: Introduced as a successor to x264, the x265 codec offers more efficient compression. This means it can deliver similar or better video quality at a significantly smaller file size compared to x264. The efficiency of x265 makes it particularly appealing for storing and streaming high-definition video content.
: x265 requires more processing power to play. While modern smart TVs and devices like Nvidia Shield handle it easily, older hardware may struggle or "stutter". Prefer Content - x265,HEVC,Ecnoder,Rips · Issue #1724
Look at the column. Releases containing "x265" or "HEVC" should show a score of 100, while x264 releases show 0.
To make Sonarr prefer x265 (HEVC) video files, you need to use Custom Formats sonarr prefer x265
Prefer x265 only if your user base uses modern hardware, or if you have an Intel CPU with Quick Sync (7th gen or newer) or a dedicated GPU for hardware transcoding.
and clicked the plus icon to create a new "Must Prefer" rule. Must Contain box, he typed . Then, the crucial step: the tags. He assigned a weight of to anything labeled x265. He hit Save.
. Since x265 offers much better compression than x264, it is the go-to choice for users looking to save disk space without sacrificing visual quality. Here is how to set it up: 1. Create the x265 Custom Format : Introduced as a successor to x264, the
By assigning a score, Sonarr will automatically "upgrade" an existing x264 file to an x265 version if it finds one later, helping you prune your library size over time. Important Compatibility Note
If you plan to build a 4K library, TRaSH Guides strongly recommends sticking to their "Golden Rule" by using x265 exclusively for 4K content. For 1080p and lower, they maintain a preference for x264 to ensure maximum quality from source-level encodes. For a fully managed approach, consider using tools like Recyclarr to automatically sync TRaSH Guide configurations.
Editor’s Note: For Radarr (movies), the exact same Custom Format logic applies. Simply replicate these steps in Radarr’s settings for a full x265 media server. : x265 requires more processing power to play
: Ensure that the indexers you're using support x265. Some indexers may have specific settings or may require whitelisting to access certain types of content.
Sonarr combines these with release profile scores and intrinsic quality scores (e.g., resolution). Use total scores to ensure x265 > x264.
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