Why should I optimize if it will fill up my valuable storage with two files of the same movie?

General Discussions
1

Greetings all!

I have about 1700 movies that take up about 6TB of storage. In mass, I have not optimized my movies. Each movie is in its own folder. I only watch movies on my TV.

As a test, I optimized a 720p movie for TV that is 4.75GB. As expected, Plex created a second file of the same movie in the same folder. The optimized version is only 2GB.

Why should I do this?

  1. How will Plex know which file to play?
  2. Does the optimized movie lose quality?
  3. Can I or should I delete the larger, original file?
  4. In general, does optimizing help with stuttering?
  5. Why would I optimize for TV as opposed to optimizing at original quality?

Thank you in advance. Any guidance is much appreciated. o:)

-Kelly <3

Primary PMS: Intel i5-3340 @ 2.777Ghz, ram 64 bit, x64 base processor
Media Storage: Plex: (4) Seagate Expansion 8TB Desktop External Hard Drive
Network: unknown?
Desktop Clients: Windows, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast 2nd gen, Fire TV Ultra
Mobile Clients: Moto X, 2nd gen
Remote Users: 2

2

  1. you can select “play version” on multiple items if they exist or Plex will play the most suitable file by default.

  2. yes optimized version are usually lower quality.

  3. I keep originals myself.

  4. Optimizing can reduce stuttering.

  5. see note below

I only use optimize for content I sync to mobile devices in order to save space due to limited storage on mobile devices. I leave all content untouched for viewing on TV at home.

If you want to convert all your media to lower resolution to save space or to if you have stuttering issue I would suggest using a tool like handbrake to convert and eventually delete all the originals.

If you have no issues and storage space is not an issue I would leave all content as is untouched.

3

THANK YOU, Nokdim. I appreciate your clear, detailed answer. I will take your advice and keep everything as is. (Sort of glad I dont need to optimize 1700 movies and tv, etc.)

  • Kelly B)