Apple Player Update Beta Testing

hsousa
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:30:38 +0000
Player Betas

Hi everyone!

We’ve been working hard on improving playback performance in our Apple TV client, namely when streaming high bitrate HDR content and/or using the latest 2022 (fanless) Apple TV.

This is something that not only we’ve been investigating for some time, but that has been reported multiple times here in the forums. And on that note, I want to take this opportunity to genuinely thank all users who actively provided feedback in forum threads, via DMs with our Customer Success Plexians and who have been patiently waiting for updates. It’s folks like you who make Plex awesome, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without you.

What To Test

We’re obviously interested in folks throwing everything they have at this. We tested with a lot of content, but if there’s one thing we learned over the years is that there are a lot of esoteric format combos out there!

Besides high demanding files like a 4K HDR Bluray rip, we’re particularly interested in folks who run their devices in closed cabinets and were seeing dropped frames likely caused by thermal throttling before.

How To Test

We are taking this slow and, as such, will be manually curating a TestFlight group to test specific builds. If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this form so we can not only add you but have an idea of what devices/setups you might be able to provide feedback on.

Once we’re confident this update isn’t introducing severe regressions, we’ll push it out to the main beta channel and include it in an upcoming release.

Build Information

Via TestFlight, download and install version 8.37 (8587). The build should also contain a messaging in the “what to test” section that signals it’s part of this test initiative.

Automatic TestFlight updates are disabled automatically when installing a custom build other than the latest one, so keep monitoring this thread for updates and/or check TF once in a while.

Note: for folks who were testing the previous build, we also put out a refreshed build: 8.37 (8585). This build has been rebased on latest app changes, but contains no other player-related improvements and should not be used as basis for feedback.

Known Issues

Let me start off by saying that if you wrap your Apple TV in plastic it will still thermal throttle, even when rendering on Metal. Believe us, we tried.

There are currently the following known issues with the latest test build:

Memory Pressure: on certain demanding files (e.g. high bitrate 4K HDR movie) memory pressure can cause the app to crash.

SRT subtitles don’t correctly render when more than one line on screen

PGS subtitles are not being displayed

If you find any of these issues, please don’t report them. We are aware of them and are looking into it. If we need help debugging them, we’ll ask.

Providing Feedback

Please use this thread to help us ensure these changes are working well by reporting any issues here, ensuring you include the devices used (e.g. Apple TV model, TV/receiver setup), logs and screenshots/videos when applicable.

Also, please take a quick look at any existing reports and see if you’re potentially filing a duplicate. If that’s the case, reply to that message or link to it, so as to better help us understand the context of your report.

To keep posts light, I’m going to feedback posts if they don’t require any more feedback, as a way to acknowledge they’ve been logged and will be looked into.

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