ive been using kodi (xbmc was better moniker) since google killed sagetv. i recall attempting plex, but it seemed to lack some open/extensibility (its been awhile).
i have a side project i want to make as a modular plugin generating a cable layout with original air orders and networks/channels… kodi seems most optimal, but ill admit its been a long while since i looked at plex.
so why plex over kodi?
Could be an issue with the device are you trying to playback on, and the source media format?
Smart TVs and web browsers are generally not great devices for media playback, most TVs do not support Dolby Digital, EAC audio for example in third party apps (which would cause transcoding). Other smart TVs may not be able to display the subtitles, again causing server transcoding.
IMO to avoid transcoding on hardware that can handle it, typically look at Android devices, games consoles, a Shield or a regular computer
Well I tried using Emby on my phone and it wanted to transcode literately everything I tried playing. The issue I had was a really weak server - and my phone plays all of the files without transcoding over SMB, never found the option to stop the transcode. But yeah, the android tv situation is really weak. Guess I’ll try Emby on some temporary setup, see if this stuff is solved for me now.