Emby transcode for Roku hevc file (8 bit)

[AndreiP 33]

Hi all, 

Could you please explain me why Emby server should transcode this media for Roku client? 
It's a 8 bit hevc file, bitrate is only 3 mbps (please check my 2 screenshots). Roku should support hevc 8 bit with no worries. And why it transcode to 5 mbps when the original file has only 3 mbps? 

It's a remote playback. 

Thank you, 

[AndreiP 33]

Btw, when it happens, I can not stop, or make a pause in playback. 

I saw a strange log in Emby (ffmpeg-transcode-49a9d39f-3183-4f9f-ab0c-5437a68eb6f3_1). I add it here, I hope it will help.   

 

ffmpeg-transcode-49a9d39f-3183-4f9f-ab0c-5437a68eb6f3_1.txt

Edited August 1, 2025 by AndreiP

[Luke 42077]

Hi, does your Roku device support hevc main profile level 120?

Please attach the main emby server log as well. Thanks.

[AndreiP 33]

Hi, Luke. Please check the logs. 

embyserver.txt

[ebr 16169]

9 hours ago, Luke said:

Hi, does your Roku device support hevc main profile level 120?

It would appear not.

VideoCodec=h264,mpeg2video

Exactly what Roku device is this?

[speechles 2055]

12 hours ago, AndreiP said:

Btw, when it happens, I can not stop, or make a pause in playback.

You will not be able to use "stop" or "pause" on the web interface if this is playing remotely. Roku actively blocks the external control port on all remote sources as a security measure. Only devices on the LAN may connect to the Roku using the external control protocol.

https://developer.roku.com/docs/specs/hardware.md

Unfortunately, older Roku devices such as the Roku 2/3 and others while still supported by Roku with recent firmware updates do not have hardware support for HEVC decode. This makes those devices incapable of ever being able to play HEVC directly. For a much better experience that person should invest in a new Roku express/stick. That is the only way to fix it.

[AndreiP 33]

Quote

Exactly what Roku device is this?

Sorry, I don't know exactly the model. I see only the informations in dashboard: Roku SG 4.1.33.

Quote

Hi, does your Roku device support hevc main profile level 120?

I never heard about the types of hevc profiles. Thank you. I should check that. 

 

Thank you, guys, for your answers!

Edited August 1, 2025 by AndreiP