Why is Plex recording audio as AAC_LATM?

Hi

I have noticed that PlexDVR is recording all programs using AAC_LATM. Is this normal and can it be changed to something native? I have problems getting Plex to playback the audio stream of a recording on many of my devices (Samsung tv, windows phone, web (edge)) I don’t particularly want downmixed stereo and a DTS audio stream would be more preferencial.

Are you in the UK?

If so, AAC_LATM is the native codec used by Freeview HD channels.

There are problems playing back this codec (and indeed Freeview HD video content in general) and problems in transcoding (at least on the Shield). The solutions are complex, and unlikely to be resolved quickly (certainly not within weeks).

In the meantime the only viable solutions are to either record only SD channels, or to manually transcode using Handbrake or similar.

@DavidAndAndrea said:
Are you in the UK?

If so, AAC_LATM is the native codec used by Freeview HD channels.

There are problems playing back this codec (and indeed Freeview HD video content in general) and problems in transcoding (at least on the Shield). The solutions are complex, and unlikely to be resolved quickly (certainly not within weeks).

In the meantime the only viable solutions are to either record only SD channels, or to manually transcode using Handbrake or similar.

I’ve tried turning on the automatic transcode while recording feature to see if that makes a difference. Would prefer to be able to have 5.1 surround rather than having to downmix to stereo though. Hope they get this sorted soon.

If there are any format changes (aspect ratio, audio, resolution, or 1080p/i switch) then that won’t work.

This is particularly a problem on the prestige BBC1 HD shows in 1080p … the lead-in is 1080i, so Plex thinks the whole show is 1080i and then the transcoder drops its pants when it hits 1080p!

@DavidAndAndrea said:
If there are any format changes (aspect ratio, audio, resolution, or 1080p/i switch) then that won’t work.

This is particularly a problem on the prestige BBC1 HD shows in 1080p … the lead-in is 1080i, so Plex thinks the whole show is 1080i and then the transcoder drops its pants when it hits 1080p!

So best to leave it native then and hope the device can handle AAC_LATM? Is it then worth forcing playback transcoding?

@Grooverider2016 said:

@DavidAndAndrea said:
If there are any format changes (aspect ratio, audio, resolution, or 1080p/i switch) then that won’t work.

This is particularly a problem on the prestige BBC1 HD shows in 1080p … the lead-in is 1080i, so Plex thinks the whole show is 1080i and then the transcoder drops its pants when it hits 1080p!

So best to leave it native then and hope the device can handle AAC_LATM? Is it then worth forcing playback transcoding?

Correct. No don’t force transcoding. I’m sure they are trying to bring support to other devices / clients as soon as they can.

Pretty sure my Panasonic Home Cinema amp can handle decoding of AAC_LATM for 5.1 playback of audio but not sure about all my device players ie Windows 10/Xbox, iPad etc

@Grooverider2016 said:
Pretty sure my Panasonic Home Cinema amp can handle decoding of AAC_LATM for 5.1 playback of audio but not sure about all my device players ie Windows 10/Xbox, iPad etc

It depends more on the capabilities of the client as well.

Hey guys, is it possible for any of you to create a minute or so test file with one of these recordings that goes from interlaced to progressive? I have something I’d like to test with one.

If you can do this PM me a download location.

Appreciated,
Carlo