The Ultimate Guide to Playing AVI Files on Plex

Plex is a popular media server software that has long helped users organize, manage, and stream their media files across different devices. Unfortunately, some users have repeatedly mentioned issues when playing AVI files on Plex. While it is true that you can use Plex AVI files, playback errors and showcase codecs may cause problems with Plex, which means you need alternative solutions to common playback options. These include common troubleshooting methods for the device and the internet, updating the servers and software, using a third-party plug-in, or utilizing a useful video converter tool like HitPaw. That’s everything this article will discuss, so without further ado, let’s jump right into the conversation around “Does Plex support AVI?”

Part 1: Can Plex Play AVI Files?

As we’ve mentioned, the straightforward answer is that Plex can, indeed, play AVI files. However, reality isn’t always completely straightforward. The AVI Plex relationship is complicated and may cause compatibility errors for various reasons. To give you a short introduction, AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave, a multimedia container format that can hold various video and audio codecs. It was developed by Microsoft in 1992. On the other hand, Plex’s ability to play these files depends on the specific codecs used. If the software doesn’t support those very codecs, you will have a problem, and playback issues will occur. While Plex natively supports a variety of codecs, including H.264 and AAC, which are commonly used in MP4 containers, AVI files tend to include versions that Plex can’t decode. So, some Plex AVI files might play without issues, but others won’t. To simplify the above conversation, there are a couple of reasons why AVI Plex doesn’t play. These include:

• Codec issues, as mentioned above, are in terms of compatibility with the Plex application.
• Naming issues, since correct naming and categorizing files must be compatible with playback.
• Corrupted files, which won’t play anywhere.

The last two are fairly simple and can be more simply dealt with. However, the solution is a little more complicated when the issue of Plex AVI files has to do with compatibility. Let’s consider ways to solve this issue!

Part 2: Solve PLEX Can Not Play AVI Files with A Handy Tool

However, with a handy video conversion tool, you can easily solve this playback problem without worrying about “Does plex support AV?”! A converter lets you change AVI formats into other video formats, which Plex is compatible with, like MP4 with H.264 and AAC codecs. For the conversion software itself, we recommend HitPaw Video Converter, which is the best option for you. For further details check: Watch the video below!

• Features of HitPaw Video Converter

• Wide Format Support: HitPaw allows you to convert AVI files to numerous formats, including MP4, MKV, MOV, and more, which are compatible with Plex.
• High-Speed Conversion: Secondly, HitPaw uses GPU acceleration for faster conversion times, making it much more user-friendly.
• Batch Conversion: You can also convert multiple AVI files simultaneously to save time..
• Preserve Quality: This tool will maintain high video and audio quality during conversion.
• User-Friendly Interface: HitPaw promises its customers a friendly and intuitive interface suitable for all user levels.

How Can You Convert Plex AVI Files into Supported Formats with HitPaw Video Converter?

• Step 1:

Download and install the HitPaw Video Converter from the official website. Once it’s downloaded, complete the installation and launch the software.



• Step 2:

Once you’ve launched the platform, you must upload your file. You can drag and drop the file from File Explorer or add files.


• Step 3:

Now, you must select the output format to convert the media file you upload. Choose the format best suits your needs, but the most common conversion is to MP4 (H.264/AAC) as the output format since it promises compatibility. Also, choose the output folder.


• Step 4:

Initiate the conversion of your AVI Plex files, and the software will do the rest for you!

Part 3: Other Methods to Solve Plex Cannot Play AVI Flies

Of course, video conversion isn’t the only method to fix the Plex AVI files issue, though it is one of the best ways to confirm your video will work. Nevertheless, here are some ways you can try if you want to attempt playing AVI Plex directly.

Method 1: Update the Server

In some cases, older versions of the software might also impede the playing of Plex AVI files. If you install the latest version of Plex Media Server, it may help with improved codec support.

Method 2: Direct Play and Direct Stream

In Plex settings, you can also enable the Direct Play and Direct Stream options to let your device handle the file directly without server transcoding, which can sometimes fix your problem.

Method 3: Rename the File

This method deals directly with the naming causing the Plex AVI issue. In this case, you can play the files easily once you fix the parameters.

Method 4: Repair

This is the answer to corrupting AVI files, which can cause problems. In this case, you can use file repair tools to save the file and then play it.

Method 5: Third-Party Plug-ins

These can extend Plex’s codec support, although this might require advanced configuration and may not be as safe as other options due to external interference to the software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Plex can play AVI files, but some playback issues can arise due to various factors—the chief of which is the varied codecs used within AVI containers. You can fix this problem using multiple methods, including updating servers, using third-party plug-ins, and so on, but these can be limited or may not work for the media file at hand. Therefore, the best possible solution is to utilize the HitPaw Video Converter to convert AVI files into compatible formats. With the steps outlined in this article, you won’t have to miss out on playing your Plex AVI files any day!