LG C3 + Plex Server + Remux

dlockers · 10 Dec 2023 at 11:35

Hi folks,

I am having trouble (still) streaming Plex to my televisions. My upgrade to the 48inch C3 was the final bit to replace as I've swapped out servers, network gear, wires etc. But still I get constant pausing and buffering.

The latest example was a backup of a 4k ATMOS7.1/10bit HDR movie.

I understand the LG only has 100mbps LAN so I have just switched to 5Ghz WiFi, but I get the same issue. The server streaming is a Dell OptiPlex 3020 (i5 4590/ 8Gb RAM/ SSD). It doesn't seem phased in task manager.

So question is - how can I stream really good quality to my TV? Do I just need to grab a NUC and plug that in directly via HDMI or something?

dlockers · 10 Dec 2023 at 12:23

hornetstinger said:
I just use a media player, Am Logic, and directly point to the directories of my NAS HD. No issues with the LG media player, the TV's slow ethernet/wifi etc.

Plays back 4K no problems.

About £40, then install Kodi from SD card so not using Android OS. Far less system overhead.

amlogic hosted at ImgBB

Image amlogic hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

Thanks - that doesn't seem like a bad idea. The reviews seem all over the place though, and the remote experience a bit iffy. Kodi is the new name for XBMC isn't it? I can install that on a NUC which may be more robust/more my server so it lives beneath the TV?

Kouba said:
WiFi can be a bit hit and miss so just to be absolutely sure that it's not an internet speed/reliability issue, can you try one of those USB3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapters? They're pretty cheap, I'd suggest the white, TP-link UE300.

Unfortunately it seems the LG C3 only has USB2.0, and limited compatibility with ethernet adaptors. I'll do a bit more research and see what models may work, albeit limited by USB2.0 speeds.

dlockers · 10 Dec 2023 at 15:45

Kouba said:
My LG CX has the same (USB 2 ports only) but I did a bit of research, and here's what people said:

"all of the USB ports on the CX are USB 2.0 (480 Mbps). 480 Mbps is plenty for Plex server streaming (even if you throw 4k remuxes / 4k rips at it)"

I think many people in the plex community have resorted to using these adapters (especially those with LG TVs )

It's just disappointing that not only have LG not given us a gigabit ethernet port but they haven't even given us USB 3.0 slots...

Anyway - I ordered one, so will see how it performs in a couple of days

Did you grab the tp link one? Let me know your experience please! Have had this issue for years and never considered it was just the network bandwidth. WiFi seems to stutter but probably for different reasons.

dlockers · 11 Dec 2023 at 21:14

Kouba said:
@dlockers So the TP-Link UE300 arrived today, I plugged it into my LG CX (I tried all the USB 2.0 ports) but no luck, I was only getting 30 - 50 mbps rather than 480mbps (I have a 500mbps connection). Anyway, I'm returning it to the seller, I think i got a faulty one or something or an incompatible one. That doesn't mean the idea doesn't work, it has and still does work for a lot of people, but its luck of the draw in terms of getting the right brand/adapter to work with your TV. The poster above recommended the Rankie gigabit adapter, you could also try the ugreen brand or the 'cable matters' brand and see how they perform for you.

Thanks - I was waiting for your update with baited breath! I'll give the Rankie and Cable Matters ago. Cheers dude (y)

dlockers · 11 Dec 2023 at 23:32

hornetstinger said:
Just buy video media player

Two remotes makes me sad.

dlockers · 14 Dec 2023 at 21:03

Kouba said:
@dlockers So the TP-Link UE300 arrived today, I plugged it into my LG CX (I tried all the USB 2.0 ports) but no luck, I was only getting 30 - 50 mbps rather than 480mbps (I have a 500mbps connection). Anyway, I'm returning it to the seller, I think i got a faulty one or something or an incompatible one. That doesn't mean the idea doesn't work, it has and still does work for a lot of people, but its luck of the draw in terms of getting the right brand/adapter to work with your TV. The poster above recommended the Rankie gigabit adapter, you could also try the ugreen brand or the 'cable matters' brand and see how they perform for you.

The Cable Matters USB3.0 adaptor arrived, no good. Even Netflix was throttling. I tried it in USB2 (i.e. the second port). Wife took over the TV but I might try it in port 1 to see if that makes any difference.

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 11:58

I am trying one more USB adaptor -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08KWC7D78/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then I think I will give up and grab Apple TV

/

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 12:36

jaybee said:
Ok I tested on my LG CX and I can't conclude anything because the only internet speed test app I can find on LG content store is awful. It gives completely random results. Doesn't seem to connect to any decent reliable UK servers so....yeah...not sure how to test it easily.

Open the Netflix app, click settings, go to bottom right, "Get Help" and then there is a network speed test. Your internet will need to be above 100mbps to show anything tho!

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 13:04

jaybee said:
Nice one yeah, much better test.
Ok so the one I am using says 291.21 mbps
I will now remove it and retest.... one sec

EDIT: My line speed is 350mbps Virgin

Thanks.

How different is the CX to the C3?

Anyway, going to give a cheapie a chance and then worst case get an Nvidia Shield or an Apple TV.

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 15:37

jaybee said:
Yeah I don't know. Probably fairly different internally as they are a few years apart now? Saying that, it's probably a very similar USB bus/board setup as it's still USB2.
EDIT: Some people saying in that reddit thread that LG blocked it working via firmware updates. I doubt they would have deliberately nerfed USB2 output, as that would hamper compatibility with usb devices generally.

Yeah some of the discussion seemed tinfoil hat. I guess they may not want people doing it as it breaks wake on lan and a few other features. We'll see - I think I may have sold myself a Shield or Apple TV in any case :cool:

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 20:42

andy_mk3 said:
USB 2.0 tops out at 480Mbps so that must be running at 2.0 speeds.

I think even the folk with gigabit adaptors are plugging into USB2.0 ports. The idea is that even if they don't hit gigabit, its 2x or 3x the 10/100 speed.

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 20:54

andy_mk3 said:
Ah true! Although I misread @Avathar77 post I think, if it was 50-65Mbps and not MB/s then that truly is poor. If it's 60MB/s then that is full USB 2.0 speeds which is certainly a big improvement on 100Mbit ethernet.

Ah yeah. I still hate the Mb/MB issue since Who Wants to be a Millionaire got it wrong :cry:

I think Netflix measures in Mbps.

dlockers · 15 Dec 2023 at 21:08

andy_mk3 said:
Either way, I don't regret my Apple TV 4k purchase one bit. It's a joy to use. I've even sacked off the Harmony remote that I dearly loved to use the Apple TV remote alone now.

Haha I am definitely tempted. I imagine Apple are spot on in the TV segment with their no-nonesense approach to interfaces too. I am very torn between the Nvidia and the Apple TV.

jaybee said:
Call yourself overclockers? Buncha noobs.
Mummy wosa megabit again?

dlockers · 16 Dec 2023 at 11:50

Tried a cheaper adapter, seemed to work fine but again - maxed out at 100mbps. I think I'll give up and treat myself to an Apple TV or Nvidia Shield

dlockers · 12 Apr 2024 at 12:05

MG42Maniac said:
I've tried different devices over the years and I have found the Shield Pro to be the best by far. Every other method has a compromise. The Shield connects to my LG CX65 and plays whatever I throw at it flawlessly. This include Dolby Vision Remux with Atmos/DTS-X. It is annoying having to use an external device but I have accepted that if you want maximum quality you have to jump through some hoops!

The main benefit of the ATV is it integrates remote function, so your normal remote controls it. Doesn't even feel like an external device at all.