When is HEVC encoder used used? (4.9.1.80)

[Chiefmas 40]

I saw in the release notes for 4.9.1.80 that experimental HEVC encoder support has been enabled. Since we don't have a way to set encoder preference, under what conditions would Emby attempt to use HEVC as the codec?

Also, since I'm asking about it, does it use the same bitrate preferences? i.e. there's no way (yet, presumably) to say, target a lower bitrate when HEVC is used?

Thanks 

Edited October 1, 2025 by Chiefmas

[Luke 42077]

Hi, currently in the web app and in the Emby for android update that is rolling out. It will gradually get added to more apps.

[Chiefmas 40]

Just now, Luke said:

Hi, currently in the web app and in the Emby for android update that is rolling out. It will gradually get added to more apps.

Sorry, I should have been more clear...so does that imply HEVC is preferred over h.264, with fallback, so long as HEVC is enabled? Contextually, I should add, I'm specifically asking with regards to hardware encode.

[Luke 42077]

Yes that is it case.

[Chiefmas 40]

Last question, sorry I edited this into my original, I didn't expect you to reply so fast.

Are the bitrate targets just global for now, so for example, transcode target will be 4Mbps regardless of codec used, I suppose that's a roundabout way of asking it a lower bitrate is targeted for HEVC? If one is used, is it just a scaled % lower than the base setting? Will HEVC have target bitrate be a separate setting later, or and adjustable %? I think it'd actually be nice if we could just say "if HEVC is codec, reduce target bitrate by X%"

I think that's the last of the detail questions I have for now!

Thanks!

 

[Luke 42077]

I believe they are yes.

[all4dom 101]

@luke my new intel build & devices play hevc "direct play". Its not gonna transcode now will it? 

[Chiefmas 40]

49 minutes ago, all4dom said:

@luke my new intel build & devices play hevc "direct play". Its not gonna transcode now will it? 

Luke mentioned earlier that the web and android clients are rolling out now and other clients are coming.

 

[all4dom 101]

I understand that part. I just want to make sure if my android clients & pc play it then I dont want transcoding. I actually get a gorgeous picture & sound on my samsung.

[Chiefmas 40]

1 minute ago, all4dom said:

I understand that part. I just want to make sure if my android clients & pc play it then I dont want transcoding. I actually get a gorgeous picture & sound on my samsung.

I don't imagine it would change anything, while these are related topis, there shouldn't be any change to the logic behind the decision to transcode. If you are direct streaming now, there's no reason adding HEVC as a transcode option would cause things to start transcoding.

 

 

[Luke 42077]

On 10/1/2025 at 5:28 PM, Chiefmas said:

I don't imagine it would change anything, while these are related topis, there shouldn't be any change to the logic behind the decision to transcode. If you are direct streaming now, there's no reason adding HEVC as a transcode option would cause things to start transcoding.

 

 

Yes this is correct.

[NeverReadyEddie 2]

Before I as my question relevant to this topic, I am still on Server version 4.8.11.0 due to issues on the tone mapping still being resolved. I will upgrade when this is fixed.

On the HEVC encoding, I want to know how (specify which server and Android app versions do this) I can default to HEVC encoding to retain HDR even when dropping the incoming bitrate and resolution?

For example, if I play a 4K HDR HEVC movie on my phone in auto it defaults to direct play which is great. However, if I want to drop the bitrate and resolution when in a remote location, it should still just transcode in HEVC retaining the HDR format since my phone supports this. It does not and transcodes to H264 and also tone-maps to SDR. It does not need to do this if the server just used the HEVC encoder to simply drop the bitrate and resolution to 1080p output.

 How is this possible for force/default to and please specify which server and Android app versions do this and what settings are needed.

[Luke 42077]

Quote

On the HEVC encoding, I want to know how (specify which server and Android app versions do this) I can default to HEVC encoding to retain HDR even when dropping the incoming bitrate and resolution?

Hi, this requires the 4.9 server. You can enable experimental hevc transcoding. 

[NeverReadyEddie 2]

Thanks. I'll try it when I upgrade to 4.9 once the aforementioned tone mapping issue is fixed.

[GlowingBits 1]

 

On 10/1/2025 at 9:37 AM, Luke said:

Hi, currently in the web app and in the Emby for android update that is rolling out. It will gradually get added to more apps.

Is there any estimate/timeline when any of the Apple clients might get support for hevc transcodes?  That's the one thing I'm missing in trying to migrate from Plex.  Thanks.

[Luke 42077]

On 2/9/2026 at 7:00 PM, GlowingBits said:

 

Is there any estimate/timeline when any of the Apple clients might get support for hevc transcodes?  That's the one thing I'm missing in trying to migrate from Plex.  Thanks.

Hi, we'll take a look at it. Thanks.