Google TV Streamer issues

[IronSteve 0]

Hey there, long time lurker, first time poster. Before I get into it, just want to say thanks for Emby and all the hard work that's put into it. This app is and has been for many years, my favorite media server and player, starting back with MediaBrowser.

I'm using the Google TV Streamer with a Samsung G80SD monitor, and a Samsung HW-S60D soundbar connected through HDMI. Everything is fully updated, Emby for Android version is 3.4.20. I also have Emby for Android TV version 2.1.22.

I do prefer the Emby for Android settings interface and app as a whole,  but I would like to request a feature added that Emby for Android TV has. It has to do with the Allow TrueHD Pass-thru setting. With that unchecked, TrueHD works for playback on Emby for Android TV. That same setting does not exist in the regular Android version and TrueHD does not work.

I have also discovered a bug with both apps on the Streamer. (This works fine on my Fire TV cube 3, so it appears to be just a problem with the Streamer.) I did test the Streamer with a different TV to be certain. Certain Dolby Vision files will not play. These files appear to be hybrid as they also have HDR10+ metadata. Other Dolby Vision files with just HDR10 metadata play fine. This is of value as the G80SD does not have Dolby Vision, but does have HDR10+. I tested a file with only HDR10+ metadata without Dolby Vision and it plays fine. I also stripped out the HDR10+ metadata using DoVi Tool on one of the hybrid Dolby Vision files and the it plays fine. Otherwise, those files are playing (I hear the audio) but only has a black screen. The G80SD has Tizen smart TV features and I installed Emby on that. Through there, the files with Dolby Vision with HDR10+ metadata play fine, but it also has the issue with TrueHD audio (due to missing that setting) and also will not pass through DTS. DTS does work properly in both Emby for Android and Emby for Android TV on the streamer. Whew, that was a lot of info, sorry if it's confusing. Anyway, I've attached screenshots of mediainfo on two of the hybrid files that do not work. Also, one for a file that does work.

[IronSteve 0]

I tried updating to 3.4.24, but the Google TV Streamer wasn't having it. If I find a work around, I'll update here.

[Luke 42077]

Hi, what do you mean by wasn't having it?

[IronSteve 0]

2 minutes ago, Luke said:

Hi, what do you mean by wasn't having it?

Sorry, I meant it wouldn't let me sideload the apk. It won't update the installed version or let me install if I remove the installed version first. Warns me it's not meant for android tv. I tried to get around it using ADB, but not having any luck yet.

[ebr 16169]

17 hours ago, IronSteve said:

Certain Dolby Vision files will not play. These files appear to be hybrid as they also have HDR10+ metadata

Hi.  This new streamer uses the same hardware as the Fire TV Max and has the same issue:

 

[IronSteve 0]

46 minutes ago, ebr said:

Hi.  This new streamer uses the same hardware as the Fire TV Max and has the same issue:

 

Hmm, I agree, the same issue. I can even force the split screen playback by making the Streamer choose to convert the video based on display type. Another note is that I can get the video to play normally by disabling HW Overlays in developer options. But the video playback is very choppy and not really a solution. Darn, this is disappointing. I do not have many hybrid DV and HDR10+ files, so I'll probably just play around with stripping out the HDR10+ metadata. Thank you for pointing me to that thread!

As to the other issue with TrueHD audio, I do hope that option can be added to the regular Emby for Android app.

[SidneyUA 2]

On 11/18/2024 at 4:08 PM, ebr said:

Hi.  This new streamer uses the same hardware as the Fire TV Max and has the same issue:

 

Does that mean that this issue will be resolved, since now it affects several types of devices? I understand that there is a way to do it in-app, like other apps seem to do.

[Luke 42077]

6 hours ago, SidneyUA said:

Does that mean that this issue will be resolved, since now it affects several types of devices? I understand that there is a way to do it in-app, like other apps seem to do.

 

@SidneyUA

Hi.  Can you try searching for our standard android app (Just "Emby" on Amazon and "Emby for Android on Google) on the same device's app store and see how that compares?

Thanks.

 

[SidneyUA 2]

3 hours ago, Luke said:

 

@SidneyUA

Hi.  Can you try searching for our standard android app (Just "Emby" on Amazon and "Emby for Android on Google) on the same device's app store and see how that compares?

Thanks.

 

Results are the same — black screen. I even fidgeted with some frame rate matching settings but nothing helped.

[Luke 42077]

On 1/31/2025 at 2:44 AM, SidneyUA said:

Results are the same — black screen. I even fidgeted with some frame rate matching settings but nothing helped.

Hi @SidneyUAwhat version number did you try?

[KevinH 0]

Don't know if this helps or not but it works on the 4k Chromecast with Google TV but not the Google TV Streamer 4k. I have both hooked up to a 28" LG 4k Monitor. I believe the file is Hybrid. 

[ebr 16169]

15 hours ago, KevinH said:

Don't know if this helps or not but it works on the 4k Chromecast with Google TV but not the Google TV Streamer 4k. I have both hooked up to a 28" LG 4k Monitor. I believe the file is Hybrid. 

Yes as the new GStreamer is using the problematic hardware.

On 11/18/2024 at 9:08 AM, ebr said:

Hi.  This new streamer uses the same hardware as the Fire TV Max and has the same issue:

 

 

[KevinH 0]

For some reason if you go to Display & Sound -> Advanced display settings -> Format selection -> Show formats all the of them show under Disabled Formats, HDR, DV etc. Is this part of the problem? Do we think this can be resolved? Let me know if I can test anything to help. Thanks!

[SidneyUA 2]

On 2/12/2025 at 6:07 AM, Luke said:

Hi @SidneyUAwhat version number did you try?

Hi @Luke I've tried it on Emby for Android 3.4.36

[SidneyUA 2]

Hi @Luke

Are you planning to resolve this issue in the future? 

[Luke 42077]

On 3/11/2025 at 3:52 AM, SidneyUA said:

Hi @Luke

Are you planning to resolve this issue in the future? 

Hi, yes we are looking into it. Thanks.

[SidneyUA 2]

Hi @Luke

Any news regarding the fix for this issue?

Thanks!

[Luke 42077]

On 5/16/2025 at 6:02 AM, SidneyUA said:

Hi @Luke

Any news regarding the fix for this issue?

Thanks!

Hi, what version of Emby for Android are you on now?

[SidneyUA 2]

On 5/30/2025 at 7:34 AM, Luke said:

Hi, what version of Emby for Android are you on now?

I'm on 3.4.70.

[Luke 42077]

OK we're looking into this. Thanks.

[Warus 0]

Any Updates?

[ebr 16169]

We are actively working on this right now.  Thanks.