Intermittent audio when streaming Emby for Android to Chromecast

[Disturbd1 2]

I've had consistent audio issues with streaming to my Chromecast (the newest iteration that now supports AC). I've had zero issues with video playback, including seeking to different points within a given video.

 

First issue is that audio isn't always detected/pushed through to the soundbar I'm using in tandem with my TV. Both of which are Vizio. I'm inclined to think this is an issue with the soundbar not detecting an audio stream, and if so it probably is something I'll just have to live with. My current workaround is to disconnect from my Chromecast, switch to another input/app (say, Netflix) that I know will push audio just fine every time. Almost as if it "re-engages" the soundbar. I can then switch back to my Chromecast, stream from my phone or tablet, begin a movie or show, and it's a 50/50 chance the audio will now come through. If it doesn't, rinse-repeat.

 

My biggest hurdle, though, is that when the audio does come through on movies (so far that's the only pattern I can see, as it doesn't seem to be an issue with TV shows I stream), it is delayed. Not in sync with the video playback. In the past, when this has happened to me, I've found that "seeking" back a second or 2 would generally fix that sort of problem, but it doesn't in this case. The audio remains consistently behind the video. 

 

Is this a render/transcode issue? Is there an optimal configuration I should be using server-side that might eliminate that problem?

 

EDIT: As of last night, I have observed this when viewing TV shows as well; the video is "ahead" of the audio.

Edited May 15, 2016 by Disturbd1

[Disturbd1 2]

Bump? Anyone else have this problem?

[Luke 37007]

Hi, sorry to hear this. Can you please grab a server transcoding log?

 

http://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/739-how-to-report-a-problem/

 

Thanks.

[Disturbd1 2]

server-63598835271.txt

Hi, sorry to hear this. Can you please grab a server transcoding log?

 

http://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/739-how-to-report-a-problem/

 

Thanks.

Yes, happy to. The most recent log is attached. Please note: I started watching the show Catfish in the evening, and went from watching directly on the server to using a Chromecast in my bedroom (via the Emby app on my Android phone) at around 9:30 or so.

[Luke 37007]

was there a transcoding log?

[Disturbd1 2]

was there a transcoding log?

I do not see one in the transcoding-temp folder. The log I attached was the most recent.

[Luke 37007]

Then in that case, we're streaming the original file as-is, so the only real explanation is that it's unsupported by your audio equipment. Google's chromecast api detects that dolby ac3 is supported but for whatever reason it's not always working with your speakers. If you're unable to find a solution what we can do is give you a way to force audio transcoding, which will get it to work, although you'll lose your surround sound.

[Disturbd1 2]

Then in that case, we're streaming the original file as-is, so the only real explanation is that it's unsupported by your audio equipment. Google's chromecast api detects that dolby ac3 is supported but for whatever reason it's not always working with your speakers. If you're unable to find a solution what we can do is give you a way to force audio transcoding, which will get it to work, although you'll lose your surround sound.

I'm inclined to wonder how my brand-new (as of Dec) soundbar would not be compatible with the traditional sound formats used in MKVs, since that is what over 90% of my media is when it comes to movies and shows. It is connected to my TV via optical audio, and the TV itself is a smart TV capable of playback via PLEX amongst other means.

 

At this point, especially since there may be other TVs I use with Chromecast in the future, I'm wondering what I can do on the server end as far as transcoding. This one really has me scratching my head, as I would be surprised if no one else who streams via the Emby app on Android had a soundbar in the equation.

 

By the way - thank you for your prompt replies and ideas. I really appreciate it!

[Vidman 589]

Are you aware that optical has less bandwidth than HDMI so does not support some hi bitrate formats?

[Disturbd1 2]

Are you aware that optical has less bandwidth than HDMI so does not support some hi bitrate formats?

I did not know that. I wonder if the solution here might be a different method of transferring sound from the TV to the soundbar, then?

[Luke 37007]

I did not know that. I wonder if the solution here might be a different method of transferring sound from the TV to the soundbar, then?

 

There's no different method that we can employ. have you customized the in-app bitrate setting or is it left on auto? 

[Disturbd1 2]

There's no different method that we can employ. have you customized the in-app bitrate setting or is it left on auto? 

I've tried both; leaving on auto, and setting the highest available setting. My network is using AC wifi, so bandwidth from that perspective shouldn't be a limiting factor. I believe I reverted back to "auto" since that is what I had read was optimal to allow the devices to adjust as needed.

[Luke 37007]

Well based on Vidman's comments maybe the output bitrate is too high. I understand your network and Chromecast video player can handle the bitrate, but perhaps your audio equipment can't?  It's just a guess right now. Try customizing the value to 11mpbs. If the issue persists, continue to gradually lower it until something changes.

 

Also - for the example you gave above, can you please copy and paste the media info from the web app and provide it here? thanks.

[Disturbd1 2]

Well based on Vidman's comments maybe the output bitrate is too high. I understand your network and Chromecast video player can handle the bitrate, but perhaps your audio equipment can't?  It's just a guess right now. Try customizing the value to 11mpbs. If the issue persists, continue to gradually lower it until something changes.

 

Also - for the example you gave above, can you please copy and paste the media info from the web app and provide it here? thanks.

I tried eliminating the soundbar from the equation altogether, the problem persisted. I then tried adjusting the bitrate of the stream from 10mbps, all the way down to 2mbps. Still delayed.

I'm not sure exactly what you needed me to capture in terms of the media info, but here's a paste from the metadata:

media info.txt

[Disturbd1 2]

Bump

[Luke 37007]

Hi, right now I don't know. It sounds like chromecast has detected that your audio equipment supports ac3 but then it has trouble playing it back. try changing the in-app bitrate to a low value to see if that forces transcoding.

[Disturbd1 2]

Hi, right now I don't know. It sounds like chromecast has detected that your audio equipment supports ac3 but then it has trouble playing it back. try changing the in-app bitrate to a low value to see if that forces transcoding.

Already tried that, and it made no difference unfortunately. The Chromecast itself isn't defective overall, because it will stream other content without a delay in video. Really scratching my head at this.

[Luke 37007]

yea i remembered we will almost always just send the original audio. we probably need to convert the audio, it's  just unfortunate that we can't detect this situation.

[Disturbd1 2]

yea i remembered we will almost always just send the original audio. we probably need to convert the audio, it's just unfortunate that we can't detect this situation.

OK, I'm up for further suggestion/guinea-pigging. Thanks, Luke.

[Disturbd1 2]

I'd like to bump this, if I could. The issue continues, even after keeping all Emby software up-to-date. I should also add that the direct sound (straight from the source: Chromecast) playback still poses the same problem. So the previous theory of the delay caused by the soundbar I have is debunked.

 

I also find it extremely unlikely that it is an issue with the media files themselves; pretty much anyone who posts a show or movie does so in the MKV format, with seemingly only a small diversification in audio formats. This really feels like an issue solely with either Emby on Chromecast, or Chromecast itself.

[Luke 37007]

Hi, if we're streaming the original file as-is, then this issue is completely out of our control. All we're doing is sending the original file to the video player. Maybe the question is would it be more appropriate to convert the audio to another format.