WD Twonky Update: Troubleshooting Common Issues

As a WD EX2 Ultra user, you may have encountered issues with running Plex Media Server on your device. One common problem is that Plex fails to play certain media formats due to transcoding limitations. In this article, we'll explore some troubleshooting steps to help you overcome these challenges.

Plex Transcoding Limitations

The current Plex supported NAS document can be found at the following link: 'Do not download software from sources other than the official website.'. To resolve playback issues, it's essential to re-encode your media into a format that your client device supports (e.g., MP4 or MKV). If Plex has to transcode the media for your client device (like MPEG2), it will fail due to transcoding limitations on most My Cloud devices supporting the Plex Media Server.

Running Plex Media Server

While the single bay/single drive My Cloud doesn't officially support running the Plex Media Server, you can still use it as a media storage library for a Plex Media Server running on another device. However, this may not be applicable to multi-bay My Cloud models like the EX2 Ultra, which is a distinct device from the single bay My Cloud.

WD Support and Twonky FAQs

You can visit the WD Support site and search through their Knowledgebase articles for Twonky-related issues. Note that the initial Twonky FAQ posts are from 2015, and since then, the WD Support website layout has changed, which may render some links inactive.

Common Issues with Plex on EX2 Ultra

Some users have reported difficulties playing certain media formats on their EX2 Ultra devices. For example, they may experience errors when trying to play MPEG2 files or encounter issues with high-bitrate MP4 files. These issues can be frustrating, especially considering the device's price point.

Troubleshooting Tips and Workarounds

If you're experiencing these challenges, here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Re-encode your media into a supported format (like MP4 or MKV) to avoid transcoding limitations.

2. Check the Plex supported NAS document for further guidance on resolving playback issues.

3. Consider using an alternative media player that doesn't rely on transcoding.

By following these tips and understanding the limitations of running Plex Media Server on your WD EX2 Ultra device, you can optimize your media playback experience and overcome common challenges.

Wd twonky update