Plex: Difference between revisions

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* Plex Forums - https://forums.plex.tv/
* Plex Forums - https://forums.plex.tv/
* NAS Compatibility [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MfYoJkiwSqCXg8cm5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/edit#gid=1274624273]
* NAS Compatibility [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MfYoJkiwSqCXg8cm5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/edit#gid=1274624273]

;Plex Add-ons
* [https://github.com/pannal/Sub-Zero.bundle/ Sub-zero] — an alternative to built-in subtitle finder.

;Tools
* [https://www.filebot.net/ Filebot] A tool to rename media according to media center naming schemes (support Plex, Kodi...).


== Install ==
== Install ==
Line 20: Line 26:


== Configuration ==
== Configuration ==
See also Shield TV and Wolverine.
See also [[Shieldtv]] and [[Configuration NAS Wolverine]].


=== Plex App on NVidia Shield TV Pro ===
=== Plex App on NVidia Shield TV Pro ===
Line 32: Line 38:


=== Plex Server ===
=== Plex Server ===
* Connect: http://captain:32400/
* Server - Settings - Library - Disable media deletion.
* Server - Settings - Library - Disable media deletion.
* Languages - Prefer subtitles in Français.
* Languages - Prefer subtitles in Français.
Line 58: Line 65:
* Make sure H365 is enabled if supported.
* Make sure H365 is enabled if supported.
* Set plex add-on to autostart when Kodi starts (to avoid to navigate to that add-on every time).
* Set plex add-on to autostart when Kodi starts (to avoid to navigate to that add-on every time).

=== Prevent transcode with AC3 / EAC3 audio on Nvidia Shield TV ===
Although the NVidia shield TV supports AC3 / EAC3 natively, it is transcoded by the support [https://forums.plex.tv/t/native-nvidia-shield-plex-app-wont-direct-play-4k-eac3/616436], [https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/f8eo85/plex_app_on_shield_tv_refuses_to_direct_play/]

To prevent that:
* Use Plex add-on in Kodi, instead of the Plex app on the shield.
* ???

More on DirectPlay:
* https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/f8eo85/plex_app_on_shield_tv_refuses_to_direct_play/


=== Naming convention ===
=== Naming convention ===
Line 127: Line 124:
.Plex Server
.Plex Server
* Go to server page, manage, console or troubleshooting and click Download logs.
* Go to server page, manage, console or troubleshooting and click Download logs.

=== General workaround tips ===
When encountering an issue:
* Try to disable subtitles to see if issue is related to the subtitles.
* Try Kodi Plex add-on.
* Try changing the Plex server.


=== Rewind / FF issues ===
=== Rewind / FF issues ===
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=== 30s startup delay ===
=== 30s startup delay ===
See [[Plex issue 30s delay]].
Symptoms:
* Symptom: when launching media, 30s (32 in fact) of spinning wheel before media shows up. During that time, dashboard doesn't show any connection.
* Relevant tickets [https://forums.plex.tv/t/nvidia-shield-tv-pro-2019-very-slow-plex-app-since-8-2-1-firmware/656558/14], [https://forums.plex.tv/t/shield-tv-beta-20-to-30-second-delay-when-playing-media/655246].
* Seems to occur only when doing Direct Stream on the Plex App on Shieldh TV Pro.
* When transcoding (can be forced by disabling HDMI passthrough on Plex App), delay is only 8s on Shield TV Pro.
:* Can't reproduce this anymore. Audio passthrough disabled doesn't trigger transcode when using AC3 anymore (saw a quick update message before playing the media).
* On Web browser, delay is ~2s, direct or not.
* On Kodi addon, delay is ~2s.

Summary:
* The symptoms depend on:
:* Whether media is '''local''' or '''remote''' (SMB).
:: Local media means media on Shield TV Pro filesystem when using the Shield Plex serer, and media located on NAS filesystem when using the NAS Plex server.
:* Whether media container is '''MKV''' or '''MP4'''.
:: The type of MP4 (standard or web optimize) does not matter here (with respect to delay, direct play decision, or VOBSUB support).
:* Whether using the '''Plex App''' or '''Kodi add-on'''.
:* Without delay means ~2s.
* In general '''remote or local''', '''MP4 or MKV''', '''with or without VOBSUB''' are always '''direct played without delay'''.
* The exceptions are:
:* On Plex app, '''Remote MKV''' are '''direct play with 30s delay''', and '''MP4 + VOBSUB''' are '''transcoded (with bad quality)'''.
:: Transcode reason is <code>Direct Play was attempted but failed, fallen back to transcoding</code>.
:* On Kodi add-on, '''Remote MKV''' are '''direct play with 20s delay''', or sometimes fail to play.
* In conclusion, if we favor direct play anyway, our best bet is to use the Kodi add-on with the NAS Plex server.
:* But this means overloading the NAS with an additional process.
:* Kodi app is less remote friendly than the Plex app.

Some tests:
* Select movie.
* Select version
* Play from start.
* When Direct Play, try both Shield as server, and Wolverine.

* Shield App:
:* Dec 26, 2020 17:33
:* 1080p, 1.9Mbps: Interstellar 1080p H264 AAC stereo .MP4: '''Direct Play AV, 3s''' (+SRT subtitles)
:* SD, 1.7Mbps: Interstellar 480p H264 AC3 5.1 .MKV: ''''''
:* SD, 1.5Mbps: Interstellar 480p H264 AAC 5.1 .MKV: ''''''
:* SD, 1.4Mbps: Interstellar 480p H265 AC3 5.1 .MKV: ''''''
:* Dec 26, 2020 17:36:35

* Shield Kodi:
:* Note: on Kodi, even when there is a delay, the play request shows up immediately on the dashboard. Looking in the log, we don't see the same 30s delay between the <code>Content-Length</code> requests.
:* Dec 26, 2020 17:37:51
:* 1080p, 1.9Mbps: Interstellar 1080p H264 AAC stereo .MP4: '''Direct Play AV, 3s''' (+SRT subtitles)
::* Note that in the logs, we see transcode messages, even though it direct plays.
Dec 26, 2020 19:11:35.247 [4977] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Interstellar (2014): no direct play video profile exists for http/mp4/h264
Dec 26, 2020 19:11:35.247 [4977] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Interstellar (2014): no direct play video profile exists for http/mp4/h264/aac
Dec 26, 2020 19:11:35.247 [4977] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Interstellar (2014): transcoding selected subtitle stream
Dec 26, 2020 19:11:35.247 [4977] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Interstellar (2014): selected media 0 / 183
:* SD, 1.7Mbps: Interstellar 480p H264 AC3 5.1 .MKV: '''Direct Play AV, 20s''' (+SRT subtitles!)
:* SD, 1.5Mbps: Interstellar 480p H264 AAC 5.1 .MKV: '''Direct Play AV, 20s''' (+SRT subtitles!)
:* SD, 1.4Mbps: Interstellar 480p H265 AC3 5.1 .MKV: ''''''
:* Dec 26, 2020 17:40:24

* Shield App with Shield Server:
:* Start &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 21:24:34
:* Delay One Brave-H264-AAC2ch.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* Delay Two Brave-H264-AAC2ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (no VOBSUB available :-( )
:* Delay Three Brave-H264-AAC5.1ch.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* Delay Four Brave-H264-AAC5.1ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (no VOBSUB available :-( )
:* Delay Five Brave-H264-AC32ch.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* Delay Six Brave-H264-AC32ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (no VOBSUB available :-( )
:* Delay Seven Brave-H264-AC35.1chpassthrough.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* Delay Eight Brave-H264-AC35.1chpassthrough-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (no VOBSUB available :-( )
:* Delay Nine Brave-H264-AC35.1chrecoded.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* Delay Ten Brave-H264-AC35.1chrecoded-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 1s''' (no VOBSUB available :-( )
:* End &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 21:32:52
:* DelayTwo One - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch.mkv: '''DP 30s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* DelayTwo Two - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''', but if playing VOBSUB, '''transcode V (and bad quality)''' (transcode reason: Direct Play was attempted but failed, fallen back to transcoding)
:* DelayTwo Three - Bad Teacher-AAC5.1ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''', but if playing VOBSUB, '''transcode V (and bad quality)''' (transcode reason: Direct Play was attempted but failed, fallen back to transcoding)
:* DelayThree One - Brave - H264-AACstereo-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (Standard MP4) But if playing VOBSUB, '''transcode V (and bad quality)''' (transcode reason: Direct Play was attempted but failed, fallen back to transcoding)!
:* DelayThree Two - Brave - H264-AC3passthrough-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (Standard MP4). But if playing VOBSUB, '''transcode V (and bad quality)''' (transcode reason: Direct Play was attempted but failed, fallen back to transcoding)!

* Shield App with Shield Server, with local library:
:* Bad Teacher H264 AC3 5.1.mkv: '''DP 2s''' (same with VOBSUB)

* Shield Kodi with Shield Server:
:* Start &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 21:38:41
:* Delay One Brave-H264-AAC2ch.mkv: '''DP 20s''', but '''DP 2s''' with local media.
:* Delay Two Brave-H264-AAC2ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* Delay Three Brave-H264-AAC5.1ch.mkv: '''DP 20s, but doesnt play''' (goes into ''Playing Next'' screen), but '''DP 2s''' with local media.
:: We get the following errors. But we get the same when it works, except the <code>curl_easy_perform</code> one.
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:28.038 [10513] Error — Error issuing curl_easy_perform(handle): 28
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:30.098 [10358] Error — [Transcode] ClientProfileExtra: missing protocol parameter
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:30.098 [10358] Warning — [Transcode] ClientProfileExtra: ignoring directive: append-transcode-target-audio-codec(type=videoProfile&context=streaming&audioCodec=ac3)
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:30.099 [10358] Warning — [Transcode] TranscodeUniversalRequest: at least one profile extra directive could not be read
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:51.601 [10633] Error — Unknown metadata type: folder
Dec 26, 2020 21:42:51.693 [10634] Warning — SLOW QUERY: It took 210.000000 ms to retrieve 51 items.
:* Delay Four Brave-H264-AAC5.1ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* Delay Five Brave-H264-AC32ch.mkv: '''DP 20s, but doesnt play'''.
:* Delay Six Brave-H264-AC32ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* Delay Seven Brave-H264-AC35.1chpassthrough.mkv: '''DP 20s, but doesnt play'''.
:* Delay Eight Brave-H264-AC35.1chpassthrough-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* Delay Nine Brave-H264-AC35.1chrecoded.mkv: '''DP 20s, but doesnt play'''.
:* Delay Ten Brave-H264-AC35.1chrecoded-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* End &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 21:54:33
:* DelayTwo One - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch.mkv: '''DP 20s'''
:* DelayTwo Two - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* DelayTwo Three - Bad Teacher-AAC5.1ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s'''
:* DelayThree One - Brave - H264-AACstereo-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized). If playing VOBSUB, '''DP 2s''' also!
:* DelayThree Two - Brave - H264-AC3passthrough-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized). If playing VOBSUB, '''DP 2s''' also!

* Shield App with Shield Server, with HDMI passthrough disabled:
:* ... This was our trick to trigger anymore when using AC3, but this doesn't work anymore.

* Shield App with Synology Server:
:* End &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 23:09:xx
:* Delay One to Ten: '''Direct Play 2s delay'''. Same with VOBSUB.
:* End &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 23:11:45
:* DelayThree One - Brave - H264-AACstereo-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized) But if playing VOBSUB, '''Cannot play media''' (because transcode disabled)!
:* DelayThree Two - Brave - H264-AC3passthrough-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized). But if playing VOBSUB, '''Cannot play media''' (because transcode disabled)!

* Shield Kodi with Synology Server:
:* Start &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 23:15:21
:* Delay One to Ten: '''Direct Play 2s delay'''. Same with VOBSUB.
:* End &mdash; Dec 26, 2020 23:18:35
:* DelayTwo One - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch.mkv: '''DP 2s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* DelayTwo Two - Bad Teacher-AAC2ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* DelayTwo Three - Bad Teacher-AAC5.1ch-mp4weboptim.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (same with VOBSUB)
:* DelayThree One - Brave - H264-AACstereo-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized). If playing VOBSUB, '''DP 2s''' also!
:* DelayThree Two - Brave - H264-AC3passthrough-MP4.m4v: '''DP 2s''' (MP4 but not web optimized). If playing VOBSUB, '''DP 2s''' also!

Relevant logs analysis:
* We get a <code>Failed to stream media, client probably disconnected after 5505024 bytes: 104 - Connection reset by peer</code>. Initially thought it was linked to 30s delay, but we get it everytimes.
<pre>
49122:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.388 [22929] DEBUG - Auth: authenticated user 1 as m.xelp@immie.org
49123:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.388 [32247] DEBUG - Request: [192.168.1.88:42344 (Subnet)] GET /library/parts/12486/1608848836/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944 (8 live) TLS Signed-in Token (m.xelp@immie.org) (range: bytes=0-)
49124:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.404 [32247] DEBUG - Content-Length of /storage/WOLVERINE/family/movie/_tests/Interstellar (2014) - x265.mkv is 1746637281 (of total: 1746637281).
49125:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.620 [22929] DEBUG - Auth: authenticated user 1 as m.xelp@immie.org
49126:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.620 [31709] DEBUG - Request: [192.168.1.88:42346 (Subnet)] GET /library/parts/12486/1608848836/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944 (9 live) TLS Signed-in Token (m.xelp@immie.org) (range: bytes=1746378705-)
49127:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:12.626 [31709] DEBUG - Content-Length of /storage/WOLVERINE/family/movie/_tests/Interstellar (2014) - x265.mkv is 258576 (of total: 1746637281).
49128:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.665 [22929] DEBUG - Failed to stream media, client probably disconnected after 5505024 bytes: 104 - Connection reset by peer
49129:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.665 [22929] DEBUG - Completed after connection close: [192.168.1.88:42344] 206 GET /library/parts/12486/1608848836/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944 (7 live) TLS 30276ms 5505024 bytes (range: bytes=0-)
49130:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.680 [22929] DEBUG - Completed: [192.168.1.88:42346] 206 GET /library/parts/12486/1608848836/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944 (7 live) TLS 30059ms 258576 bytes (range: bytes=1746378705-)
49131:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.780 [22929] DEBUG - Auth: authenticated user 1 as m.xelp@immie.org
49132:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.781 [31709] DEBUG - Request: [192.168.1.88:42350 (Subnet)] GET /library/parts/12486/1608848836/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944 (7 live) TLS Signed-in Token (m.xelp@immie.org) (range: bytes=5006-)
49133:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:42.795 [31709] DEBUG - Content-Length of /storage/WOLVERINE/family/movie/_tests/Interstellar (2014) - x265.mkv is 1746632275 (of total: 1746637281).
49134:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:43.252 [22929] DEBUG - Auth: authenticated user 1 as m.xelp@immie.org
49135:Dec 26, 2020 16:53:43.252 [31709] DEBUG - Request: [192.168.1.88:42352 (Subnet)] POST /playQueues?includeChapters=1&continuous=0&includeLoudnessRamps=1&repeat=0&extrasPrefixCount=0&type=video&shuffle=0&uri=server%3A%2F%2F315dbe1ac5eab4b3b25956e1907bba687927fecf%2Fcom.plexapp.plugins.library%2Flibrary%2Fmetadata%2F183&key=%2Flibrary%2Fmetadata%2F183 (7 live) TLS GZIP Signed-in Token (m.xelp@immie.org)
</pre>
* When on Kodi Add-on, we get this msg every 5s, even when no movie playing:
Dec 26, 2020 17:39:52.399 [22928] DEBUG - Auth: authenticated user 1 as m.xelp@immie.org
Dec 26, 2020 17:39:52.399 [2609] DEBUG - Request: [192.168.1.61:59608 (Subnet)] GET /statistics/bandwidth?timespan=6 (17 live) GZIP Signed-in Token (m.xelp@immie.org)
Dec 26, 2020 17:39:52.411 [22928] DEBUG - Completed: [192.168.1.61:59608] 200 GET /statistics/bandwidth?timespan=6 (17 live) GZIP 12ms 1514 bytes (pipelined: 19)
* When streaming ends, we get:
Dec 26, 2020 21:57:29.759 [11396] DEBUG — Streaming Resource: Terminated session 0x29fdd71598:440ac09a-635c-4e98-971b-720a0905387e with reason Client stopped playback.

Relevant client log:
12-28 18:29:37.154 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Opening source from https://192-168-1-88.ab962241bee7454183355a238f9372ef.plex.direct:32400/library
/parts/12474/1608832489/file.mkv?autoAdjustQuality=0&hasMDE=1&location=lan&mediaBufferSize=74944&X-Plex-Client-Identifier=46693b1320189a6d-com-ple
xapp-android&X-Plex-Client-Platform=Android&X-Plex-Device=SHIELD%20Android%20TV&X-Plex-DRM=widevine%3Avideo&X-Plex-Platform=Android&X-Plex-Platfor
m-Version=9&X-Plex-Product=Plex%20for%20Android%20(TV)&X-Plex-Token=...UX5q&X-Plex-Version=8.11.0.22186.
12-28 18:29:37.358 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Cache is enabled, connecting cache context.
12-28 18:29:37.470 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Worker thread has been enabled and will start processing data.
12-28 18:29:37.479 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Source seek requested to 1725850017 bytes with 0 whence.
12-28 18:29:37.480 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek found to 1725850017 bytes.
12-28 18:29:40.459 i: [HttpServer] /192.168.1.61:38690 - GET /logging
12-28 18:30:07.725 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek complete to 1725850017 bytes.
12-28 18:30:07.725 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek has returned with a response of 1725850017.
12-28 18:30:07.735 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Source seek requested to 7059 bytes with 0 whence.
12-28 18:30:07.737 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek found to 7059 bytes.
12-28 18:30:07.868 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek complete to 7059 bytes.
12-28 18:30:07.869 i: [FFmpeg] [INFO] [Cache] Seek has returned with a response of 7059.


Fix:
Relevant analysis:
* Disable opportunistic lock on the NAS.
* When using MP4 (web optimized) container, there is no thumbnail when movie is not identified, but there is one when using .MKV container.
* AC3/AAC loudness difference:
:* With HDMI passthrough, loudness is bigger for AC3 than for AAC. When HDMI passthrough is disabled, AC3 and AAC have same loudness, which is same as AAC with HDMI passthrough.
:* This doesn't occur with Kodi add-on (probably because no HDMI passthrough).


=== MP4 container with VOBSUB subtitles triggers transcode ===
=== MP4 container with VOBSUB subtitles triggers transcode ===
Test case: any DVD converted with Handbrake, using e.g. MP4 container, H264, any audio, VOBSUB subtitles.
Test case: any DVD converted with Handbrake, using e.g. MP4 container, H264, any audio, VOBSUB subtitles.


Workaround:
=== MKV container with PGC subtitles triggers transcode ===
* Use '''Kodi add-on'''.
* Use '''MKV''' container.

=== MKV container with PGS subtitles triggers transcode ===
Test case: {{file|[zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv}}.
Test case: {{file|[zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv}}.

Workaround:
* Use '''Kodi add-on'''.


=== Quality quite bad when transcoding on Shield ===
=== Quality quite bad when transcoding on Shield ===
Line 317: Line 162:
* Note: in App, Video Quality, Adjust automatically is set to OFF, but Home streaming is set to Maximum.
* Note: in App, Video Quality, Adjust automatically is set to OFF, but Home streaming is set to Maximum.


=== Miscellaneous issues ===
=== Miscellaneous issues log ===
* 'Enhanced' - French SRT subtitles not showing
* {{green|'''Invalid'''}} ''Enhanced'' - French SRT subtitles not showing
:* Because the SRT file was empty / corrupted.
:* Because the SRT file was empty / corrupted.
* {{green|'''Invalid'''}} ''Lucy'' ({{file|[zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv}}, MKV, H265, AC3 audio, PGS and SRT subtitles) - Cannot play AC3 audio, keep transcoding it and fails.
* 'Lucy' - Cannot play AC3 audio. Turns out there was an issue in that track anyway (delay).
:* Not related to AC3 but to PGS subtitles, which trigger transcode. In addition, there was an issue in that media (audio delay).
* Keep transcoding AC3 media.
:* Playing with '''PGS subtitles''' trigger transcode, which fails (so transcode not due to using AC3 as initially thought [https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/f8eo85/plex_app_on_shield_tv_refuses_to_direct_play/], [https://forums.plex.tv/t/native-nvidia-shield-plex-app-wont-direct-play-4k-eac3/616436]).
1382:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): Direct Play is disabled
1383:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): media must be transcoded in order to use the hls protocol
:* Note Plex addon on Kodi has better support for subtitles and audio in general [https://forums.plex.tv/t/native-nvidia-shield-plex-app-wont-direct-play-4k-eac3/616436].
* {{green|'''Invalid'''}} Keep transcoding AC3 media.
:* Does not seem to be the case in our DVD tests. The delay is due to something else.
:* Does not seem to be the case in our DVD tests. The delay is due to something else.
* When transcoding on Shield TV server, the quality is quite bad. Why can't we boost the quality of the transcode to the max (say 4Mb)?
* {{red|'''Issue'''}} Transcoding quality is quite bad even though quality is set to maxium (using Shield TV Pro for transcoding)
:* In the dashboard, we see that often times the bitrate is quite low (1Mb, sometimes less, or a small 2Mb). Why can't we boost the quality of the transcode to the max (say 4Mb)? Disabling HW support does not change much on this.
* {{green|'''Workaround'''}} ''Ghost in the Shell'' ({{file|Ghost in a Shell.m4v}}, HEVC, AAC LC, VOBSUB), transcode when enabling subtitles.
:* Known issue, due to MP4 container.


=== Reset / Retore Plex Server on NVIDIA Shield ===
;Ghost in the Shell (Anime)
+ Reference: [https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/p7qke6/restoring_database_backup_of_nvidia_shield_plex/ Reddit post]
* Direct Play without subtitles, but transcode with subtitles.
* MP4, but still 30s delay when using shield server.


This might be necessary if the Plex Media Server on the NVIDIA Shield refuses to start (eg. after a Shield FW upgrade).
;Lucy

* File {{file|[zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv}}, MKV, H265, AC3 audio, PGS and SRT subtitles.
;Clear data and/or cache
* Note that file has serious audio delay issues.
* This steps is necessary to recover the PMS app.
* Playing with '''PGS subtitles''' trigger transcode, which fails (so transcode not due to using AC3 as initially thought [https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/f8eo85/plex_app_on_shield_tv_refuses_to_direct_play/], [https://forums.plex.tv/t/native-nvidia-shield-plex-app-wont-direct-play-4k-eac3/616436]).
* In Shield settings, clear the Plex app '''cache''' (NOT THE DATA), and the PMS app '''data''' (note that PMS is a system app).
1382:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): Direct Play is disabled

1383:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): media must be transcoded in order to use the hls protocol
;Restore PMS backup
* Workaround:
* In Plex app, wait for PMS server to restart, and move the PMS storage location to '''user accessible''' internal storage.
:* Plex addon on Kodi [https://forums.plex.tv/t/native-nvidia-shield-plex-app-wont-direct-play-4k-eac3/616436].
* Then In Nvidia shield storage settings, enable file transfer via network.
* Also, stop the PMS server by forcing a stop (note that PMS is a system app).
* From remote PC, go to {{file|smb://xxx.xxx.xx.x/internal/Plex Media Server/Database Backups}} folder, if it exists (otherwise you don't have any backup). Copy the file there to another location.
* Rename the latest backup files to have them look like:
:* {{file|com.plexapp.plugins.library.db}}
:* {{file|com.plexapp.plugins.library.blobs.db}}
* Go to the PMS internal storage at {{file|//xxx.xxx.xx.x/internal/android/data/com.plexapp.mediaserver.smb/Plex Media Server/Plug-in Support/Databases}} (this requires to move the PMS storage location as said in the first step). Remove the files there, and copy there the two renamed files above.
* Restart the Plex application (might also need to restart the Nvidia Shield), and wait for the PMS to restart.
* Visit the PMS server on local network (http://xxx.xxx.xx.x/32400)
:* check that the libraries are restored.
:* trigger a '''refresh of all metadata''' to have all arts restored.


== To Do ==
== To Do ==
* Shield TV - Play with Shield audio passthrough settings. See if that enables the direct play of AC3.
* '''Done''' Shield TV - Play with Shield audio passthrough settings. See if that enables the direct play of AC3. &mdash; AC3 is supported wether HDMI passthrough is enabled or not.

Latest revision as of 21:05, 16 September 2022

Links

Plex Add-ons
  • Sub-zero — an alternative to built-in subtitle finder.
Tools
  • Filebot A tool to rename media according to media center naming schemes (support Plex, Kodi...).

Install

Plex Media Player on Linux

See https://knapsu.eu/plex/. Use flatpak. Dependency on KDE [2]. 

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists kdeapps --from https://distribute.kde.org/kdeapps.flatpakrepo
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists plex-media-player https://flatpak.knapsu.eu/plex-media-player.flatpakrepo
flatpak install plex-media-player tv.plex.PlexMediaPlayer

... doesn't seem to work great on Debian Buster at least.

Kodi Plex Add-On

  • Select add-on from videos add-on.
  • Sign in to account.
  • In settings, enable direct play and enable h265.
  • Optionally, set add-on to autostart when Kodi starts.

Configuration

See also Shieldtv and Configuration NAS Wolverine.

Plex App on NVidia Shield TV Pro

  • Audio Passthrough:
  • Set to HDMI because it amplifies AC3 audio.
  • Todo: Note that passthrough is not advised [3], so maybe we should reconsider that.
  • Video quality - Adjust automatically:
  • Currently set to OFF.
  • Todo: Does that influence the quality of transcode?

Plex Server

  • Connect: http://captain:32400/
  • Server - Settings - Library - Disable media deletion.
  • Languages - Prefer subtitles in Français.

How-To

Fix film metadata / bad matching

  • Go in server library.
  • Select movie, then Fix match....

If movie has several versions available, and one of these is not correct:

  • Select first split apart.

See also this post about upgrading the matching agent.

Use Plex add-on in Kodi

Advantage of using the Kodi add-on is that it has (currently) better direct play support (in particular AC3 audio).

To install Plex add-on in Kodi [4],[5]:

  • Go to Kodi add-on menu
  • Select Download, Videos Add-Ons.
  • Select Plex.
  • Install.

Some settings to consider:

  • Make sure direct play is enabled.
  • Make sure H365 is enabled if supported.
  • Set plex add-on to autostart when Kodi starts (to avoid to navigate to that add-on every time).

Naming convention

References [6]

Recommended folder structure: 

   /Media
      /Movies
         movie content
      /Music
         music content
      /TV Shows
         television content
Basic Naming - separate folder
   /Movies
      /Avatar (2009)
         Avatar (2009).mkv
      /Batman Begins (2005)
         Batman Begins (2005).mp4
         Batman Begins (2005).en.srt
         poster.jpg
Basic Naming - standalone files (slower scanning)
   /Movies
      Avatar (2009).mkv
      Batman Begins (2005).mp4
Split across multiple files
Use MovieName (release year) – Split_Name.ext, where Split_Name is cdX, discX, diskX, dvdX, partX or ptX.
   /Movies
      /The Dark Knight (2008)
         The Dark Knight (2008) - pt1.mp4
         The Dark Knight (2008) - pt2.mp4
Subtitles
Must enable the local media assets scanner. Recommended formats are SRT, SMI, SSA (or ASS).
Use
  • MovieName (Release Date).[Language_Code].ext or
  • Movies/MovieName (Release Date).[Language_Code].ext
  • Movies/MovieName (Release Date).[Language_Code].forced.ext
   /Movies
      Avatar (2009).mkv
      Avatar (2009).en.srt
   
   /Movies
      /Avatar (2009)
         Avatar (2009).mkv
         Avatar (2009).eng.ass

Troubleshooting

Collect logs

Plex Player

.Plex Server

  • Go to server page, manage, console or troubleshooting and click Download logs.

General workaround tips

When encountering an issue:

  • Try to disable subtitles to see if issue is related to the subtitles.
  • Try Kodi Plex add-on.
  • Try changing the Plex server.

Rewind / FF issues

  • At least have that issue on Chrome / Debian Buster, with ShieldTV embedded player.
  • Trying fix:
  • Trying the official player from https://plex.tv, click launch.
  • Trying to enable Settings -> Plex Web -> Debug -> Use alternate streaming protocol for video playback. -> Much better!

30s startup delay

See Plex issue 30s delay.

Fix:

  • Disable opportunistic lock on the NAS.

MP4 container with VOBSUB subtitles triggers transcode

Test case: any DVD converted with Handbrake, using e.g. MP4 container, H264, any audio, VOBSUB subtitles.

Workaround:

  • Use Kodi add-on.
  • Use MKV container.

MKV container with PGS subtitles triggers transcode

Test case: [zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv.

Workaround:

  • Use Kodi add-on.

Quality quite bad when transcoding on Shield

  • transcoding quality is quite low (using shield plex app and shield plex server)
  • Note: in App, Video Quality, Adjust automatically is set to OFF, but Home streaming is set to Maximum.

Miscellaneous issues log

  • Invalid Enhanced - French SRT subtitles not showing
  • Because the SRT file was empty / corrupted.
  • Invalid Lucy ([zza]Lucy.2014.BDRIP.1080p.x265.AC3.mkv, MKV, H265, AC3 audio, PGS and SRT subtitles) - Cannot play AC3 audio, keep transcoding it and fails.
  • Not related to AC3 but to PGS subtitles, which trigger transcode. In addition, there was an issue in that media (audio delay).
  • Playing with PGS subtitles trigger transcode, which fails (so transcode not due to using AC3 as initially thought [8], [9]).
1382:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): Direct Play is disabled
1383:Dec 20, 2020 00:42:18.545 [23009] DEBUG - [Transcode] MDE: Lucy (2014): media must be transcoded in order to use the hls protocol
  • Note Plex addon on Kodi has better support for subtitles and audio in general [10].
  • Invalid Keep transcoding AC3 media.
  • Does not seem to be the case in our DVD tests. The delay is due to something else.
  • Issue Transcoding quality is quite bad even though quality is set to maxium (using Shield TV Pro for transcoding)
  • In the dashboard, we see that often times the bitrate is quite low (1Mb, sometimes less, or a small 2Mb). Why can't we boost the quality of the transcode to the max (say 4Mb)? Disabling HW support does not change much on this.
  • Workaround Ghost in the Shell (Ghost in a Shell.m4v, HEVC, AAC LC, VOBSUB), transcode when enabling subtitles.
  • Known issue, due to MP4 container.

Reset / Retore Plex Server on NVIDIA Shield

+ Reference: Reddit post

This might be necessary if the Plex Media Server on the NVIDIA Shield refuses to start (eg. after a Shield FW upgrade).

Clear data and/or cache
  • This steps is necessary to recover the PMS app.
  • In Shield settings, clear the Plex app cache (NOT THE DATA), and the PMS app data (note that PMS is a system app).
Restore PMS backup
  • In Plex app, wait for PMS server to restart, and move the PMS storage location to user accessible internal storage.
  • Then In Nvidia shield storage settings, enable file transfer via network.
  • Also, stop the PMS server by forcing a stop (note that PMS is a system app).
  • From remote PC, go to smb://xxx.xxx.xx.x/internal/Plex Media Server/Database Backups folder, if it exists (otherwise you don't have any backup). Copy the file there to another location.
  • Rename the latest backup files to have them look like:
  • com.plexapp.plugins.library.db
  • com.plexapp.plugins.library.blobs.db
  • Go to the PMS internal storage at //xxx.xxx.xx.x/internal/android/data/com.plexapp.mediaserver.smb/Plex Media Server/Plug-in Support/Databases (this requires to move the PMS storage location as said in the first step). Remove the files there, and copy there the two renamed files above.
  • Restart the Plex application (might also need to restart the Nvidia Shield), and wait for the PMS to restart.
  • Visit the PMS server on local network (http://xxx.xxx.xx.x/32400)
  • check that the libraries are restored.
  • trigger a refresh of all metadata to have all arts restored.

To Do

  • Done Shield TV - Play with Shield audio passthrough settings. See if that enables the direct play of AC3. — AC3 is supported wether HDMI passthrough is enabled or not.
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