Sonarr Prefer X265 [EXCLUSIVE — Secrets]

To let your custom format scores dictate the final choice across similar qualities, group them together: In > Profiles , open your active profile. Click Edit Groups at the top right of the qualities list.

Before you configure Sonarr, you must ensure your setup can handle the files.

Navigate to > Custom Formats in your Sonarr dashboard. Click the plus ( + ) icon to create a new custom format. sonarr prefer x265

To prevent Sonarr from getting stuck in an upgrade loop or choosing large x264 files when x265 is available, create a separate custom format for x264. Click to add another Custom Format. Name it x264 / AVC . Add a specification of the type Release Title . Use the following regular expression: \b(x264|avc|h264)\b Use code with caution. Click Save . Configuring Quality Profiles to Prioritize the Scores

Sonarr does not have a simple "prefer x265" checkbox. Instead, you achieve this by using (in Sonarr v3) or Custom Formats (in Sonarr v4). Method 1: Using Custom Formats (Sonarr v4) To let your custom format scores dictate the

"Librarian OCD – I have both versions."

In the box, paste the following standardized regex string to capture common x265 tags: \b(x265|hevc|h265)\b Use code with caution. Click Save . Navigate to > Custom Formats in your Sonarr dashboard

If you have many remote users watching via a web browser, do not prefer x265. You will peg your CPU at 100% every time someone watches an episode. You need hardware transcoding (Plex Pass + Intel QSV or NVIDIA NVENC).

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While x265 offers numerous advantages, it's essential to consider compatibility and support. Most modern devices and media players support x265 playback, including smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices. However, for older devices or less common media players, support might be limited. Users should ensure their playback equipment can handle x265 videos before fully transitioning.

Scene groups and internal encoders usually upload x264 copies of a TV show within minutes of its airing. The x265 encodes require more computing time and might not appear until hours or days later. If you want x265 exclusively but do not want Sonarr to download an x264 copy first only to replace it a day later, use (found under Settings > Profiles ). Setting a 120-to-240-minute delay gives x265 encoders time to upload their files before Sonarr grabs the immediate x264 release. Avoiding Fake or Low-Quality Upconverts