Plex and Dolby Vision: Does Plex Support Dolby Vision?

Are you a Plex user wondering if it supports the high-flying Dolby Vision? Well, buckle up, because we’ve got some news for you! Plex, known for its versatility with various HDR formats, definitely has a trick up its sleeve when it comes to Dolby Vision.

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Here’s the Lowdown on Plex and Dolby Vision

Plex does a solid with Dolby Vision support, but it’s not just about having the files on your Plex Media Server. The key is to ensure that the device you’re using to binge-watch your favorite shows also supports Dolby Vision output. There’s no point having all the gear and no idea, right?

Getting Technical with Dolby Vision

Dolby Vision isn’t your average Joe of video formats. It’s a high-dynamic range (HDR) champ that uses dynamic metadata to tweak the picture to perfection, scene by scene, or even frame by frame. Plex isn’t one to shy away from the heavy hitters and supports a range of HDR formats, including Dolby Vision. That’s right, it’s all about bringing you the crème de la crème of viewing experiences.

How Plex HDR Tone Mapping Works on Non-HDR TVs

Plex can magically transform HDR content into SDR format. Pretty neat, right? But here’s the kicker. Transforming 4K HDR to SDR is no walk in the park. It’s like asking your server to lift weights it’s not used to. Plex itself gives a heads-up, saying, “If your platform has to use software transcoding for tone mapping, brace yourself – converting 4K content in real-time could be a bumpy ride unless your system is a beast.”

But hey, don’t throw in the towel just yet! For those holding a golden ticket – the premium Plex Pass – there’s a way out. Enter hardware transcoding. This cool feature lets you use specific Intel processors on Linux or NVIDIA GPUs on Windows and Linux to handle the heavy lifting. It’s like giving your server superpowers to handle the 4K-to-SDR conversion smoothly. Want to dive deeper into this tech sorcery? Check out the Plex Support website for all the juicy details.

Real-World Plex & Dolby Vision Testing

We didn’t take their word for it; we put Plex to the test. Our setup included Plex Media Server for macOS, a swanky LG C2 OLED TV, and a couple of Dolby Vision encoded videos. These were no random videos; one was a downloaded Dolby Vision demo, and the other was shot on an iPhone using Dolby Vision for HDR. Both streamed over a wireless network to the LG TV using the Plex app. Plex even tagged these videos as “4K DoVi,” which is geek-speak for Dolby Vision content.

But Wait, There’s a Catch

While Plex and Dolby Vision are a match made in heaven, there can be hiccups with DRM (Digital Rights Management) requirements. Your streaming device needs to be Dolby Vision compatible to get the full experience. Otherwise, it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

What If Your TV Doesn’t Do HDR?

Don’t sweat it. If your TV is still rocking standard dynamic range (SDR), Plex has a workaround. It converts HDR content to SDR, though this might make your server break a sweat, especially with 4K content. The solution? Hardware transcoding for Plex Pass premium subscribers is like giving your server a superpower boost.

Plex’s Dolby Atmos Bonus

And because Plex loves to overdeliver, it also supports Dolby Atmos, the king of immersive surround sound. If your setup is Atmos-ready, you’re in for an aural treat. Even Apple Music’s spatial audio with Dolby Atmos gets the Plex nod.

So, in a nutshell, Plex does support Dolby Vision, and it’s pretty slick about it too. make sure your gear is up to the task, and you’re all set for a premium viewing experience. Happy streaming!