Feedback on the issue of frame drops in video frames when playing videos with PGSSUB subtitles on the Emby ser

[a2582820897 0]

Hello, Emby team. When playing videos, adding PGSSUB subtitles will directly cause the video frame rate to be halved, and the video picture will be particularly lagging. As long as the PGSSUB subtitles are turned off, the video can play normally. May I ask if there is a solution to this problem?

[GrimReaper 4739]

You're likely using client that doesn't support PGSSUBs and your server is likely underpowered for burning-in graphical subs (which is CPU-heavy process). You could mitigate that by using text-based subs instead (like .srt). 

For additional details, you could provide server and/or ffmpeg logs (if written).   

how to report a media playback issue

 

[Luke 42077]

@a2582820897does this answer your question?

[Blue278 22]

I have the same frame drop/stutter issue, it’s definitely an Emby issue. Plex works without issues.

I have an UGREEN DXP4800 plus with 32GB of ram.

[Chiholam 3]

This happens on a Synologu DS918+ as well, playing on Fire Sticks/tablets.  Not sure if DS918+ is considered underpowered though

[Blue278 22]

3 hours ago, Chiholam said:

This happens on a Synologu DS918+ as well, playing on Fire Sticks/tablets.  Not sure if DS918+ is considered underpowered though

I also have a DS918+, I wouldn’t consider it to be underpowered for Emby. I guarantee if you tested the same media file with Plex it would work.

Update: Jellyfin also works without issues. Now I’m 100% certain it’s Emby.

I’m using Emby more frequently, hopefully to replace kodi, surprisingly I’m finding it a bit buggy, more than expected.

Edited May 11, 2025 by Blue278

[Blue278 22]

Currently emby is unwatchable with subtitles enabled. I hope it gets fixed soon, before my next subscription is due in 3 weeks. if not, I will sadly have to  cancel my subscription.  

[GrimReaper 4739]

11 minutes ago, Blue278 said:

Currently emby is unwatchable with subtitles enabled. I hope it gets fixed soon, before my next subscription is due in 3 weeks. if not, I will sadly have to  cancel my subscription.  

Let's look at an example. Please attach the information requested in how to report a media playback issue. 

 

[Blue278 22]

On 13/05/2025 at 21:50, GrimReaper said:

Let's look at an example. Please attach the information requested in how to report a media playback issue. 

 

• Enabled PGSSUB subtitles(frame drop/stutter issue)
• 23.20
• BlueSkies278
• emby_android_1747346268676.txt

Edited May 15, 2025 by Blue278

[Luke 42077]

OK we're looking into it. Thanks.

[Blueskies278 35]

Hi, Luke

Any closer to finding a fix?

Thanks

[Luke 42077]

8 hours ago, Blueskies278 said:

Hi, Luke

Any closer to finding a fix?

Thanks

Hi, we are working on it. Thanks.

[Blueskies278 35]

Update: This log includes enabling playback correction. A temporary fix to stop frame drop/stutter issues when subtitles are enabled.

• Enabled PGSSUB subtitles(frame drop/stutter issue)
• 02:22
• BlueSkies278
• Log: emby_android_1756688410836.txt
• Log: embyserver.txt

Edited September 1, 2025 by Blueskies278
more info

[Blueskies278 35]

On 24/08/2025 at 20:31, Luke said:

Hi, we are working on it. Thanks.

Sorry to keep asking, are the Emby team any closer to fixing this major bug? This is one of the main reasons I'm not committing to a subscription/buying Emby. Please make this a priority because it’s been six months it was first reported. As mentioned before, with subtitles enabled emby is unwatchable with the constant stutter/frame drops

Jellyfin and Plex do not have this issue.

 

Thanks

Edited September 23, 2025 by Blueskies278

[Blueskies278 35]

On 24/08/2025 at 20:31, Luke said:

Hi, we are working on it. Thanks.

Information that may assist in isolating the bug: when there is no dialogue, Emby plays smoothly. However, when dialogue begins and subtitles appear frame drops and stutters resume.

Edited September 27, 2025 by Blueskies278

[Luke 42077]

Does this happen with both of our Android TV apps?

[Blueskies278 35]

5 hours ago, Luke said:

Does this happen with both of our Android TV apps?

If you're referring to the TV version 2.1.27g. No

Edited September 27, 2025 by Blueskies278

[Blueskies278 35]

8 hours ago, Blueskies278 said:

If you're referring to the TV version 2.1.27g. No

Sorry editing time expired.

To confirm it only effects the Universal Emby for Android.

[Blueskies278 35]

I'm done,.Cancelled my subscription. This has gone on far too long. This bug was first reported on 29 April 2025. It is unusable in its current state for daily use.

Edited October 9, 2025 by Blueskies278

[Luke 42077]

I apologize. This is a difficult issue but we are working on it. Thanks.

[Blueskies278 35]

On 10/10/2025 at 05:24, Luke said:

I apologize. This is a difficult issue but we are working on it. Thanks.

Thanks for keeping me updated.

A forum member has connived has convinced me not to give up hope so I'll  be keeping my subscription 

[Blueskies278 35]

3 hours ago, Blueskies278 said:

Thanks for keeping me updated. Have you been able to replicate the bug?

A forum member has convinced me not to give up hope so I'll  be keeping my subscription 

 

 

Edited October 12, 2025 by Blueskies278

[Blueskies278 35]

On 10/10/2025 at 05:24, Luke said:

I apologize. This is a difficult issue but we are working on it. Thanks.

Hi Luke,

Have you been able to replicate the bug?

Thanks

[Blueskies278 35]

Update:

When I set Emby playback to 1080p - 4 mbps or lower on my Homatics 4K box, there is no stutter with subtitles enabled. I hope this helps.

[Blueskies278 35]

Update:

When the background colour is enabled, the stuttering worsens. It’s like watching in slow motion.I hope this helps.