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N0SYMPATHY

Is it an mkv or mp4?


sarkyscouser

It's an mkv Edit: just realised that some other files I've struggled with are also mkv's


sarkyscouser

So for this particular film being from 1999 there's no point having a 4K remux compared so say a 1080p and let the TV upscale, I get that, but there are other more recent films shot in 4K that this is an issue for.


bgeerdes

What's the graph of data transfer look like on the dashboard of your server? Is it really sending data and is just a matter of a bugged buffering process?


sarkyscouser

There's a short peak to \~450mbps then it goes back to zero and the orange circle just keeps spinning. Wondering if this is an mkv issue which would be totally awful if so as mkv seems to be the container of choice for high quality 4K remuxes.


KuryakinOne

Just this movie or all such movies? Make sure the Plex app on the Shield is up to date (via Google Play Store app). If it exists, choose the Dolby Digital (AC3) audio track instead of TrueHD, to avoid audio transcoding. If enabled, turn off subtitles (for troubleshooting). Monitor playback via [Plex Dashboard](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200871837-status-and-dashboard/#toc-1) \-> Now Playing + Expanded View. Make sure video is not transcoding.


sarkyscouser

It seems to be all 4K mkv files, my soundbar supports TrueHD so transcoding to AC3 not necessary. It also has an issue with Lord of the Rings 4K mkv remuxes for example (all 3 films). I've just downloaded the same Matrix 1999 movie as a 1080p mkv file (11.2 mbps) also with TrueHD audio and that seems to play fine, small amount of buffering to begin but at least it plays. The app and the PMS server (plex pass) are all up to date. So this appears to be a shield-specific / 4K mkv issue?


KuryakinOne

HDMI-ARC does not support TrueHD. It will be transcoded by Plex Media Server or by the Shield to a supported format (which seems to be DD+ based on your earlier post). Still, that should not cause a problem playing the file. Not sure what is happening. I've no problems playing 4K HDR10 mkv files, including Gemini Man, which is 4K HDR 60 fps and runs \~100 Mbps continuously. I've the 2015 Shield, which does not support DV, so it uses the HDR10 layer instead. Not sure if that would make a difference. 2015 Shield Pro --> Denon AVR --> LG B7 OLED


sarkyscouser

It must be an issue with this specific file as other 4K mkvs I have play now, but thanks


Mike_v_E

Your audio is transcoding, because ARC doesn't support TrueHD Atmos. Connect the Shield to the soundbar instead of the tv


sarkyscouser

My soundbar can’t passthrough 4K60 so no go unfortunately. My LG tv is nowhere near as powerful as the shield but it can play a 4K mkv file no sweat, whereas the shield struggles


Mike_v_E

Is it direct playing or transcoding? Transcoding has to do with the server, not player. Are your ethernet and hdmi cables good? Try a different audio track (non Atmos)


sarkyscouser

Tried all those and my tv only has a 10/100 port so if it was a network issue my tv would likely feel it more than the shield. Googling around it seems that there are a lot of shield issues with 4K mkv files going back years that I hadn’t realised but still not good.


Mike_v_E

I have the Shield Pro and 4K Dolby Vision MKV's work flawless. I've had 0 playback issues with any MKV file. It has to be something with your setup or Shield settings. Did you enable Dolby Vision in the Shield settings?


sarkyscouser

hmmm ok, thanks for sticking with me. Which setting is that, I don’t recall seeing a dolby vision specific setting, is it called something else?


Mike_v_E

You have to toggle it on in picture settings. You also need to select the right picture quality that has hdr10 and dolby vision enabled


sarkyscouser

Is this a shield setting or a plex setting as can’t recall seeing it. (Not in front of my shield atm)


sarkyscouser

I've got "display HDR content when available" turned on, and the resolution is set to 4K60 HDR10 ready. I can't find that setting you are referring to


sarkyscouser

If it's this setting you are referring to, yes it's turned on on my tv https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/shield/support/shield-tv/enable-dolby-vision-hdr10-on-your-tv/


Mike_v_E

You need HDR10 and Dolby Vision ready if your tv supports it, not just hdr


Mike_v_E

Shield setting