Written by Getting MKV to Chromecast via Plex Server on laptop
Many of the torrents I get are MKV format and I’m trying to figure a simpler way to view. Currently I have to run my laptop so that it can transcode and stream via Plex Server to my Chromecast. When we run the laptop, it’s usually because my wife is watching other shows on the laptop and the machine doesn’t deal with Plex Server transcoding and streaming shows to her at the same time. (It’s an older Acer.) Is there a Roku or something else like that, that is not a stand alone server PC that I have to leave running? If anyone has any success with a streaming device that deals well with MKV coming from a NAS, I’d love to know about it!
Any way to smoothly stream MKV to Chromecast via Plex Server
It is well know that MKV is an open standard free container format, which can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture or subtitle tracks in one file. Although MKV is included in the supported lists by many media streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast, PS4, WD TV, etc, However, Xbox One, etc. Those media servers may have the ability to handle MKV files encoded with some common video or audio codec like H.264 video codec or aac audio codec. However, if your MKV files contain some incompatible codec like H.265 video codec or ac3/dts audio codec, you will fail to stream them to your TV. Although the Plex Media Server has the capability to transcode some H.265 codec for you, however, it will require immense processing power to handle the H.265/HEVC codec.
Best way to stream MKV to Chromecast via Plex Server
To fix this issue, the best way is transcoding MKV files to Chromecast best compatible file formats as below before performing the video streaming process via Plex.
MP4 – .mp4 file encoded with H.264 High Profile Level 4.1 video codec and MP3/AAC audio codec
WebM – .webm video encoded with VP8 video codec and Vorbis audio codec.
Here, a workable and simple to use application called Pavtube Video Converter for Windows/Mac (support Mac OS X El Capitan), the program can comprehensively not only H.265 MKV but also other incompatible file formats such as FLV, AVCHD, MXF, Tivo, VOB, etc to Chromecast best favorable video and audio codec listed as below.
For Blu-ray & DVD disc collections, you can download Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate for Windows/Mac to rip all commercial Blu-ray & DVD movies for streaming to chromecast via Plex Media Server.
Free trial for Windows version
Free trial for Mac version
How to Transcode MKV for Streaming to Chromecast via Plex Media Server?
Step 1: Load MKV files to the program.
Launch the application on your computer, click “File” > “Load Video/Audio” or “Load from Folder” to import MKV files to the program.
Step 2. Choose Chromecast supported file format.
Click “Format” bar, from its drop-down options, choose to output Chromecast supported file format by following “Common Video” > “H.264 High Profile Video(*.mp4)”.
Step 3: Choose Chromecast supported audio codec.
Click “Settings” to open “Profile” settings window, under “Audio” section, click “codec” drop-down list, select aac or mp3 as the proper audio codec for Chromecast.
Step 4: Carry out the conversion process.
Go back to the main interface, hit right-bottom “Convert” button to begin the conversion from MKV to Chromecast supported video/audio codec conversion process.
When the conversion is completed, add converted movies to Plex, then go with the following steps to cast video to Chromecast via Plex:
1. Launch the Chrome browser
2. Install the Google Cast extension in Chrome.
3. Open Plex Web App.
4. Click on the Plex Players icon on at the top right.
5. You’ll see the Google Cast extension window open with a list of the detected Plex Apps that are available. You should see the Chromecast available in the list. Select the Chromecast. This will set the Chromecast as the device on which you want content played.
6. With the Chromecast selected, you can use the interface as normal. When you choose to play something, it will play on the Chromecast instead of in the browser window. As you browse content in the browser, details about that content will be mirrored and displayed on Chromecast for everyone to see.
Start playback just as you would normally by selecting to play from a poster or details page.
More detailed information, please visit:
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/201206866-Cast-from-Browser-or-Desktop
Related articles:
Tips on Streaming Any Video Formats to Google Chromecast
How to Passthrough AC3 to TV via Chromecast
Stream Supported and Unsupported Video from Kodi/XBMC to Chromecast
How to Watch and Play Blu-ray/DVD Movies on Chromecast 2 Windows Mac?
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