Buffering Issues

[misterkoat 6]

I've never had a problem streaming stuff from my server until about a week ago.

My setup is the server on a Windows 11 PC. I stream through Kodi using E4K Addon installed on Chromecast with Google TV.

Now, playback keeps stopping to buffer after every few seconds, especially 1080 videos with Dolby Audio. I tried the Emby Android TV app, but it has the same problem.

I've tried a lot of fixes, including rolling back system updates, but nothing has worked.

I'm sorry if I've left out some details; I will add them when needed. (There are too many logs; I don't know which one to attach)

[Luke 42080]

 

Hi there, let's look at an example. Please attach the information requested in how to report a media playback issue. Thanks!

 

[misterkoat 6]

hardware_detection-63824802869.txtembyserver.txt

I replicated the problem with the below logs.

[Luke 42080]

5 hours ago, misterkoat said:

hardware_detection-63824802869.txt 176.62 kB · 0 downloads embyserver.txt 20.64 kB · 0 downloads

I replicated the problem with the below logs.

Hi, I don't see any playback activity in this log file. Are you sure it's the one from when the problem was experienced? Thanks !

[misterkoat 6]

embyserver.txt

Here's the latest log. I hope it helps.

[misterkoat 6]

When playback stops to buffer, Kodi's message is that the source read is too slow for continuous playback.

[Luke 42080]

1 hour ago, misterkoat said:

When playback stops to buffer, Kodi's message is that the source read is too slow for continuous playback.

i really don't see anything obvious. It could just be data not getting from point A to point B quickly enough. You may want to look at anything that could be impacting the performance of your server machine and/or network.

From emby Server's standpoint, you could try removing these plugins and then restarting the server:

	Addic7ed 1.1.1.0
	Auto Organize 1.6.2.0
	EmBook 1.0.20.0
	Playback Reporting 2.0.0.3
	Statistics 3.0.10.0

 

[misterkoat 6]

12 hours ago, Luke said:

i really don't see anything obvious. It could just be data not getting from point A to point B quickly enough. You may want to look at anything that could be impacting the performance of your server machine and/or network.

From emby Server's standpoint, you could try removing these plugins and then restarting the server:

	Addic7ed 1.1.1.0
	Auto Organize 1.6.2.0
	EmBook 1.0.20.0
	Playback Reporting 2.0.0.3
	Statistics 3.0.10.0

 

I've tried resetting my router, thinking it was the problem. My server machine boasts all the latest storage technology and huge RAM, so I doubt it could be the problem.

I rely on the first two plugins but can remove the rest.

[clucky 5]

What's your network topology like? Is it just a router that both the PC and TV connects to via ethernet? Is everything hard wired? What kind of router is it? By system updates, you mean the Chromecast, Emby/ Kodi, or the PC, or all?

[misterkoat 6]

20 hours ago, clucky said:

What's your network topology like? Is it just a router that both the PC and TV connects to via ethernet? Is everything hard wired? What kind of router is it? By system updates, you mean the Chromecast, Emby/ Kodi, or the PC, or all?

I have a Wi-Fi network where everything connects. I don't have a wired connection anywhere. The router came branded by my ISP so it's nothing specific. The system updates are for PC.

[visproduction 315]

There are many hidden Wifi issues that can show up with video streaming demand.  Even a MESH network can have strange issues.  The easiest fix is to connect the server and the TV via 1 GB or faster Ethernet cable directly to the router.  A professional home theater install would not use Wifi to Server or TV / Projector.  Wifi would only be for remote controls.  Even if you get Wifi to work, it can easily fail again for a lot of reasons including sometimes even software or router updates, that happen automatically.

I am sure there are users that run everything on Wifi and it works.  Their settings might be optimized correctly.  Professional home theater installers want happy customers and don't want spend time on support calls or going out to maintain a full Wifi setup.

[pwhodges 2012]

Caveat - some sticks, and maybe some TVs (by analogy) have ethernet ports that are limited to a slower speed than their wi-fi is with a good signal.

Paul

[rbjtech 5284]

21 hours ago, misterkoat said:

I have a Wi-Fi network where everything connects. I don't have a wired connection anywhere. The router came branded by my ISP so it's nothing specific. The system updates are for PC.

It sounds very much like a wifi / bandwidth issue.

Does your TV have any sort of wifi-strength / wi-fi details that you can see ?

Sometimes it will be better to use 2.4Ghz over 5Ghz - as while 'slower' (using 2.4Ghz) the signal strength/quality may be far superior because the signal penetration is better - and for the majority of streaming bandwidth requirements, the bandwidth 2.4Ghz gives is more than ample.

That being said - and as @visproductionhas said above - IDEALLY connect your emby server to the router/access point via wired ethernet - but I appreciate this may not be possible or practical.  Clients via wifi is not so much of an issue (or shouldn't be ..) 

 

Edited July 18, 2023 by rbjtech