Suddenly, as of this morning (1.00am), my system can no longer play MP4 720p HD files

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FramerV wrote:

How do I send all logs to ReadyNAS Community moderators?

 

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If you send them to both mdgm-ntgr's attention and mine, then he'll forward them on to me.

Hi StephenB

I've already sent my log to you based on the following email I received this morning:

Re: Suddenly, as of this morning (1.00am), my system can no longer play MP4 720p HD files (NETGEAR Communities Subscription Update)

Hi ukbobboy,

FramerV (NETGEAR Moderator) posted a new reply in Using your ReadyNAS on 2016-12-27 10:06 PM :

 Re: Suddenly, as of this morning (1.00am), my system can no longer play MP4 720p HD files

Hi ukbobboy,

 Unfortunately StephenB is not a NETGEAR employee.

Please check the steps below for sending of logs:

 How do I send all logs to ReadyNAS Community moderators?

Regards,

The NAS logs didn't tell us much but then those are different to the Plex logs.

Was the app used to playback the media updated recently and did that coincide with running into the problem?

You could perhaps try updating to a newer version of PMS: https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server/0.9.16.6.1993-5089475/PlexMediaServer-0.9.16.6.1993-5089475-arm.bin

As there are no new PMS add-ons being built for ARM 5.x unfortunately even if updating PMS temporarily resolves it there's only a matter of time till a Plex client app introduces new problems.

Hi Mdgm

You asked, "Was the app used to playback the media updated recently and did that coincide with running into the problem?"

Well yes, I have recently updated my PMS software and No, the problem started a few days before and my updating of PMS and was done in response to the problem.  

You know, I was quite happy with my original version of PMS, which was PlexMediaServer-v0.9.11.16.958-80f1748-arm.bin, and, to be truthful, I was wary of updating because a lot of PMS users were reporting that their computers were bricked after an upgrading session.

As you suggest, I could do my final upgrade to PlexMediaServer-0.9.16.6.1993-5089475-arm.bin and see if that works.

I'll get back to you as soon as I have done the upgrade.

UK Bob

Hi again Mdgm

I think I may have slightly misunderstood your question, which I think was this part, "Was the app used to playback the media updated recently", I took it o mean updating the PMS software which I did update after the problem started.

However, if you actually mean did I update any playable media, i.e. an MP4 file, then no I have not but I do add, from time to time, new media files which I always virus check before adding to my Plex database.

And it was a new MP4 files which displayed this problem first of all, I then tried previously played files and they unexpectedly started displaying the same problem, which is

Transcoding Unavailable

Your Plex Media Server doesn't support transcoding.

Ok

And all these files which now cannot be played are all MP4 -720p HD direct play files, but all SD files are still playable.

As an idea, I will remove the file that originally displayed the problem, it's a long improbable shot but I guess I'm now out of logical options.

UK Bob

Hi ukbobboy,

Please let me know when you have tried removing the original file. I will seek assistance from mdgm by then.

Regards,

Hi FramerV

I have removed the original MP4 - 720p HD files which originally displayed the following unexpected error,

Transcoding Unavailable

Your Plex Media Server doesn't support transcoding.

Ok

However, I have not updated my PMS software to the version MDGM directed me to, in fact I was just about to do that when I came across your email.

I'll hold back from MDGM's suggested PMS updated until either you, MDGM or StephenB gives me the go ahead to perform that upgrade but, as stated above, I have removed the MP4 file that originally displayed the problem from my Plex media database.

Awaiting your reply.

UK Bob

I did look at the NAS logs, but I didn't see any useful clues in there.  Plex is not logging whatever issue is provoking this problem in the system logs.

I noticed that you are also running ReadyDLNA.  I am thinking that ReadyDLNA will play the 720p mp4 correctly - not sure if you tried that.

Going back to the settings you posted earlier...  This is a long shot, but perhaps set "remote quality" to "original" and see if anything changes.

Hi Stephen

Thanks for getting back to me, you said, "....but perhaps set "remote quality" to "original" and see if anything changes."

I've already done that and it has had no affect, besides I have never used or tried to access my Plex database remotely.

You also asked, "I noticed that you are also running ReadyDLNA.  I am thinking that ReadyDLNA will play the 720p mp4 correctly - not sure if you tried that."

Two things to point out:

a) I've always had ReadyDLNA switched on, even before I started to use Plex.

b) If my current equipment does not use DLNA already, i.e. my Now TV box (Roku 3 clone), then I honestly don't know how to enforce usage. However, I do not believe my Now TV box can actually use DLNA, may be UPnP but to be sure I will contact the Now TV forum and ask.

OK, at the moment, despite the steps I have taken, i.e. removing the MP4 file that first exhibited the problem, changing my Plex settings to either "Original" or "Normal", upgrading my PMS software to the next update (I've got one PMS upgrade left) and done some routine Plex maintenence chores (empty trash, optimise the Plex databse, clean bundles, etc.), nothing seems to make any difference or point to a solution in getting my playable MP4 -720p HD files to play again. :smileysad::smileysad::smileysad:

Sorry Stephen, I'm loosing hope :smileysad:

Let me know if you have any other questions and/or I should install my last Plex Software update?

UK Bob

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ukbobboy wrote:

 

Hi Stephen

 

 

 

a) I've always had ReadyDLNA switched on, even before I started to use Plex.

 

b) If my current equipment does not use DLNA already, i.e. my Now TV box (Roku 3 clone), then I honestly don't know how to enforce usage. However, I do not believe my Now TV box can actually use DLNA, may be UPnP but to be sure I will contact the Now TV forum and ask.

 

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I wasn't saying ReadyDLNA was causing the problem.  Though there no real benefit in running both, it might be worth confirming that ReadyDLNA can play them.

If you aren't running a plex app on the Roku clone, then you must be using DLNA - it's the only other option.

There is a setting to turn plex DLNA off, if you were to try that then ReadyDLNA would be only option left. You should then be able to see the ReadyDLNA server from the Now TV box, and perhaps play the file.

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ukbobboy wrote:

 

 

Sorry Stephen, I'm losing hope :smileysad:

 

Let me know if you have any other questions and/or I should install my last Plex Software update?

 

 

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This is a puzzle, and I'm not thinking of any obvious reason why the behavior might have changed.  Are your players connected to surround-sound receivers, or are they connected directly to the TV?

On the plex update - I don't think it will fix this, but it probably won't hurt anything either.

Hi StephenB

You said, "I wasn't saying ReadyDLNA was causing the problem."

I'm sorry you got that impression, all I meant was that ReadyDLNA has always been switched on, every since I bought my RNDuo V2 in 2012, nothing more.

You also said, "Though there no real benefit in running both, it might be worth confirming that ReadyDLNA can play them".

My knowledge of DLNA and ReadyDLNA is quite basic and I really do not know the difference between the two, in fact I currently see them as one and the same, i.e. inseparable.

That said, DNLA on my Plex database is now switched off, I let you know how I get on asap.

You also asked, "Are your players connected to surround-sound receivers, or are they connected directly to the TV?"

My players, i.e. my Now TV box, my Logic 250 stereo sound system and Chromecast device, are all connected directly to my TV, I do not have a surround-sound system.

You see, when it comes to tech stuff I take the simple route, I do not go in for extra complications or, as some of my friends use to say "Geek it 'til it hurts", as far as I'm concerned "If it plugs together and works, I'm happy" (Plug 'n Play).

BTW, my Now TV box is connected to my RNDuo V2 via wi-fi.

You mentioned, "If you aren't running a plex app on the Roku clone, then you must be using DLNA - it's the only other option".

Well, I am using a Plex app on my Now TV box, i.e. Plex-NowTV-2_8_2.zip, as you've probably guessed it was written especially for the Now TV box but, unfortunately, it is no longer supported.

Finally, you said, "On the plex update - I don't think it will fix this, but it probably won't hurt anything either."

OK then, I perform the update/upgrade later on and get back to you ASAP.

Again, if you have any other questions or require any kind of clarification then I'll be more than happy to supply the answers.

Cheers Stephen.

UK Bob

Hi StephenB

As an addition to the above, I did switch off DNLA but all that happened is the light on my Now TV box went out when accessing video data from Plex or the Internet, usually when accessing video data the light on my box stays on.

However, apart from the light, nothings changed.

I'm going to perform the final PMS upgrade later on, right now I'm listening to smooth, sweet music and, to relieve my stress, having a mulibu and cola (you guys do have that drink in the US? :smileywink:)

Catch you later.

UK Bob

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ukbobboy wrote:

 

My knowledge of DLNA and ReadyDLNA is quite basic and I really do not know the difference between the two, in fact I currently see them as one and the same, i.e. inseparable.

 

 

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DLNA is a particular way of distributing/streaming media that was developed by a consortia called the Digital Living Network Alliance. The approach uses a DLNA server that DLNA clients discover and reach over your home network.

There is more than one DLNA server out there - ReadyDLNA is one, and it is based on an open source project called minidlna.  Plex has it's own DLNA server built into it - that allows Plex to reach clients that don't have native plex support.

Generally there is no good reason to have two DLNA servers in the same box serving up the same media.  With some players running both could create some confusion over which server you are connecting to.  

If plex were running ok for you, I'd have asked that you turn off ReadyDLNA.  Since it's not, I suggested turning off the plex DLNA server.  You should still be able to stream media to the players using DLNA.  You might need to check the user manuals for the players to see how.

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ukbobboy wrote:

 

My players, i.e. my Now TV box, my Logic 250 stereo sound system and Chromecast device, are all connected directly to my TV, I do not have a surround-sound system.

  

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I'm not familiar with the Logic 250.  Can you send a link to the manual or datasheet (if there is one)?

The problem you have is that for some reason Plex thinks it needs to transcode these 720p movies.  If we knew why it thinks that, it might help.  It could be thinking it needs to transcode the video, but it's also possible that it thinks it needs to transcode the audio.

Many movie files have surround-sound audio tracks - in the case of an mp4, that could be aac 6-channel or (in some newer MP4s) ac3 (dolby digital).  If your players are stereo-only then some device needs to downmix to stereo.  That could be the the player (and my players have settings for that).  It could also be done in the server (if it could transcode).

What device(s) do you connect to the chromecast with?  if it is a mobile device you could install the plex app on it, and see if that also has the transcoding problem.  Plex on a phone or tablet should be able to cast.  There are also several dlna clients available for Android and iOS.

Hi StephenB

I've read through your post and away around the problem has jumped out at me, but first let me supply answers to your questions:

1) I'm not familiar with the Logic 250.  Can you send a link to the manual or datasheet (if there is one)?

I'm sorry I got the name wrong but here is the URL that leads to the tech specs and manual:

Please note, my sound-system is connected to my TV via an optical cable, plus I only turn this system on, and mute the TV sound, when I want to play music via Plex.

http://www.lg.com/us/support-product/lg-LAP250H

Saying that, I don't think my stereo sound system has anything to do with my Plex problem.

2) Many movie files have surround-sound audio tracks - in the case of an mp4, that could be aac 6-channel or (in some newer MP4s) ac3 (dolby digital).  If your players are stereo-only then some device needs to downmix to stereo.  That could be the the player (and my players have settings for that).  It could also be done in the server (if it could transcode).

Good suggestion but all my MP4 files are either stereo or mono, plus my latest MP4s are mono only.

3) What device(s) do you connect to the chromecast with?  if it is a mobile device you could install the plex app on it, and see if that also has the transcoding problem.  Plex on a phone or tablet should be able to cast.  There are also several dlna clients available for Android and iOS.

So far, I've only used my Android Tablet with chromecast, which seems to work OK.  Mind you, I only got the chromecast device because it was on sale at 40% off it's normal price, otherwise I would not have bought it.

However, if I can cast my films via chromecast to my TV then my problem is solved, I would still keep my NAS to store my films and play my music but watch my films/movies via chromecast. To make this work I will now need to find the appropriate Plex app to install on my tablet.

Finally, you mentioned, "....Plex thinks it needs to transcode these 720p movies.  If we knew why it thinks that, it might help.  It could be thinking it needs to transcode the video, but it's also possible that it thinks it needs to transcode the audio."

I agree, Plex for some unknown reason now thinks that all the 720p files it quite happily played before now suddenly all need to be transcoded. As a rule I do not ness around with a working system, I leave well enough alone, so I don't know how or why this "transcoding" affliction attacked my installation

OK, I hope I've answered all your queries but get back to me if I've missed anything, right now I'm off to see if there is a Plex/Chromecast/Android app available.

Catch you later, however if we don't get in contact before the new year then have a good one.

UK Bob

Hi StephenB

Just have  bit of info to pass on:

I just finished playing a full MP4-720p HD feature film via chromecast without any problems, I'm now finishing an SD film I started a couple of days ago and so far that looks OK as well.

The only problem I can see with the Plex android app, at the moment, is that it cannot see all of my Plex database, just a sub-section. This could be because I am using the free version of the app, there seem to be no indication that all of my database will be available if I get the paid version.

I will delve a little deeper and then get back to you.

UK Bob

Hi StephenB

Just to let you know before the new year comes in (well, it's already started for me and will probably be in another 5 or so hours for you).

I've bought the Plex for android app to unlock it and, as far as I can tell, I can once again play 720p HD files from my Plex database, but this time via chomecast.  

So this is where I am at the moment:

1) I can still play music (MP3 files) via my Plex database, RNDuoV2, and black Now TV box.

2) Likewise for all my MP4 SD files.

3) However, MP4-720p HD files will now only play via chromecast using my tablet as the control, it now takes a little longer than before to queue up a film before it can be watched, but now it can be watched.

In other word, what I have now is not quite as good as the facilities I had before but I now have a fully working audio visual system again.

Cheers and happy new year.

UK Bob

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ukbobboy wrote:

 

In other word, what I have now is not quite as good as the facilities I had before but I now have a fully working audio visual system again.

  

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Progress anyway.

Since the current plex app on the tablet doesn't have the problem, that suggests that there might be some issue with the plex app in the player.

Did you figure out how to play via DLNA on that device (via the media channel I think).

Hi StephenB

You asked, "Did you figure out how to play via DLNA on that device (via the media channel I think)."

No I haven't, I spent most of last night working out how to get Plex on my tablet and Plex/NAS database working together and casting to my TV, then I watched a full HD movie, three 45 minutes HD episodes followed by a number of Apple HD movie trailers.  Everything seems OK, apart for some visual glitches, i.e. a second or two drop in resolution.

You also said, "Since the current plex app on the tablet doesn't have the problem, that suggests that there might be some issue with the plex app in the player."

I totally agree but, at the moment, I have no idea how to find that problem or, even if I do find it, how to fix it.

The problem, when it occurred, was sudden and unexpected, i.e. no previous signs of anything going wrong.

Therefore, I'm guessing that to find where my Plex player went wrong would need a Plex programmer to go through the software itself line by line, and as my version of PMS is no longer supported, we know that's not going to happen.

BTW, I've still got a few other kinks to work out, e.g. why won't my latest version of Plex update itself with my new files, can this PMS version see my entire database (seems that some older HD files are now missing from the database but are still in the directory/folder).

You know, this seems to be the way things work when dealing with IT equipment, we trade one set of problems for another.

Catch you later.

UK Bob

Hi StephenB

I think I've found the reason why my system went belly up and the clue lays in one of our discussions, precisely the following:

                                      -----------------------------------------------------------

You also said, "Since the current plex app on the tablet doesn't have the problem, that suggests that there might be some issue with the plex app in the player."

I totally agree but, at the moment, I have no idea how to find that problem or, even if I do find it, how to fix it.

The problem, when it occurred, was sudden and unexpected, i.e. no previous signs of anything going wrong.

                                      -----------------------------------------------------------

While watching TV, I decided to check on my Plex database, using the Plex app, to see if it had picked up the new files I had put in last week, i.e. 30th December, and some older ones that somehow have gone missing, but are not deleted.

Anyway, I scrolled down to a "forgotten" settings (aka Preferences) menu and found that the quality settings had dropped from 4.0mps - 720p to 1.5mps - 480p, I was stunned because not only have I not touched those settings at all but the text at the top of the screen suggested that my Internet bandwidth had dropped.

OK, this is what I think happened, which is pure guess work on my part:

It seems that on morning when I was going to watch some films my bandwidth suddenly dropped, Plex responded by making some automatic changes to it's settings. However, when the bandwidth came back up again Plex did not reset itself back to it's original settings.

You know, the funny thing is that I thought it was a "Plex app" issue too and I did delete that app, Plex-NowTV-2_8_2.zip, and replace it with PlexClassic.v3.1.9.zip but that made no difference what so ever, the problem still persisted. And because there was no difference and I did not like the PlexClassic's display I reinstalled the original app.

Anyway, I reset the quality settings from 1.5mps - 480p up to 3.0mps - 720p and I can now play 720p HD files again.

OK, the only problem I have now is that this latest version of Plex, for my RNDuoV2, cannot see new MP4 files and has somehow failed to see some of my existing files.

Catch you later.

UK Bob

I'm glad it's fixed - it's very frustrating when the media doesn't play, especially during holidays.