Best solution for “4K Can’t Be Played On Plex” Issue

You maybe think that Plex can transcode everything so you won’t have any video playback trouble on Plex. If you think so, you are wrong. From some forums, we see many 4K video playback issues on Plex. So how to solve 4K to Plex playback issues? Check the solution from this article.

play 4k on plex

Some 4K (ultra high definition) devices are recognized by the Plex app. We’re working to bring 4K playback support to other devices, too. 4K/UHD content matching the following will Direct Play on supported devices:
  • Container: MP4
  • Resolution: 3840×2160 or smaller
  • Video Encoding: HEVC (H.265)
  • Video Frame Rate: 30fps
  • Video Bit Depth: 8

4K content not matching the above properties will be transcoded to 1080p. Transcoding 4K content is a very intensive process and will require a powerful computer running Plex Media Server. And Plex does not all 4K video formats like XAVC, MXF, MTS etc. You’d better download a professional 4K video converter for Plex.

Get Best 4K to Plex Video Converter

Pavtube Video Converter <Mac version> is the best choice to compress 4K to 1080p for Plex and convert 4K to Plex. This video converter can compress any 4K video to 1080p video and convert 4k video formats like MKV, AVI, MTS, M2TS, XAVC, MOV, MP4, H.265, Tivo etc to Plex more compatible format like H.264/MPEG-4 MP4 with AAC/AC3 audio and other Plex supported format video.

In this video converter, you can choose Plex supported video and audio format and adjust A/V parameters to more fit in Plex spec. With Pavtube Video Converter, you also can add subtitle to video for Plex streaming. It has many functions, you can learn it in its review. For Mac user, Pavtube Video Converter for Mac is the alternative choice that allows you to convert 4K to 1080p for playing PLex. Here I will throw a quick tutorial up on how to convert and compress 4K video for playing on Plex smoothly.

Free download Pavtube Video Converter for Plex

Other Download:
– Pavtube old official address: http://www.pavtube.com/video_converter/
– Cnet Download: http://download.cnet.com/Pavtube-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-75734821.html
– Softonic Download: http://pavtube-video-converter.en.softonic.com/

User guide to Convert 4K and compress 4K for playing on Plex perfectly

Step 1. Load 4K Video

Launch the 4K to 1080p Converter; click “Add File” and load your 4K files on your computer.

Step 2. Decide Output Format

Click “Format” bar and choose Plex supported MP4 from “Common Video” as output format, which can be recognized by Plex easily. If your source video is in 1080p and you want to keep 1080p resolution as source movie, you can choose HD Video > H.264 HD Video(*.mp4) for Plex Media Server.

Step 3. Downsize original 4K resolution at 1080p

Click “Settings” button; you can adjust video and audio settings, including codec, aspect ratio, bit rate, frame rate, sample rate, and audio channel. To down-convert ultra HD 4K to 1080p, do remember adjusting video size to 1920*1080. That is the exact 1080p for Plex.

Step 4. Start 4K to Plex conversion

Finally, hit the “Convert” button at the bottom of the main interface. This 4K to Plex Converter will start converting 4K to Plex friendly MP4 video automatically and will just take you for a while.

After the conversion, click “Open” to locate the converted movies. Then add the convert 4K files to Plex to stream the media on PS4, Samsung TV, Apple TV, PS3, Xbox360 or other devices using DLNA (just make sure the same local network between Plex and TV at your home).

Other Features of Pavtube Video Converter
  • Support H.265/HEVC Encode & Decode
  • Convert 250+ video and audio formats in 4K/HD/SD.
  • 30X faster conversion speed and high output quality.
  • 160+ ready presets for iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Game Console, VR, TV, video editors, etc.
  • Customize the output resolutions to any size the users want.
  • Support downscaling 4K to 1080P, 720P smaller size so as to play, edit, share 4K videos without incompatibility issue.
  • Batch conversion and super fast conversion speed.

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