Select Your Device
Choose your streaming device below to get a step-by-step guide for optimal Plex playback settings. Each guide is written in plain English - no tech degree required!
Streaming Devices
Smart TVs
Gaming Consoles
Mobile Devices
Computers
The Golden Rules (All Devices)
No matter which device you use, these settings give you the best quality:
- ✓ Local/Home Quality: Maximum or Original
- ✓ Remote Quality: Maximum or Original
- ✓ Auto Adjust Quality: OFF
- ✓ Direct Play: ON
- ✓ Direct Stream: ON
What's "Direct Play" and why does it matter?
Direct Play means your Plex server sends the video file exactly as it is - no conversion, no quality loss. It's like getting a fresh pizza delivered straight from the oven.
Transcoding means your server has to convert the video first - like squishing that pizza into a smaller box. It still works, but it's not as good, and it makes your server work harder.
Goal: We want Direct Play as much as possible!