2160p mkv buffers

[T_Tronix 16]

Today I tried to run a 2160p mkv file on the following devices (not all at once but once on each device):

 

1. TCL 4 series 55" with built-in Roku 4K using cat6 direct ethernet connection
2. Nvidia Shield connected with Cat5 to a giga switch Trednet TEG-S80G connected with cat6 to router.
3. FireTV 4K stick via wifi

 

Router: AX88U with latest Asuswrt-Merlin

 

Emby Windows server running on: 

 

I am using link aggregation (1GB X 2 connections) via Cat6 wires direct to router.

 

All 3 devices buffered at some point.

Edited May 22, 2020 by T_Tronix

[T_Tronix 16]

Just tried the TCL tv via wifi since I just found out that the ethernet is capped at 100mbs but the wifi is a 802.11ac 2x2 so about 800mbs. Still had a buffer at almost the exact same place...

[T_Tronix 16]

So running this via Emby Theater on another Windows10 device does not buffer.

 

Here are the stats for nerd from that PC:

Edited May 22, 2020 by T_Tronix

[jordy 284]

Tried the Shield via Wi-Fi? Cat5 cable is not Gigabit, for that you need at least 5e

[T_Tronix 16]

Yeah I know, I'm planning on upgrading that wire this weekend to direct connection cat6.

Will test to see if that resolves it. That being said, the PC I tested on which did not buffer is also using a cat5 connected to that same Giga switch.

 

Tried the Shield via Wi-Fi? Cat5 cable is not Gigabit, for that you need at least 5e

[T_Tronix 16]

Just tried Nvidia Shield via wifi and it buffered at almost the same place, actually every device who buffered did it at almost the same place.

Edited May 23, 2020 by T_Tronix

[jordy 284]

Just tried Nvidia Shield via wifi and it buffered at almost the same place, actually every device who buffered did it at almost the same place.

 

Might be the movie itself. Have you tried forcing transcoding? Is it the only movie that shows this issue?

 

edit: also have you tried turning off HW decoding, that is a common suggestion when things don't play properly

Edited May 23, 2020 by jordy

[T_Tronix 16]

It did play flawlessly on my win10 PC using Emby theater...

 

Might be the movie itself. Have you tried forcing transcoding? Is it the only movie that shows this issue?

[pir8radio 1312]

sounds like its the movie,   also cat5 will run gig just fine for normal length runs..  start getting above 150-200 foot and you might see some issues.       

[pwhodges 2012]

I've had problems (when I was a network manager) with cat5 (as opposed to cat5e) in gigabit networks.  Even cat5e was not originally expected to run at that speed reliably, but practice has shown that it is "good enough" in most circumstances.  Sure, you may commonly get away with using cat5, but it adds an uncertainty if you are seeing problems.

 

That said, I doubt it's the issue in this case.

 

Paul