Why is Plex Server transcoding file that can be direct played?

I've installed Plex Media Server in my Raspberry Pi 3. It works perfect but it doesn't have enough CPU power to transcode (when it tries the video freezes every two or three seconds). One of my Plex clients is an LG TV and I find Plex Server transcoding files very often when I try to watch it from the TV.

I took one file as an example. It is a .mov file, the video is 1080p—HEVC and the audio AAC 5.1. I copied the file in a pen drive and the TV played it without any problems. I've also played it from Plex's DLNA server and I could watch it perfectly. However when I try to watch it through the Plex App in the TV the server shows:

Trasnscoding

Video Transcoding HEVC to H264

Audio Direct stream

In the TV I've enabled the options Direct Play and Direct Stream and I've all qualities set to Original.

Am I missing some reason that can make Plex transcode the file or is there something wrong?

Solution 1:

When you're playing the HEVC file directly on the TV, it's likely using an application that has the necessary codecs.

When you play it over Plex, the Plex software on the TV likely lacks the HEVC codec, and so the server must transcode.

In order to avoid transcoding, convert all your video files to H.264.