up.
Also, transcoding isnt something Sony “allows”. They have no control over what goes on on the server. And its a neccesity for all over-the-Internett streaming services.
For your information, what Sony supports through USB/DLNA or Bluray discs has nothing to do with what an app like Plex can or may support. There are specific API's that have to be used by Plex (and other apps) in order to allow a movie to be played (and for the app to be approved) and in this case, by what is supported by Sony and/or Microsoft. If they do not allow access to the parts where it would directly support an MKV, then that's where the problem lies :) In general this is the main problem with these devices and manufacturers of such consoles tend to not open things up to much.
Most of the times the only exception is Netflix as they create partnerships with brands like these, being able to use more.
There are specific API's that have to be used by Plex (and other apps) in order to allow a movie to be played (and for the app to be approved) and in this case, by what is supported by Sony and/or Microsoft..
I.e. Incorporating a custom player by using for example ffmpeg is out of the question. That's too bad, but not surprising.
