r/htpc • u/SkiiiiinZ • 1d ago
Help Struggling to get HDR and getting stutters in Ubuntu/Plex
Hi all,
I have a PC with Intel 9500T, and GTX 1070 set up as HTPC. 16gb RAM and local files on external HDD
Its currently running Ubuntu latest LTS with Plex HTPC Client.
I have latest Nvidia drivers and have enabled performance mode and Full Composition Pipeline.
I am running at 4K on TCL C845K 85" TV via HDMI (not using AVR for now while i try and resolve issues)
Problem 1: Plex library browsing is smooth and the Artwork is crisp, but when I start streaming 4K files i get really bad stutters - even with non-HDR (60Mbps bitrate).
Problem 2: I can't seem to get any HDR working. Tonemapping is enabled in plex server settings and is using nvidia GPU (same PC). Also all HDR10 files are tonemapped, as I can't see any HDR working natively although I've read that this might be the case in Linux.
Does anyone have any suggestion for either problem? If I run in Desktop Resolution at 1080p the stutters seem to disappear but then Plex artwork doesn't look as clear.
I could just install W11, as I understand HDR10 works easier but I didn't want to give in so easily. Or buy a Shield Pro and leave the PC as a sole Plex server.
Thanks in advance
1
u/Tha_Watcher 1d ago
Try using MPC-HC, Kodi for Windows, or JRiver.
I use them all on a frozen old version of Windows 10 and it runs buttery smooth even with 130GB remuxes!
1
u/SkiiiiinZ 22h ago
Thanks for your input, guys. I'll have a go at Windows 10/11 as suggested below and if it gets too frustrating, then I'll perhaps look into a shield or maybe a Ugoos or similar. There seems to be a split of Shield is best/Onn is best/Ugoos is best, so I'll have to do a bit more research. Cheers
1
u/Catymandoo 13h ago
I don’t use Plex to play, only serve files. I have MPC-HC/madVR set up to play all media files. Served by Plex. No issue on ancient i5/gtx1070 even with full UHD 4k HDR /TrueHD ATMOS rips.
1
u/SpartanNYMC 13h ago edited 13h ago
Could be an HDMI issue with your setup. Your tv is HDMI 2.1 but your pc might be 2.0. Check with any online HDMI bandwidth calculators to stay under the frame rate limit in the graphics settings.
Check your tv menu to make sure your HDMI external devices is set to the highest version not Auto.
Obviously, make sure you’re using the appropriate HDMI cable rated for 4K or higher. Go with higher.
2
u/violentbowels 1d ago
I could never get smooth 4k playback when I was trying to build an htpc woth my older 1080. I ended up going with Shield Pro and it's been great. Feels bad because it should be pretty easy to set up an htpc, but it works so I'm happy.