Issue Viewing HEIC Files on Emby Roku App

[JohnMiller5951 1]

I’m a new Emby user and have recently installed the Emby server app on my macOS 14.6.1 system. I added a folder to my Library that contains HEIC, JPEG, MP4, and MOV files. I’m able to view this Library without any issues on the Safari browser and the Emby iOS app, and I really appreciate that Emby supports HEIC files—a feature that’s missing in Plex.

 

However, I’m experiencing an issue with the Emby Roku app, as I am unable to view or display HEIC files on my Roku device. Is there a specific setting I need to adjust, or could this be a bug that may need patching?

 

Thank you for developing such a useful app!

[visproduction 315]

Related info: https://www.winxdvd.com/video-transcoder/can-roku-play-hevc.htm
HEIC image does not look like it is supported on Roku.

HEIC defined: https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/heif-avc-h-264-h-265-heic-and-hevc-explained/#what_is_heic_used_by_apple

[JohnMiller5951 1]

1 hour ago, visproduction said:

Related info: https://www.winxdvd.com/video-transcoder/can-roku-play-hevc.htm
HEIC image does not look like it is supported on Roku.

HEIC defined: https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/heif-avc-h-264-h-265-heic-and-hevc-explained/#what_is_heic_used_by_apple

Thank you for your response, Vis. Since HEIC is not supported on Roku devices, is there a setting in the Emby server that can transcode the files to make them viewable on the Roku device?

[visproduction 315]

JM,  Good question.  I don't know the code for Roku.  Hopefully, you may get a response here.

[Luke 42077]

hi @JohnMiller5951please attach the emby server log from when the problem occurred:

How to Report a Problem

Thanks.

[JohnMiller5951 1]

8 hours ago, Luke said:

hi @JohnMiller5951please attach the emby server log from when the problem occurred:

How to Report a Problem

Thanks.

Hello @Luke 

Thank you for providing the guide on how to report a bug. I have sent the log using the Emby app on my RokuTV, which is the device experiencing the issue. I am also attaching a screenshot of my TV screen for reference.

The username is Alan, and I sent the log around 9:38 PM. Below are the steps I followed:

1. I attempted to open two HEIC files, “IMG_5228” and “IMG_5257,” but only a black screen was displayed.

2. Interestingly, when I accessed the folder view, I was able to successfully open another HEIC file, “IMG_5080,” which indicates that HEIC files can be viewed in the Roku app.

I hope this information helps identify the issue. Let me know if you need anything else!

[ebr 16169]

Hi.  Please provide the log file from the server from this same time period.

Thanks.

[JohnMiller5951 1]

5 hours ago, ebr said:

Hi.  Please provide the log file from the server from this same time period.

Thanks.

@ebrAttached is the requested log file. Thank you. 

embyserver.txt

[JohnMiller5951 1]

@ebrI've noticed that the affected HEIC files, which are not displaying, were taken after I updated my iPhone to iOS 18. It appears that the Emby Roku app is having issues opening only these HEIC files. I hope this information helps.

[ebr 16169]

Hi. Your server is running on a Mac, correct?

I believe this is actually where the issue lies (ironically).  

[JohnMiller5951 1]

@ebrThat is correct I am running the Emby server on macOS 14.6.1. Should I update to macOS 15?

[Luke 42077]

@JohnMiller5951from googling around it seems other software with the same issue have resolved this by updating libheif:

https://github.com/immich-app/immich/issues/10464

We will look at updating it, although it's unlikely to happen on the 4.8 release channel at this point. It would be more of a 4.9 thing. Thanks.

[JohnMiller5951 1]

On 11/21/2024 at 2:29 PM, Luke said:

@JohnMiller5951from googling around it seems other software with the same issue have resolved this by updating libheif:

https://github.com/immich-app/immich/issues/10464

We will look at updating it, although it's unlikely to happen on the 4.8 release channel at this point. It would be more of a 4.9 thing. Thanks.

Thank you @Lukefor looking into this issue. I’m glad to hear it will be resolved in a future release. Looking forward to seeing the update!