Plex Skipping Frames? Fix Playback Issues Now

Plex, a popular media server, sometimes exhibits playback issues, and its users often encounter a frustrating problem known as “skipping frames” during video playback. The causes for these skips are varied, ranging from inadequate hardware to issues with the video file’s codec or resolution, or even network congestion affecting streaming quality; hardware transcoding occurs when the server attempts to convert video formats on the fly to be compatible with the playback device, but doing so taxes the system’s resources, particularly the CPU or GPU; when insufficient processing power is available, frame skipping is the result; it causes noticeable stutters and interruptions in the viewing experience. Many Plex users turn to forums, such as the Plex Support Forums or Reddit, for assistance, seeking advice on troubleshooting steps, such as adjusting the transcoding settings.

Ever sat down, popcorn in hand, ready to dive into that new series everyone’s raving about, only to be greeted by a slideshow instead of a smooth, cinematic experience? Yep, we’ve all been there. The dreaded frame skipping, where your movie looks more like a jerky flipbook than a high-definition masterpiece, and it’s infuriating! It’s like your favorite song skipping on a scratched CD – only way more annoying because now you can’t follow the plot!

Frame skipping, simply put, is when your video playback drops frames, causing a choppy or stuttering effect. Instead of a seamless flow of images, you get a series of jolts and jumps. It’s not just a minor annoyance; it can completely ruin the immersion and make even the best movies unwatchable. Think of it as the digital equivalent of trying to run a marathon with shoes two sizes too small. Not fun, right?

That’s where this guide comes in! Consider it your Plex-perts survival kit for diagnosing and conquering those pesky frame-skipping issues. Our goal is simple: to provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to identifying the root causes of frame skipping in your Plex Media Server and equipping you with the knowledge to fix them. We’ll dive deep into the inner workings of Plex, explore potential bottlenecks, and arm you with a toolbox of solutions to restore smooth, flawless playback.

Because let’s face it, a stable and reliable streaming experience isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity! In today’s world, where on-demand entertainment reigns supreme, the ability to stream your favorite content without interruption is essential. So, buckle up, grab your digital wrench, and let’s get to work! We’re about to banish those buffering blues and reclaim our smooth streaming future, one frame at a time. No more jerky slideshows—just pure, unadulterated viewing pleasure!

Contents

Understanding the Plex Ecosystem: Core Components and Their Roles

Think of your Plex setup like a little digital movie theater. To keep the show running smoothly, you need to understand the roles of each player. Before we dive into troubleshooting frame skipping and buffering, let’s break down the core components and how they interact. It’s like knowing the difference between the projector, the screen, and the sound system – essential knowledge for a flawless viewing experience!

Plex Media Server: The Brains of the Operation

The Plex Media Server is the heart and soul of your streaming setup. It’s like the central hub that organizes all your movies, TV shows, music, and photos. Think of it as a super-organized digital librarian. It scans your media files, identifies them, and fetches all that sweet metadata (titles, descriptions, artwork, etc.).

But it’s not just a librarian; it’s also a waiter, serving up your content to your various devices. The server also decides if your content needs to be changed, or transcoded, to play nicely with your Plex Client. The settings within your Plex Media Server play a huge role in overall performance. Here are a few key settings to keep in mind.

How the Server Organizes and Serves Media Content

The Plex Media Server organizes your content into libraries, like “Movies,” “TV Shows,” and “Music.” You point Plex to the folders where your media files are stored, and it automatically catalogs everything. When you select something to watch on a client device, the server retrieves the file and streams it over your network. Simple, right?

Key Settings That Impact Performance

Several server settings can significantly impact performance. For example, the transcoding quality setting determines how much processing power is used to convert media files on the fly. Higher quality means more processing power, and lower quality means less.

Background tasks, like library analysis and thumbnail generation, can also consume resources. Schedule these tasks during off-peak hours to avoid impacting playback.

Plex Client: Your Window to Entertainment

The Plex Client is the app you use to watch content on your devices (Smart TV, Roku, phone, tablet, etc.). It’s the interface through which you browse your library and control playback. But not all clients are created equal!

Different Plex Client Apps and Their Capabilities

Plex offers client apps for a wide range of devices, each with its own set of capabilities. Some Smart TVs have limited codec support or processing power, while others can handle almost anything you throw at them. A Roku might struggle with 4K content, whereas a powerful desktop computer will breeze through it. A web browser, for example, has limited playback abilities, and it can’t support all video formats.

Client Capabilities (Codec Support, Hardware Decoding)

A client’s ability to natively support various codecs (like H.264, H.265/HEVC, AAC, AC3) is crucial. If a client doesn’t support a particular codec, the server has to transcode the media, which can strain your server’s resources. Clients with hardware decoding capabilities can offload some of the processing burden from the CPU, leading to smoother playback.

Transcoding: The Culprit Behind Many Issues

Transcoding is the process of converting a media file from one format to another in real-time. It’s often the root cause of frame skipping and buffering because it requires significant processing power. When the server struggles to keep up, you get those frustrating playback issues.

What Transcoding Is and Why It’s Often the Root Cause

Imagine trying to translate a book into a different language on the fly. It takes effort, and if you’re not fast enough, the reader gets confused. Transcoding is similar: your server has to convert the video and audio into a format that the client can understand.

Factors That Trigger Transcoding

Several factors can trigger transcoding:

Incompatible Codecs: The client doesn’t support the video or audio codec of the source file.
Subtitles: Certain subtitle formats (especially image-based ones like PGS) can force transcoding.
Resolution: The client can’t handle the resolution of the video (e.g., trying to play a 4K video on a 1080p TV).
Bitrate: The client can’t handle the bitrate of the file.

Examples of Transcoding Triggers

Let’s say your TV doesn’t support the AC3 audio codec. Plex will then transcode it to something it does support, like AAC. Or, maybe you’re watching a 4K movie on a tablet that only supports 1080p; Plex will transcode the video to a lower resolution. These examples cause an increase in server strain which can cause frame skipping.

Direct Play/Direct Stream: The Path to Least Resistance

Direct Play and Direct Stream are your friends! They’re the ideal scenarios where the server can send the media file to the client with minimal or no modification. This significantly reduces server load and improves playback quality.

Benefits of Direct Play and Direct Stream

With Direct Play, the media file is sent to the client exactly as it is, untouched. Direct Stream involves only minor modifications, such as changing the container format, but the video and audio codecs remain the same. Both options minimize processing power needed on your server.

How to Encourage Direct Play/Direct Stream

To encourage Direct Play/Direct Stream:

Ensure your client devices support common codecs like H.264 and AAC.
Configure your Plex client settings to prefer Direct Play/Direct Stream.
Choose media files with codecs that are widely supported by your clients.

Difference Between Direct Play and Direct Stream

Direct Play: The file is sent untouched.
Direct Stream: The file is almost untouched; only minor changes occur.

Understanding these core components is the first step towards banishing those buffering blues and enjoying a smooth, seamless Plex experience. Next up, we’ll dive into the hardware side of things!

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The Transcoding Workhorse

Alright, let’s talk brains – the CPU, that is. Think of your CPU as the heart of your Plex Media Server. It’s what does all the heavy lifting, especially when it comes to transcoding. Imagine trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle – that’s basically what your CPU is doing when it’s transcoding multiple streams at once.

Why is a powerful CPU so important? Well, when your Plex server has to convert video formats on the fly (transcoding), it puts a serious strain on the processor. If your CPU is underpowered, you’ll see those dreaded frame skips and buffering issues rearing their ugly heads. Nobody wants that, right?

So, how do you know if your CPU is up to the task? Fire up that Plex Dashboard! It’s your mission control for all things Plex. Keep an eye on that CPU usage graph while you’re streaming. If it’s constantly maxing out at 100%, Houston, we have a problem! You might also want to use your system’s built-in monitoring tools (like Task Manager on Windows or Activity Monitor on macOS) for a more detailed look.

What kind of CPU power do you actually need? Well, it depends. If you’re just streaming to one device at a time, and mostly direct playing your media, you can probably get away with a decent mid-range CPU. But if you’re planning on multiple simultaneous streams, especially if those streams are 4K, you’re going to need some serious horsepower under the hood. As a general guideline, consider:

Single 1080p Transcode: An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 should do the trick.
Multiple 1080p Transcodes: Aim for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
4K Transcoding: Buckle up, buttercup! You’ll want an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (or better), especially if you’re not using hardware acceleration (more on that next!).

Remember, these are just general recommendations. Your mileage may vary depending on the specific CPU model, the codecs you’re using, and other factors.

Hardware Acceleration: Unleashing the Power of the GPU

Now, let’s talk about a secret weapon: hardware acceleration! If your CPU is sweating bullets trying to transcode everything, you can offload some of that work to your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Think of it as hiring a team of tiny, super-efficient workers to help with the juggling act.

Using your GPU for transcoding can drastically reduce the load on your CPU, leading to smoother playback and less buffering. Plus, it can free up your CPU to do other important things, like serving up those sweet, sweet metadata images.

Enabling hardware acceleration in Plex Media Server is usually pretty straightforward. Head over to the Plex Media Server settings, find the “Transcoder” section, and look for options like “Use hardware acceleration when available” and “Use hardware-accelerated video encoding.” Make sure those boxes are checked!

Important Note: Not all GPUs are created equal. Some GPUs are better at transcoding than others, and some might not be compatible with Plex’s hardware acceleration features at all. Check Plex’s documentation for a list of supported GPUs and any known issues. Compatibility is Key! You may have to install the correct drivers to allow Plex to access and use your dedicated graphics card.

Network: The Data Highway

Last but not least, let’s talk about the unsung hero of smooth streaming: your network. Your network is the data highway that carries your media from your server to your client devices. If that highway is congested or full of potholes (i.e., slow speeds or unstable connections), you’re going to experience some serious buffering and frame skipping.

A fast and stable network is essential for a good Plex experience, especially if you’re streaming high-resolution content or streaming remotely. Here’s a few tips for optimizing your network:

Wired is Always Better: If possible, connect your Plex Media Server and your primary streaming devices (like your TV or streaming box) to your network using Ethernet cables. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s often less reliable than a wired connection.
Router Upgrade: If you’re using an older router, it might be time for an upgrade. Look for a router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6) and has good range and throughput.
Reduce Interference: Wi-Fi signals can be affected by interference from other devices, walls, and even microwave ovens. Try to position your router in a central location, away from sources of interference.
Internet Speed: If you’re streaming remotely, your internet speed is crucial. Make sure you have enough bandwidth to support the stream. Use online speed tests to measure your upload speed (for the server side) and download speed (for the client side).

Troubleshooting network bottlenecks can be a bit tricky, but a few common culprits are:

Wi-Fi Interference: Try switching to a different Wi-Fi channel or moving your router closer to your streaming device.
Router Limitations: Some older routers just can’t handle the demands of streaming high-resolution video.
Internet Speed: If your internet speed is too slow, you might need to upgrade your internet plan.

Bottom line: Don’t neglect your network! It’s just as important as your CPU and GPU when it comes to a smooth Plex experience.

Decoding the Details: Software, Codecs, and Compatibility

Okay, folks, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of software and codecs. Think of it like this: your Plex server and your client device (like your TV or phone) are speaking different languages. Codecs are the translators, and sometimes, well, they just don’t get along! This section is all about making sure everyone is on the same page, or should I say, the same screen, without all that pesky frame skipping. We are going to look into how different codecs impact transcoding needs and how to ensure compatibility between the server and client.

Video Codecs: The Language of Video

Ever wonder what H.264, H.265, and AV1 are? These are video codecs, the different “languages” video files use to store information. Some are easier for your devices to understand than others. For example, H.264 is like the universal language – most devices speak it fluently. H.265 (also known as HEVC) is more modern and efficient, but older devices might struggle. And AV1? That’s the new kid on the block, super efficient but requires some serious processing power.

Here’s a quick and dirty compatibility guide:

Codec	Common Devices Supporting Direct Play	Devices Likely to Transcode
H.264	Most devices	Very old or low-powered devices
H.265/HEVC	Newer TVs, streaming sticks, computers	Older TVs, some mobile devices
AV1	Latest devices, high-end computers	Most TVs and streaming devices (currently)

Want to know what codec your video is using? Use a tool like MediaInfo. It’s like a detective for your media files! Identifying the codec is the first step in figuring out why you are having issues.

Audio Codecs: Don’t Forget the Sound

Video gets all the attention, but audio codecs are just as important! AAC, AC3, DTS, TrueHD – these are all different ways your audio is encoded. And just like video, some are more demanding than others. If your TV doesn’t support a particular audio codec (say, TrueHD), Plex will have to transcode it, potentially leading to frame skipping. Keep an eye out for this – it’s a common culprit!

Subtitles: The Unsung Performance Hogs

Ah, subtitles. Sometimes a lifesaver, sometimes a performance killer. The main issue here is image-based subtitles, like PGS. These aren’t just text; they are images, and your server has to work harder to display them, often forcing transcoding. A much better option are text-based subtitles like SRT. They are lightweight and usually don’t cause any performance issues.

If you absolutely need those fancy PGS subtitles, consider burning them into the video file. This means they’re permanently part of the video and don’t require real-time processing. However, this is a permanent change to the video file, so only do this if you plan on watching it on a single device that can’t handle subtitles correctly.

Media Properties: Resolution, Bitrate, and Beyond

Okay, so you’ve got your server humming (or at least trying to), your clients are connected, and you’re ready to binge-watch that new show everyone’s raving about. But wait… what’s this? Frame skipping rearing its ugly head again? Before you chuck your remote at the TV, let’s talk about your media itself. The resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and HDR are all the key factors. It’s time to understand how these sneaky culprits can impact your Plex experience. Think of it like this: you’ve got a super-fast car (your Plex server), but if you’re driving on a bumpy road (crappy media files), you’re not going to get a smooth ride. So, let’s pave that road!

Video Resolution: The Pixel Puzzle

Ever wondered why that 4K movie looks amazing on your fancy new TV but chugs like an old jalopy on your tablet? Resolution, my friend, is the answer. Basically, resolution is the number of pixels crammed into your video. More pixels mean a sharper, more detailed image, but also more work for your server and client to decode.

Higher resolutions (1080p, 4K) put a bigger strain on both your server and the device playing the video. Your server needs to work harder to potentially transcode it, and your client needs more processing power to display all those pixels.
Consider your client’s capabilities! If you are watching on your phone or tablet then lower resolutions may be sufficient, and would take up less storage as well.

Bitrate: The Bandwidth Bottleneck

Think of bitrate as the amount of data used per second to store your video. Higher bitrates generally mean better quality (more detail, fewer compression artifacts), but they also demand more bandwidth. If your network is struggling to keep up, you’ll experience buffering, which leads directly to – you guessed it – frame skipping.

How to assess if the bitrate is too high for your network? Start by using online speed tests to see how fast your internet is. If your test says you have 25Mbps, consider using media with a bitrate lower than that.
You can lower the bitrate of video files by re-encoding them using software like Handbrake. This reduces file size but may also slightly reduce quality (it’s a trade-off).

Frame Rate: The Rhythm of Motion

Frame rate, measured in frames per second (fps), determines how smoothly motion is displayed in your video. Common frame rates include 24fps (the standard for movies), 30fps (common for TV shows), and 60fps (often used for sports and gaming).

Mismatched Frame Rates: If your TV is trying to display 30fps content on a 24fps display (or vice versa), you might notice judder or stutter, which can manifest as frame skipping. Most modern TVs can handle this, but older ones may struggle.
A higher frame rate will also require your TV to perform more work. Consider this when optimizing based on devices and network conditions.

HDR (High Dynamic Range): A Colorful Challenge

HDR is all about colors and contrast. HDR content (HDR10, Dolby Vision) offers a wider range of colors and brighter highlights, resulting in a more vibrant and realistic image. However, HDR can be a real beast for older or less powerful hardware.

Compatibility Issues: Not all displays support HDR. If you’re trying to play HDR content on a non-HDR display, your server will likely have to transcode it, which can put a significant strain on your CPU. Even if your display supports HDR, ensure it supports the specific HDR format (HDR10, Dolby Vision, etc.) of your media.

In short, be mindful of your media’s properties. Optimizing your resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and HDR settings based on your client devices and network conditions can make a world of difference in achieving smooth, skip-free Plex playback. Now go forth and conquer those buffering blues!

Diagnosing the Problem: Becoming a Plex Detective

Alright, Sherlock, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’re seeing frame skipping, but why? It’s time to put on your detective hat and dive into the nitty-gritty of your Plex setup. Forget hunches; we’re after hard evidence. Fortunately, Plex gives us a few tools to crack this case.

Monitoring the Plex Dashboard: Your Real-Time View

The Plex Dashboard is your first stop. Think of it as your mission control. It’s right there in your web browser when you access your Plex Media Server. This isn’t just a pretty interface; it’s feeding you real-time data.

Transcoding Troubles: Look for anything transcoding – especially if you think it shouldn’t be. Is your server sweating bullets trying to convert everything on the fly? A high CPU usage during playback is a massive red flag.
CPU Bottlenecks: Is your CPU maxed out? The dashboard shows CPU usage. If it’s constantly hovering near 100% during playback, your CPU is likely the culprit. Note if multiple streams are occurring, as the issue may be with your CPU.
Bandwidth Limitations: Keep an eye on the bandwidth usage. Is it peaking when the frame skipping occurs? This could mean your network is struggling to keep up, especially during remote playback.

The key here is to watch the dashboard while you’re experiencing the frame skipping. Note down the CPU usage, the bandwidth usage, and whether or not transcoding is happening. These clues will point you in the right direction. Spotting those patterns is the first step to solving the mystery.

Analyzing Logs: Decoding the Secrets

If the dashboard is the crime scene, the Plex Media Server logs are the interrogation room. These are text files where Plex records pretty much everything it’s doing. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Logs? That sounds intimidating!” Trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Location, Location, Location: The location of your logs depends on your operating system, but a quick web search for “Plex Media Server log location” along with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) will get you sorted.
What to Look For: You want to search these logs (use a text editor with search functionality) for keywords like “error,” “transcode,” “buffering,” or even the name of the file that’s giving you trouble.
Key Log Entries: Be on the lookout for specific error messages related to transcoding failures, network connectivity issues, or problems accessing the media file.

Don’t panic if you see a lot of technical jargon. Focus on the errors and warnings. They’re usually the most informative. When examining your logs, pay close attention to the timestamps and cross-reference them with the times you experienced frame skipping.

Buffering: The Warning Sign

Buffering is often a symptom of something bigger. It’s that annoying spinning wheel, or the dreaded pause, that often precedes or accompanies frame skipping. Think of buffering as the canary in the coal mine.

The Connection: Buffering issues often stem from network congestion or an inadequate internet connection, especially during remote streaming.
Chain Reaction: Constant buffering leads to frame drops. The client struggles to maintain a continuous stream, resulting in skipped frames and a jumpy viewing experience.
What to Do: If buffering is a frequent occurrence, it’s time to investigate your network. Run a speed test, check for Wi-Fi interference, and consider using a wired connection (Ethernet) for a more stable connection.

Solutions and Optimizations: Restoring Smooth Playback

Okay, detective, you’ve identified the culprit! Now it’s time to bring in the reinforcements and get your Plex experience back on track. Here’s a rundown of solutions and optimizations, starting with the easy tweaks and moving up to the bigger guns. Think of it as your Plex first aid kit – ready to tackle those frame-skipping woes!

Adjusting Transcoder Settings: Fine-Tuning the Engine

Imagine your Plex Media Server as a car engine. Sometimes, it needs a little fine-tuning to run smoothly. That’s where the transcoder settings come in! You’ll want to strike a balance between quality and performance, which is kinda like finding the sweet spot where your engine’s purring without guzzling all the gas.

Dive into your Plex Media Server settings and look for the “Transcoder” section. Here, you can adjust the transcoding quality. If your server is struggling, try lowering the quality to “Prefer speed” or “Automatic.” This tells Plex to prioritize a smooth stream over pristine visuals.

Consider your client devices, too. Is your elderly laptop trying to play 4K content? Maybe it’s time to dial things down a notch. Choose a quality level that matches your client’s capabilities.

Enabling Direct Play/Direct Stream: Bypassing the Bottleneck

Direct Play and Direct Stream are your best friends! They’re like having a VIP pass that lets your media skip the transcoding line altogether. When your client device can natively play the file (codec and all), Plex uses Direct Play, sending the untouched file straight to your screen. Direct Stream makes minor adjustments (like container changes) without full transcoding.

To make the most of Direct Play, ensure your client devices support the codecs and formats of your media. This means your TV, Roku, or whatever you’re using, needs to “speak the same language” as your video files. Check your client settings to make sure Direct Play is enabled. If it’s not working as expected, double-check those settings and verify that your client supports the file’s codec. Sometimes, a simple restart of the Plex client can work wonders.

Firmware/Software Updates: Keeping Everything Current

It’s the golden rule of tech: Keep everything updated! Think of it as giving your Plex setup its daily vitamins. The Plex Media Server and client applications receive updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and even new features. These updates can often address compatibility issues that lead to transcoding and frame skipping.

Check for updates regularly in both your Plex Media Server settings and on your client devices (e.g., through the app store on your smart TV). It’s a small effort that can pay off big time.

Network Optimization: Strengthening the Connection

Your network is the backbone of your Plex setup. If it’s weak, your streaming experience will suffer. Just like a highway with too much traffic, your network can become congested. Time to unclog those arteries!

The simplest fix? Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s often prone to interference and inconsistent speeds. If you must use Wi-Fi, try optimizing your router settings (channel selection, band steering) and reducing interference from other devices.

Consider upgrading your router if it’s old or underpowered. Also, look at your overall network usage. Are other devices hogging bandwidth while you’re trying to watch a movie? Consider scheduling downloads and other bandwidth-intensive tasks for off-peak hours.

Hardware Upgrades: When More Power is Needed

Sometimes, the problem isn’t software or network-related, but rather a lack of sheer horsepower. If your server’s CPU is constantly maxing out during transcoding, it might be time for an upgrade.

For basic transcoding needs (a single 1080p stream), a mid-range CPU might suffice. But if you’re dealing with multiple streams or 4K content, you’ll need something more powerful.

Another option is to add a dedicated GPU (graphics card) to your server. GPUs excel at video processing and can significantly reduce the load on your CPU during transcoding. Plex supports hardware acceleration using GPUs from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. However, ensure your Plex Pass is active to fully unlock this feature!

Before dropping serious cash, consider what kind of media you are streaming most often and to how many devices concurrently. Upgrading hardware is usually a last resort, but it can be a game-changer if your server is consistently struggling.

Case Studies: Learning from Real-World Scenarios (Optional)

Alright, let’s dive into some real-world head-scratchers and how we smashed those pesky frame skipping issues. It’s like being a Plex detective, and these are our biggest cases! These examples, pulled straight from the Plex trenches, show how the principles we’ve discussed play out in the real world.

Case 1: The Mystery of the Lagging Subtitles

The Scenario: Our user, let’s call him Bob, was pulling his hair out (virtually, of course). Everything played fine until the subtitles kicked in, then BAM! Frame skipping galore! It was a classic “horror movie” experience, but for all the wrong reasons.

The Diagnosis: Turns out, Bob was using image-based subtitles, specifically PGS. Now, these subtitles are essentially images, and Plex has to work extra hard to display them, often forcing a transcode. And transcoding, as we know, can strain your server.

The Solution: The fix? A subtitle intervention! Bob converted those image-based subtitles to text-based SRT subtitles. SRTs are lightweight and don’t usually trigger transcoding. Alternatively, if Bob really needed those fancy PGS subs, he could choose to burn them into the video. Burn-in subtitles is a process that permanently adds subtitles to the video stream during transcoding. It avoids the overhead of real-time rendering but makes them uneditable. The result: Smooth sailing, even with subtitles on!

Case 2: The 4K Transcoding Tango

The Scenario: We’ve got Alice, who’s got a shiny new 4K TV and a library full of gorgeous 4K content. The problem? Her Plex Media Server, an older laptop, was choking anytime she tried to watch something in 4K. Frame skipping made the experience unbearable.

The Diagnosis: Poor Alice’s CPU was crying for help! Transcoding 4K content is incredibly demanding. Her laptop’s CPU simply couldn’t keep up, especially when trying to do it on the fly.

The Solution: Alice had a few options:

Hardware Acceleration to the Rescue: She enabled hardware acceleration, offloading the transcoding task to her laptop’s GPU. This gave her CPU a much-needed break, and playback became smoother.
CPU Upgrade: If hardware acceleration wasn’t enough, or her GPU wasn’t compatible, an upgrade to a more powerful CPU would solve the problem.
Direct Play or Stream: Another option for Alice would be to ensure direct play of the content instead of transcoding. As long as the device that she streamed on (client) and the device that streams the content (server) are on the same network (Local Network) that would solve the issue.

The lesson here? Sometimes, brute force (hardware) is the only way to win the transcoding battle.

These case studies should demonstrate the principles from this guide in action. Don’t get discouraged, as fixing Plex frame skipping problems can take some time and effort to solve.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this helps you get your Plex setup running smoothly. Now you can finally binge-watch your favorite shows without wanting to throw your remote at the screen. Happy streaming!