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+--- Thread: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? (/t-jellyfin-tries-to-direct-stream-when-it-should-re-encode)
Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - Swindiff - 2025-03-04
I may not understand how this is supposed to work, but I assumed that if a client was not able to direct stream a video the Jellyfin server would automatically re-encode to a format that was compatible. I have a few family members that use 4k firesticks and they have noticed a few videos where the audio and subtitles are working but the video is just black. I assume this is a codec issue? I have managed to fix the issue by lowering the bitrate for their user account below the level of the file in question which forces it to re-encode and the video displays fine then. Am I missing something in how I need to have this set up so that if the client does not have the required codec it forces the server to re-encode the video?
Cheers
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - TheDreadPirate - 2025-03-04
Are these videos Dolby Vision? If so, your family members likely have an Amazon Firestick model with a bugged mediatek chipset.
See this post from one of the other moderators.
https://forum.jellyfin.org/t-solved-4k-not-playing-on-google-streamer?pid=49898#pid49898
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - Swindiff - 2025-03-04
They are indeed. That certainly seems to be the problem we are encountering. Is this just when using exoplayer with Jellyfin? Is there a better extenal player I could get them to install which integrates well with Jellyfin? I read VLC is a bit clunky and when stopping playing does not take the user back to Jellyfin. Thanks again DreadPirate.
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - theguymadmax - 2025-03-04
That's a great question. I’ve probably tested it on other external players, but I don’t remember the results clearly. I just tried VLC and MX Player—both are not based on Media3 (ExoPlayer)—and encountered the same issues. I’ll need to revise my explanation and mention that it’s likely a device-specific issue. Unless the player has implemented workarounds like Kodi, all players will likely exhibit the same behavior.
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - TheDreadPirate - 2025-03-04
One option is to convert your videos to HDR10.
https://forum.jellyfin.org/t-converting-dolby-vision-to-hdr10
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - Swindiff - 2025-03-05
I did see that thanks, I think it falls into the category of life is too short lol.
Strange thing is, I dug out an old 4k firestick at home and tested the same file my son was having problems playing. The video played fine, the server just needed to re-encode the DTS audio. I guess mine has a different chipset that does not have this issue?
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - TheDreadPirate - 2025-03-05
Yes. I believe a particular set of Firestick 4Ks have the bugged mediatek chipset family. While others use some variety of amlogic chipset, which don't have this issue.
The Google TV Streamer also has a mediatek chipset from the same family as the bugged Firesticks and it also has this issue.
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - Swindiff - 2025-03-17
Am i right in thinking that the newest version of the 4K firestick should not have this issue?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazon-streaming-device-supports-Vision/dp/B0CJL4J6FG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1917FYSZTVHDS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dL7HcAxNy8UM6YN0Tp6w28G5--REi4mwFErhSjXOBafqPOjSh8JrWUVXKz8XqbVeYHfY1IhA-fOgWApHkHG_3GjvzU7oGq0nGRr-IL0jDBHo-Q4bkbUoQpVI5wL62tRvVmLVCIdfjSaKx3PB1DcnHydnr-ZyUvk1vq1VcJobS2DKcxGJ7pSFtNpfJMzwc7D9U_N7Nm61AfMjF_EjlDASE_glHMU-utHw8Sp3Kh09LwM.QceTW8AJMxDghnhbPLvcRh8ZCP4RtnEnffH-iWbBSFo&dib_tag=se&keywords=4k+firestick&qid=1742222079&sprefix=4k+firestick%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-1
RE: Jellyfin tries to direct stream when it should re-encode? - TheDreadPirate - 2025-03-17
AFAICT, the Fire Cube is the only FireOS device that uses an Amlogic SoC. The rest use a Mediatek chipset. All from the same family with the Dolby Vision bug except the latest Firestick HD.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Fire_TV#Models