Server Version#: 1.29.1.6316
Player Version#: 1.55.0.3278-c6164b3
I’ve been watching episodes from a TV series using the Windows desktop player with no issues until, with this one episode where it’s buffering constantly every 1 - 2 seconds.
All the episodes were encoded the exact same way and this one is the only one I’m having problems with (so far).
If I look at the server log, it’s just flooded with
Failed to stream media, client probably disconnected after XXXX bytes: 104 - Connection reset by peer
I also notice the bandwidth on the server dashboard jumps to ~600Mbps.
If I change the quality to force it to transcode, then it plays fine.
If I play the exact same episode on the same computer (at the same time) using the web-player, the web-player version works just fine with no buffering while the desktop continues to buffer.
Using Google, I found complaints from other people having this issue and most solve it by disabling the new player, but this doesn’t seem to be an option on the desktop player (at least with this version). However, if I disable the “direct play” option, it does work.
This same episode plays fine on the Roku, Firestick, and iPad.
This can sometimes happen with a damaged MKV/MP4 container.
In the Plex for Windows app, go into Settings, select Show Advanced. You should see a Debug option appear below Quality. In the Debug section, disable Direct Play, leave Direct Stream enabled, and save changes. This will force Plex Media Server to direct stream (remux) the episode.
Now play the episode. Plex Dashboard should show it as Direct Streaming.
Does it play OK? Is the bandwidth normal?
If so, remux it into a new MKV container using MKVToolNix or a similar tool. The individual video/audio/etc tracks are not modified, just copied into a new file.
Using the Multiplexer tool, drag the file into the Source window. The video/audio/etc tracks should appear in the lower window and already be selected.
Select “Start Multiplexing”
Replace the old file with the new file.
Scan the library and then analyze the episode.
FYI, you can also remux from the command line using FFMPEG.
I just had the same problem with frequent buffering for local play. I have never had this before and it made watching a movie impossible.
I turned off the Direct Play under Plex for Windows - Debug as shown above and the problem seems to be fixed. I am guessing this is a problem with the latest software update.
