Plex on ReadyNAS Pro

1080p requires more horse power than the Business Pro can handle.

The Pro Business Edition has a CPU that's good for 720p. The Pro 6 can handle 1080p.

This question relates to streaming, Plex and media types.

I have a Pro 6 (not quite 2 years old yet). It is connected through a wired connection to a Sony bdp-s780 blu-ray player which is a DLNA device. I also have 2 Roku 2xs players with the plex app installed and which are connected wirelessly.

I have a bunch of movies (mostly Pixar to satisfy the appetites of my 5, 3 and 1 y.o. kids) which have been ripped using MakeMKV. I use the generic settings and copy only the movie and highest audio tracks (i.e. no subtitles, extras, etc) with the thought that if the kids ever scratched the discs, I'd be able to re-burn a disc and have an exact duplicate. The other reason for having the server (not just to store the copies) is shear laziness - it's much easier to jump to different movies without getting up, finding the disc, etc. I also use Handbrake with its generic IPad setting to make a smaller size mpeg copy to store on the ipad for travel.

Here's the issue: when I stream the .mkv file using either the DLNA device or the Roku (Plex), the playback is terrible: quality is poor and buffering with both devices (DLNA and Roku) is slow (the "quality..." sign on the roku drags on for what seems like an eternity, especially with the kids clamoring for Nemo). When I stream the .mpeg version, the playback is faster and image quality infinitely better.

Looking at the DLNA device, each of the .mkv movies are listed as M2TS. While I understand that to be a container format, any reason for the slow speed and drop in quality compared to a lower resolution copy of the same?

This topic bridges multiple forums so please direct me if this is not the correct place for this post.

Thanks.

ReadyDLNA advertises MKV as M2TS (and does the appropriate remuxing).

Are you running the most recent ReadyDLNA? You could try updating overall to 4.2.23

Thanks. I did upgrade the ReadyDLNA to the latest version (1.1.0~rc4).
https://www.readynas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=27946

Am in the process of updating Radiator to 4.2.23 (despite my trying to do it via front view, it didn't sense the need to update). Will test following the update, but no improvement with the ReadyDLNA update.

Another curious tidbit: the Bluray player found both the Plex Server and the DLNA ReadyNAS server. Poor quality came from both - I think this suggests a server issue and not a Plex transcoding issue. Lastly, the Bluray player supports playback of most video formats (http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/support-info.pl?info_id=958&mdl=BDPS780) but interestingly enough, it does not support .m2ts but does support .mkv. It is having difficulty playing back many of the video files.

Other suggestions?

HD streaming is actually not very demanding - 8 MB/s will handle full BluRay.

If 4.2.23 doesn't cure it, can you post the mediainfo of an MKV that plays poorly (www.videohelp.com/tools/mediainfo)? Select the text view, and cut/paste into a reply.

StephenB,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Update: the Roku Plex channel will stream all the videos although there is extreme pixelation specifically in the blacks. In addition, the Disney trailer (Cinderella's castle, fireworks, etc) looks like it is being shown on a CRT and not on a HDTV supporting 1080p. My Sony player will not play any Mpeg rip created from MakeMKV - will display the name of the file (e.g. Bee Movie) and then say Corrupt or Unsupported file. I am checking the Sony boards for this one.

Here is the MediaInfo results for Cars2, created using MakeMKV from the DVD version on an iMac (Intel Core2 Duo).

Thanks again!

General
Unique ID : 13830129799792433122549771815514523764 (0xA67960B69382FD411098A616D8BC874)
Complete name : /Volumes/media-1/Videos/Movies MKV and Streaming/Cars 2/Cars 2.mkv
Format : Matroska
Format version : Version 2
File size : 4.44 GiB
Duration : 1h 46mn
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 5 978 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2012-03-04 20:13:25
Writing application : MakeMKV v1.7.1 darwin(x86-release)
Writing library : libmakemkv v1.7.1 (1.2.0/1.1.0) darwin(x86-release)

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Video
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : Main@Main
Format settings, BVOP : No
Format settings, Matrix : Custom
Codec ID : V_MPEG2
Codec ID/Info : MPEG 1 or 2 Video
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 5 283 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 9 800 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Original frame rate : 29.970 fps
Standard : Component
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Scan order : Top Field First
Compression mode : Lossy
Time code of first frame : 00:59:58:05
Time code source : Group of pictures header
Language : English
Default : Yes
Forced : No
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.601
Matrix coefficients : BT.601

Audio #1
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 1h 46mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 384 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 292 MiB (6%)
Title : 3/2+1
Language : English
Default : Yes
Forced : No

Audio #2
ID : 3
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Format profile : Dolby Digital
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 1h 46mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 146 MiB (3%)
Title : 2/0
Language : English
Default : No
Forced : No

Menu
00:00:00.000 : en:Chapter 01
00:01:30.090 : en:Chapter 02
00:04:48.488 : en:Chapter 03
00:07:44.497 : en:Chapter 04
00:12:08.728 : en:Chapter 05
00:17:49.768 : en:Chapter 06
00:20:02.150 : en:Chapter 07
00:22:52.371 : en:Chapter 08
00:26:35.460 : en:Chapter 09
00:30:30.995 : en:Chapter 10
00:32:42.794 : en:Chapter 11
00:34:14.385 : en:Chapter 12
00:37:16.400 : en:Chapter 13
00:40:44.975 : en:Chapter 14
00:42:54.071 : en:Chapter 15
00:46:19.443 : en:Chapter 16
00:46:58.982 : en:Chapter 17
00:49:49.353 : en:Chapter 18
00:53:57.234 : en:Chapter 19
00:54:58.094 : en:Chapter 20
00:57:37.287 : en:Chapter 21
00:59:28.565 : en:Chapter 22
01:02:17.767 : en:Chapter 23
01:05:57.119 : en:Chapter 24
01:12:32.681 : en:Chapter 25
01:14:06.775 : en:Chapter 26
01:15:25.020 : en:Chapter 27
01:21:13.869 : en:Chapter 28
01:23:23.331 : en:Chapter 29
01:29:08.009 : en:Chapter 30
01:31:49.170 : en:Chapter 31
01:32:42.056 : en:Chapter 32
01:38:19.426 : en:Chapter 33

On the pixelated blacks - is plex transcoding the video? The log should tell you (http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/PlexN ... de_Session)

Did you try installing the plex server on a pc or mac, so you can see if the experience is different?

Also, perhaps post a 1080p mkv mediainfo, and check to see plex is transcoding that. If you can cut/paste the client capabilities (the link above shows where they are) that might help sort it.

I have a basic clarification question here. I see we're talking about PLEX and then I saw a reference to ReadyDLNA. Totally not the same thing. PLEX has it's own DLNA server. Using one will get you transcoding, the other won't. If you're going to be keeping one quality source and want to be able to move around and not worry about it, I'd suggest disabling ReadyDLNA and use PLEX'es instead. Further, I'd strongly recommend using native PLEX clients to DLNA. I've noticed situations were with our Samsung Smart TV that the DLNA client is pretty dumb, and the PLEX client has no difficulty playing various media. YMMV.

It is worth noting that some PLEX server and client version combinations will vary regarding their ability to sense the details of the client and connection to adjust the transcoding quality. If it gets into DirectPlay mode or it thinks you have more bandwidth than you really do, then you will see stuttering. With Roku, for example, I've noticed that I have to /manually/ select lower bandwidth values (in the Roku) to correctly get PLEX to notice that the connection available may not be what it would expect. Once done, playback performs quite well.

StephenB and btaroli,
Thanks for the valuable input.
To clarify - I am using the PLEX server on the NAS but also have ReadyDLNA on as my Bluray player is "DLNA" capable. I put the DLNA in quotes as many Sony products do not actually support all the video formats that one would expect on DLNA especially when being streamed from a NAS. The bluray player recognizes 2 servers - one ReadyNAS and one PLEX (but does not have a PLEX app). I have 2 Roku 2xs' with the PLEX app installed. I will give it a shot at decreasing the bandwidth on the Roku to see if that helps and report back.

Last night I created a separate folder on the NAS with my IPad versions of my movies. One folder has the mkv (created through MakeMKV) and the other a smaller copies made by running the mkv through Handbrake and its ipad preset (.m4v). I then tried streaming the 2 through both the DLNA and the Roku. Most noticeably, the streaming of the smaller copy was smoother, had faster fast-forward and reverse, more movie stored in the buffer and in a shorter amount of time. The receiver, I suspect, upconverts the video and so even though the ipad version may be at a lower resolution, it appeared at least as good as a 720p. As an aside, my family is primarily Apple and I haven't invested yet in the equipment to rip the blurays that we have - all rips are from the DVD version and thus not at 1080p. I am concerned though, that a 1080p rip, due to file size would be slow and frustrating. What has been your experience with streaming ripped Blurays?

Lastly, the Sony was able to stream the m4v from the NAS without difficulty. Also, I suspect when I play the mkv it may change the 6 channels to 2 channels before passing to my receiver.

I've attached the Mediainfo on the 2 versions of a movie for your perusal.

Question for btaroli: clarification for you. "Further, I'd strongly recommend using native PLEX clients to DLNA." Do you set PLEX on your Samsung Smart TV to stream from DLNA or from PLEX?

Thanks!

General
Unique ID : 192469561273071648660461029975541870873 (0x90CC4A055577E63FF120D6DC54CAF119)
Complete name : /Volumes/media/Videos/Movies MKV and Streaming/DR_SEUSS_THE_LORAX/Dr Seuss The Lorax.mkv
Format : Matroska
Format version : Version 2
File size : 4.46 GiB
Duration : 1h 26mn
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 7 393 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2012-12-25 05:25:41
Writing application : MakeMKV v1.7.9 darwin(x86-release)
Writing library : libmakemkv v1.7.9 (1.2.0/1.1.0) darwin(x86-release)

Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Video
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : Main@Main
Format settings, BVOP : No
Format settings, Matrix : Custom
Codec ID : V_MPEG2
Codec ID/Info : MPEG 1 or 2 Video
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 6 798 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 9 800 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Original frame rate : 29.970 fps
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Scan order : Top Field First
Compression mode : Lossy
Time code of first frame : 00:59:59;00
Time code source : Group of pictures header
Language : English
Default : No
Forced : No

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 1h 26mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 448 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 277 MiB (6%)
Title : 3/2+1
Language : English
Default : Yes
Forced : No

Menu
00:00:00.000 : en:Chapter 01
00:04:13.286 : en:Chapter 02
00:06:38.765 : en:Chapter 03
00:10:04.770 : en:Chapter 04
00:13:56.368 : en:Chapter 05
00:16:39.865 : en:Chapter 06
00:21:30.656 : en:Chapter 07
00:28:18.530 : en:Chapter 08
00:32:49.167 : en:Chapter 09
00:39:49.553 : en:Chapter 10
00:42:26.410 : en:Chapter 11
00:45:45.109 : en:Chapter 12
00:51:21.578 : en:Chapter 13
00:56:32.922 : en:Chapter 14
00:59:07.911 : en:Chapter 15
01:03:18.461 : en:Chapter 16
01:07:13.896 : en:Chapter 17
01:12:35.718 : en:Chapter 18
01:16:05.093 : en:Chapter 19
01:20:23.518 : en:Chapter 20
01:26:19.207 : en:Chapter 21



General
Complete name : /Volumes/media/Videos/Compressed DVD for Ipad/Dr Seuss The Lorax.m4v
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42
File size : 780 MiB
Duration : 1h 26mn
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 1 263 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2012-12-25 12:21:06
Tagged date : UTC 2012-12-25 13:11:57
Writing application : HandBrake 0.9.8 2012071800

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L3.0
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 4 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 1h 26mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 091 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 464 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 1.85:1
Frame rate mode : Variable
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Minimum frame rate : 15.152 fps
Maximum frame rate : 30.303 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.136
Stream size : 674 MiB (86%)
Writing library : x264 core 120
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x3:0x113 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=240 / keyint_min=24 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=20.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=3 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : UTC 2012-12-25 12:21:06
Tagged date : UTC 2012-12-25 13:11:57
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.601

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format profile : LC
Codec ID : 40
Duration : 1h 26mn
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 165 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 284 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Compression mode : Lossy
Delay relative to video : 116ms
Stream size : 102 MiB (13%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2012-12-25 12:21:06
Tagged date : UTC 2012-12-25 13:11:57

Menu
ID : 3
Codec ID : text
Duration : 1h 26mn
Encoded date : UTC 2012-12-25 12:21:06
Tagged date : UTC 2012-12-25 13:11:57
Bit rate mode : CBR
00:00:00.000 : Chapter 01
00:04:13.519 : Chapter 02
00:06:38.997 : Chapter 03
00:10:04.920 : Chapter 04
00:13:56.518 : Chapter 05
00:16:40.015 : Chapter 06
00:21:30.888 : Chapter 07
00:28:18.763 : Chapter 08
00:32:49.400 : Chapter 09
00:39:49.703 : Chapter 10
00:42:26.560 : Chapter 11
00:45:45.341 : Chapter 12
00:51:21.728 : Chapter 13
00:56:33.072 : Chapter 14
00:59:08.143 : Chapter 15
01:03:18.694 : Chapter 16
01:07:14.046 : Chapter 17
01:12:35.950 : Chapter 18
01:16:05.243 : Chapter 19
01:20:23.668 : Chapter 20