MKV playback error at end of file in Transcoding and Direct Streaming – session stuck on dashboard

[DelmarAshcroft 0]

On 20/01/2026 at 17:16, vdatanet said:

 

Hi,

I’m experiencing an issue where many MKV files cause an error right at the end of playback when using Emby. This happens both when the server is Transcoding and also when it is doing Direct Streaming (repackaging without conversion). The same files play to completion without any issues in Jellyfin and Plex, and in Emby they also work perfectly when they are Direct Played.

Because of the error at the end:

• The playback session remains “stuck” as active on the Dashboard / Now Playing.
• The playback queue does not advance to the next item.
• I have to manually stop or clear the session.

Behavior

1. Direct Play (works)

• Playback reaches the end normally.
• The session stops correctly.
• The next item in the queue starts as expected.

2. Direct Streaming (remuxing) – fails

• Playback reaches the final seconds.
• Emby shows an error or silently fails right before EOF.
• The session gets stuck on the Dashboard.
• Queue does not continue to the next file.

3. Transcoding – fails

• Same behavior as Direct Streaming:
  • Error at end-of-file
  • Session stuck
  • Queue does not progress

Additional details

• The issue affects multiple MKV files, not just one.
• The exact same MKVs finish correctly in Plex and Jellyfin (even when they transcode/remux).
• This seems related to how Emby handles MKV EOF (end-of-file) when not doing a full Direct Play.
• Other users in the forum have reported the same behavior.

What I have tested

• Reproduced across several MKVs.
• Works perfectly in Emby only if the file is Direct Played.
• Fails in both Direct Streaming and Transcoding, with different clients.
• Tested with different network connections and playback settings.

Happy to provide whatever is needed to help diagnose this issue.

Thanks in advance.

Here is an example:

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Same here and I am tired of it.

Edited January 29 by DelmarAshcroft

[Luke 42077]

@DelmarAshcroft

 

Hi there, let's look at an example. Please attach the information requested in how to report a media playback issue. Thanks!