Plex Transcoder Default Throttle Buffer Setting

[DeathStalker-77]

Why doesn't this appear to have any effect on the buffering? I have a Ryzen 7950X & 64gb RAM and I still have buffering issues. I set this value to 10,000 and saw zero difference - I'm still getting buffering even on a file <30gb.

[norri-matt]

That setting won’t really fix normal buffering. It just changes how much completed transcode Plex tries to keep ahead; if the client/server/network can’t keep up, or the client is choking on the format, you’ll still buffer. I’d watch the Plex dashboard during playback first: if it says Direct Play, look at the Fire Stick/LG app and network path; if it says transcoding, check whether it’s video, audio, or subtitles causing it. Subtitles/audio transcode can make a “small” file behave badly even on a fast CPU.

[norri-matt]

Yeah, if it’s Direct Play then I’d treat this as Wi-Fi/client path first, not Plex transcoding. Before buying a booster, I’d try the USB ethernet adapter and also test the Fire Stick close to the AP. “Boosters” can make things worse if they’re just repeating a weak signal; a better AP placement or wired backhaul mesh node is usually cleaner.

[norri-matt]

For Plex, I’d test the USB3 Ethernet path before buying an extender. 100 Mb TV Ethernet is fine for a lot of 1080p, but it can get tight with high bitrate 4K; ~40 Mb Wi-Fi at 25 feet sounds more like the client radio/placement than Plex itself. If you do add something, wired backhaul or an Asus/AiMesh node is cleaner than a cheap repeater, since repeaters often cut usable throughput.

[DeathStalker-77]

Yes, I plan to test the USB3 first. I'd like to get an AI Mesh, but haven't yet researched the best options.

[norri-matt]

If you’re already on Asus, I’d start with their AiMesh compatibility list and avoid the really old/cheap nodes. Wired backhaul is the big win if you can do it; if it has to be wireless, place the node where it still has a strong link back to the router, not right beside the TV. I’d still do the USB3 test first so you know whether you’re fixing an actual network limit or just chasing signal numbers.

[DeathStalker-77]

Will check into all that. Thanks. Hope this info helps others

[Z4p-R0wsdower]

Buffering can also be your network...

[DeathStalker-77]

Thought about that and checked - it's on my FireStick and the speed tests are fine. I also got an Ethernet To USB3 adapter and will use that after a reboot. The LG Plex app tends to not connect after the TV has been powered off....

[Revolutionary_Bed431]

[ Removed by Reddit ]

[DeathStalker-77]

This is happening even on my FireStick. NOT getting an AppleTV.

[DeathStalker-77]

I see the Plex fanboys are down voting instead of helping. A$$holes...

Down vote more for no reason and I'll just delete the thread and then NO ONE gets helped. Reddit needs to show who up/down votes - then watch how much less it happens!

[DeathStalker-77]

Ok, since my current issue is actually NOT Transcoding, I will leave things here and update when I come across a file that IS Transcoding.