Plex Multiple Episodes in One File: Naming Guide

For avid users of Plex Media Server, the organization of digital media libraries represents a cornerstone of their content consumption experience. Correctly naming television episodes, especially when employing multiple episodes in one file, ensures Plex accurately identifies and displays your content. A standardized naming convention not only facilitates smooth playback within Plex, it leverages the advanced metadata retrieval capabilities of services such as TheTVDB for comprehensive library enrichment.

Diving into Plex Media Server: Your Central Entertainment Hub

Plex Media Server stands as a powerful solution for centralizing and streaming your personal media. It acts as the brain of your entertainment ecosystem, cataloging your movies, TV shows, music, and photos, then serving them up to your devices wherever you are.

At its core, Plex is a media server application designed to organize your digital media library. But it’s so much more than just a file server. It offers a rich, user-friendly interface complete with metadata, artwork, and organizational tools, transforming a jumble of files into a streamlined and accessible entertainment hub.

Understanding the Functionalities of Plex Media Server

Plex's capabilities extend far beyond simple playback. Consider these key functions:

• Streaming: Stream your content to various devices, including TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets.

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• Organization: Automatically organizes your media with rich metadata fetched from online databases.

• Transcoding: Converts media files on-the-fly to ensure compatibility with different devices and network conditions.

• Remote Access: Access your media library from anywhere with an internet connection.

• Live TV & DVR: Integrate a TV tuner to watch and record over-the-air broadcasts (requires Plex Pass).

The Role of Plex Media Player: Your Gateway to Entertainment

The Plex Media Player is the client application that connects to your Plex Media Server. It’s how you actually watch your movies, listen to your music, or view your photos.

Available on a wide range of devices, from smart TVs and streaming boxes to smartphones and tablets, the Plex Media Player provides a consistent and intuitive interface for accessing your media library. It's also able to directly play from the server or request a transcoded version as needed.

Essentially, the Media Player is the window through which you view your personal media collection, making it accessible and enjoyable.

Media Management: The Cornerstone of a Great Plex Experience

Think of your Plex library as a physical library. A well-organized library is easy to browse, find what you’re looking for, and enjoy the experience. A messy library, on the other hand, is frustrating and time-consuming.

Proper media management is absolutely critical for optimal streaming quality, accurate metadata, and ease of navigation. Without it, you might encounter incorrect movie titles, missing artwork, or difficulty finding specific episodes of your favorite TV shows.

Consider the following benefits of proper Plex media management:

• Improved Streaming Quality: Consistent file naming and folder structure allows Plex to correctly identify and transcode media, ensuring smooth playback across devices.

• Accurate Metadata: Accurate metadata ensures you have the correct movie posters, descriptions, and cast information.

• Effortless Navigation: A well-organized library makes it easy to find and enjoy your media, enhancing the overall user experience.

Investing time in managing your Plex media library is an investment in your entertainment. The following sections will guide you through the best practices for achieving a seamless and enjoyable Plex experience.

Decoding Plex's Metadata System: The Key to Organization

Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to manage it effectively is essential for a seamless and visually appealing library.

The Role of Metadata in Plex

Metadata is the foundation upon which Plex builds its organized library. It goes far beyond simply displaying file names.

It encompasses a wealth of information, including:

• Titles and Descriptions: Providing context and summaries for your media.
• Cast and Crew: Listing actors, directors, and other contributors.
• Posters and Artwork: Enhancing the visual appeal of your library.
• Ratings and Reviews: Offering insights into the quality of the content.
• Genre and Year: Categorizing and contextualizing your media within a broader landscape.

Without accurate and complete metadata, your Plex library can become a chaotic mess, hindering your ability to find and enjoy your favorite content.

How Plex Retrieves Metadata: The Power of Agents

Plex utilizes Metadata Agents to automatically retrieve information from online databases. These agents act as intermediaries, connecting your media files with vast repositories of metadata.

The Metadata Retrieval Process

When you add media to your Plex library, the server initiates a matching process.

1. Plex analyzes the file name and folder structure, attempting to identify the movie or TV show.

2. Once identified, it consults the enabled Metadata Agents.

3. These agents query online databases like The Movie Database (TMDB) or The TV Database (TVDB) for relevant information.

4. Plex then downloads and applies this metadata to your media file, enriching your library with details and artwork.

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Configuring and Prioritizing Agents

You can control the behavior of these agents by configuring their settings within Plex.

The order in which the agents are listed is crucial, as Plex will prioritize them accordingly. For example, if you find that TMDB consistently provides more accurate results for movies, you should prioritize it over other movie agents.

To configure agents, navigate to:

Settings > Server > Agents.

Here, you can reorder, enable, or disable agents for various media types.

Embedded Metadata: A Double-Edged Sword

Some media files may contain embedded metadata, such as titles or artist information, directly within the file itself. While this can be helpful in some cases, it can also lead to conflicts with Plex's metadata agents.

• Pros: Embedded metadata can provide a baseline of information, especially for obscure or less common media.

• Cons: It can sometimes be inaccurate or incomplete, potentially overriding the more comprehensive metadata retrieved from online databases.

It's generally recommended to rely on Plex's metadata agents for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you encounter inconsistencies, you can disable the "Local Media Assets" agent to prevent Plex from using embedded metadata.

External Databases: The Cornerstone of Accurate Information

Two prominent external databases play a crucial role in Plex's metadata system:

• TVDB (TheTVDB.com): Primarily focused on TV shows, offering comprehensive episode listings, cast information, and artwork.

• TMDB (TheMovieDB.org): Focused on movies, providing extensive details on cast, crew, plot summaries, and release information.

These databases are community-driven, meaning their accuracy relies on contributions from users worldwide. While this can result in occasional errors, the sheer volume of data generally ensures a high degree of accuracy.

Understanding the structure and content of these databases can be invaluable when troubleshooting metadata issues or manually correcting information in Plex.

Naming Conventions: The Foundation of a Healthy Plex Library

Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to manage that information is crucial. In this section, we delve into the critical role of naming conventions, the bedrock upon which a healthy and functional Plex library is built.

Why are consistent naming conventions so important? In essence, they serve as the Rosetta Stone for Plex, enabling it to accurately decipher and categorize your media files. Without a structured approach to naming, Plex will struggle to correctly identify your movies and TV shows, leading to incorrect metadata, missing artwork, and a frustrating user experience. Let's explore the guidelines that will transform your media organization from chaos to clarity.

The Importance of Consistent Naming Conventions

Plex relies heavily on filenames to determine the identity of your media. While its matching algorithms are sophisticated, they are not infallible. Ambiguous or inconsistent naming can lead to misidentification, forcing you to manually correct metadata and artwork – a time-consuming and often frustrating process.

By adopting a consistent naming strategy, you provide Plex with the necessary clues to accurately identify your media, ensuring that it retrieves the correct titles, descriptions, cast information, and artwork. This translates into a seamless and enjoyable browsing experience for you and anyone else who uses your Plex server.

Naming Conventions for Movies

For movies, the recommended naming convention is relatively straightforward:

Movie Title (Year).ext

• Movie Title: Use the official movie title as it appears on IMDb or TheMovieDB.
• Year: Include the release year in parentheses. This helps Plex differentiate between movies with similar titles.
• ext: Represents the file extension (e.g., .mp4, .mkv, .avi).

Example: The Shawshank Redemption (1994).mp4

This simple format provides Plex with enough information to accurately identify the movie and retrieve the correct metadata.

Naming Conventions for TV Shows

TV shows require a slightly more structured approach due to the presence of seasons and episodes. The standard convention uses SxE notation:

Show Title - SxxEyy - Episode Title.ext

• Show Title: Use the official show title.
• Sxx: Represents the season number, using two digits (e.g., S01 for Season 1).
• Eyy: Represents the episode number, using two digits (e.g., E01 for Episode 1).
• Episode Title: (Optional) The episode title can be included for better clarity, but it is not strictly required for Plex to identify the episode.
• ext: Represents the file extension.

Example: Breaking Bad - S01E01 - Pilot.mkv

This format provides Plex with a clear and unambiguous way to identify the show, season, and episode.

Season and Episode Formatting

The key to successful TV show naming lies in the consistent use of the SxxEyy notation. Always use two digits for both the season and episode numbers, even if the numbers are single digits (e.g., S01, not S1; E05, not E5). This uniformity ensures that Plex correctly interprets the season and episode information.

The Power of Clarity

While including the episode title is optional, it can significantly enhance the browsing experience. When browsing your TV show library, seeing the episode title alongside the season and episode number provides valuable context and makes it easier to find specific episodes.

Dealing with Unique Cases

While the above conventions work for most movies and TV shows, there are some unique cases that require special attention.

Split Episodes

Some TV shows, particularly those with longer episodes, may be split into two or more parts. In these cases, you can use the following naming convention:

Show Title - SxxEyy-Ezz - Episode Title.ext

Where Eyy is the first episode number and Ezz is the last episode number in the split episode.

Example: The Office (US) - S03E12-E13 - The Return.mp4

This indicates that the file contains episodes 12 and 13 of season 3.

Original Broadcast Format and Naming Implications

Some TV shows are broadcast in a different order than they are listed on online databases like TheTVDB.com. This can lead to Plex misidentifying episodes if you use the broadcast order.

It is generally recommended to use the DVD or aired order as listed on TheTVDB.com, as this is the order that Plex typically uses for matching. If you prefer to use the broadcast order, you may need to manually match the episodes in Plex and adjust the metadata accordingly.

Structuring Your Media Folders: Creating Order from Chaos

Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to manage it is critical to success. The next step is establishing a meticulously planned folder structure.

Imagine your media files scattered haphazardly across your hard drives. Plex would struggle to identify them accurately, leading to mismatched metadata, incorrect titles, and a frustrating browsing experience. A well-defined folder structure acts as a roadmap for Plex, guiding it to the correct information and ensuring seamless organization.

The Importance of a Logical Folder Hierarchy

A clean and consistent folder structure is more than just aesthetics; it's the backbone of a well-organized Plex library. It dictates how easily Plex can identify your media, fetch the correct metadata, and present it in a user-friendly manner. Without it, you risk a chaotic library plagued by inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

Think of your folder structure as a filing system. Just as a physical filing system requires labeled folders and clear organization to quickly locate documents, your Plex media library relies on a structured folder hierarchy to ensure easy access and accurate identification.

Movie Folder Structure: Simplicity is Key

For movies, the recommended folder structure is straightforward:

/Movies/Movie Title (Year)/Movie Title (Year).ext

Let's break this down:

• /Movies/: This is your main "Movies" folder, where all your movie subfolders reside. Plex needs to know where to look.

• Movie Title (Year)/: This is the folder for each individual movie, named precisely with the title and release year in parentheses. The year is critical for distinguishing between remakes or movies with the same name.

• Movie Title (Year).ext: This is the movie file itself, also named consistently with the title and year. The .ext represents the file extension (e.g., .mp4, .mkv).

For example: /Movies/The Dark Knight (2008)/The Dark Knight (2008).mkv

TV Show Folder Structure: Precision is Paramount

Organizing TV shows requires a slightly more complex, but equally crucial structure:

/TV Shows/Show Title/Season XX/Show Title - SXXEXX - Episode Title.ext

Let's analyze each component:

• /TV Shows/: This is your main "TV Shows" folder, housing all your TV series. This is critical for helping Plex recognize and scan TV content.

• Show Title/: This folder is named after the TV show.

• Season XX/: Each season gets its own folder, named "Season 01," "Season 02," and so on. Ensure you use double digits; always use 01 instead of 1.

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• Show Title - SXXEXX - Episode Title.ext: This is the episode file itself, adhering to the SXXEXX naming convention. SXX represents the season number (e.g., S01 for season 1), and EXX represents the episode number (e.g., E01 for episode 1). Including the episode title is optional but recommended for clarity.

For instance: /TV Shows/The Office/Season 02/The Office - S02E01 - The Dundies.mkv

Understanding the Plex Library Scan

Plex's library scan is the process by which it discovers and identifies the media files in your folders. When you add a folder to your Plex library, Plex scans its contents, analyzes the file names and folder structure, and attempts to match them with entries in online databases like The Movie Database (TMDb) and The TVDB.

• The accuracy of this matching process hinges on your adherence to the recommended naming conventions and folder structure.

If Plex can accurately identify a file, it retrieves metadata such as the title, description, cast, artwork, and other relevant information.

The Crucial Role of Separate Media Folders

One of the most fundamental aspects of organizing your Plex library is ensuring that different types of media are stored in separate folders. Avoid the temptation to mix movies, TV shows, music, and other media files within the same folder.

• Plex relies on the top-level folder structure to determine the type of media it's dealing with.

If you store movies and TV shows in the same folder, Plex may misidentify them, leading to incorrect metadata and a disorganized library. Create distinct folders for each media type to ensure accurate identification and proper organization.

For example, you should have a folder specifically for:

• Movies
• TV Shows
• Music
• Home Videos

By maintaining this separation, you provide Plex with clear instructions on how to interpret and organize your media files. This will yield a vastly improved and easier-to-manage library.

Matching and Troubleshooting: Ensuring Accurate Identification

Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to manage it is essential. This section delves into the "Matching" process and equips you with the knowledge to troubleshoot common identification issues.

The Matching Process: How Plex Connects to Your Media

The "Matching" process is where Plex attempts to link your media files with entries in online databases like The Movie Database (TMDb) and TheTVDB. This is how Plex populates your library with artwork, descriptions, cast information, and other metadata. Plex analyzes filenames, folder structures, and even file hashes to make these connections.

Accurate naming and folder organization, as previously discussed, are crucial for a successful match. If Plex can't confidently identify a file, it will either display it as "Unmatched" or, worse, incorrectly match it to something else entirely.

Manually Matching Media: Taking Control

When Plex fails to automatically identify your media, don't despair. You can manually intervene and guide Plex to the correct match.

Here's how:

1. Navigate to the unmatched media item in your Plex library.
2. Click the "..." (ellipsis) button on the item.
3. Select "Match."
4. In the "Search Options" dialog, manually enter the title and year of the movie or TV show.
5. Click "Search." Plex will display a list of potential matches.
6. Carefully review the search results and select the correct entry.
7. If the correct entry isn't listed, refine your search terms and try again.

Manual matching gives you granular control over your library and ensures accuracy, even when Plex stumbles.

Troubleshooting Common Matching Issues

Even with meticulous naming and folder structures, matching issues can still arise. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Incorrect Metadata

Sometimes, Plex will correctly identify a media file but pull in incorrect metadata. This could be a wrong title, year, description, or artwork.

To fix this:

1. Go to the item in your library.
2. Click the "..." button and select "Edit."
3. Navigate to the "Metadata" tab.
4. Correct any inaccurate information. You can manually enter data or search for the correct metadata using the "Match" option within the Edit window.

Mismatched Media

Mismatched media occurs when Plex identifies your file as something entirely different. This is often due to ambiguous filenames or conflicting information.

To resolve this:

1. First, Unmatch the incorrect identification by going to "Match" again, and then select "Unmatch."
2. Then, follow the "Manually Matching Media" steps outlined above to force Plex to identify the item correctly.
3. If issues persist, double-check your naming and folder structure to ensure they align with Plex's guidelines.

Fixing Incorrect Matches

If you've already made corrections and Plex is still struggling, try the "Plex Dance." This involves removing the files from your Plex library, running a library scan, emptying the trash, and then adding the files back in. This forces Plex to re-analyze the files and start the matching process anew.

The steps of the Plex Dance:

1. Move the file(s) outside of your Plex Media Server directory.
2. Scan the library in Plex.
3. Empty trash.
4. Clean bundles.
5. Move the file(s) back into your Plex Media Server directory.
6. Scan the library again.

By understanding the Matching process and mastering these troubleshooting techniques, you can ensure your Plex library is accurate, organized, and a joy to use.

External Tools for Advanced Management: Level Up Your Plex Game

Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to refine it is key. However, manual media management can quickly become tedious. Fortunately, several external tools exist to streamline and enhance your Plex experience, offering functionalities beyond Plex's native capabilities.

Let's explore how these tools can elevate your Plex game.

FileBot: The Automation Powerhouse for Renaming and Organization

FileBot is a powerful and versatile tool designed to automate the process of renaming and organizing your media files. This tool shines when dealing with large libraries or consistently adding new content. It uses sophisticated pattern matching and online databases to ensure your files adhere to Plex's recommended naming conventions. It's more than just a rename utility; it's a workflow enhancer.

Configuration Options for FileBot and Plex

To get the most out of FileBot, it's important to configure it correctly to work seamlessly with Plex. Key configuration settings include:

• Specifying the Plex Media Folder: Tell FileBot where your movies and TV shows are stored.

• Setting Up Naming Schemes: Define the naming patterns FileBot should use. Leveraging FileBot’s expression language allows complex automation.

• Integrating with Plex's API (Optional): Allows FileBot to trigger a Plex library scan after processing files automatically. This keeps your library up to date.

Careful configuration ensures FileBot aligns with your existing Plex setup and avoids disrupting your established library structure.

Example Workflows for Renaming Movies and TV Shows

FileBot offers intuitive workflows for both movies and TV shows:

Movies:

1. Drag and drop your movie files into FileBot.
2. FileBot automatically matches the movie against online databases like TheMovieDB.
3. Choose the correct match, and FileBot renames the file according to your defined naming scheme (e.g., Movie Title (Year).ext).
4. Move the renamed file to the appropriate movie folder.

TV Shows:

1. Drag and drop your TV show episodes into FileBot.
2. FileBot identifies the show and episode based on online databases like TheTVDB.
3. Select the correct match, and FileBot renames the file according to your defined naming scheme (e.g., Show Title - S01E01 - Episode Title.ext).
4. FileBot can even create season folders automatically.

FileBot's ability to handle complex naming scenarios, such as split episodes and specials, makes it an invaluable asset for maintaining a well-organized Plex library. Its scripting capabilities enable extremely sophisticated workflows, making it possible to entirely automate media management.

TinyMediaManager: Mastering Metadata and Artwork

TinyMediaManager is another robust tool designed for advanced metadata control and artwork management within your Plex library. It goes beyond simple renaming, allowing you to fine-tune metadata details and curate the visual presentation of your media.

Features of TinyMediaManager

TinyMediaManager offers a wealth of features, including:

• Comprehensive Metadata Editing: Modify movie and TV show titles, descriptions, cast information, ratings, and more.

• Automated Metadata Downloading: Scrape metadata from multiple online sources, prioritizing accuracy and completeness.

• Artwork Management: Download and customize posters, fanart, and banners. It also supports local artwork.

• Subtitle Management: Download and manage subtitles for your media files.

• NFO File Generation: Create NFO files containing metadata, which can be read by Plex and other media players.

This fine-grained control ensures that your Plex library accurately represents your media collection, with visually appealing artwork and complete information.

Integrating It with Plex

While TinyMediaManager doesn't directly integrate with Plex in the same way that FileBot can trigger scans, it prepares your media files and folders for optimal Plex recognition.

The key is to ensure TinyMediaManager writes metadata to NFO files and saves artwork within your media folders. Plex can then be configured to prioritize local metadata, ensuring that the information provided by TinyMediaManager is used instead of relying solely on online databases.

This approach gives you ultimate control over your Plex library's presentation and metadata accuracy.

Automation with PVRs: Building a Self-Sustaining Library

External Tools for Advanced Management: Level Up Your Plex Game Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex uses metadata, where it sources this information, and how to...

Now, let's explore how to automate the entire process of building and maintaining your Plex library. This involves leveraging the power of PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) and specialized software to create a self-sustaining media ecosystem.

Embracing Automation: The PVR Advantage

Imagine a world where new episodes of your favorite TV shows or newly released movies automatically appear in your Plex library, neatly organized and ready to stream. This is the reality that automation with PVRs can provide.

PVRs, in this context, are not just physical recording devices. They are sophisticated software solutions that automate the tasks of:

• Searching for desired content.
• Downloading it from various sources.
• Organizing it according to your preferred naming conventions and folder structure.

By integrating these tools with Plex, you can create a truly hands-off media management experience.

Sonarr: Your TV Show Automation Powerhouse

For TV shows, Sonarr is a leading PVR solution. It streamlines the entire process of acquiring and managing your favorite series.

Setting Up Sonarr: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Installation and Configuration: Begin by installing Sonarr on your server or preferred device. The initial setup involves configuring download clients (e.g., qBittorrent, Transmission) and indexers (sources for finding TV show releases).

2. Adding TV Shows: Add the TV shows you want to track to Sonarr. It will then monitor for new episodes based on your specified quality preferences and release groups.

3. Quality Profiles: Define your preferred video and audio quality. Sonarr will automatically prioritize releases that meet your criteria.

4. Root Folders: Configure your root folder where Sonarr can download your media.

Integrating Sonarr with Plex: Seamless Delivery

The key to a seamless experience is integrating Sonarr with Plex. This involves:

1. Naming Conventions: Ensure that Sonarr uses the naming conventions compatible with Plex, as outlined earlier in this guide.

2. Automatic Importing: Configure Sonarr to automatically import downloaded episodes into your Plex media folders. Plex will then detect the new content and update your library.

3. Plex Media Server Updates: Set the Plex Media Server to automatically scan for new content after Sonarr has imported a new episode.

Radarr: Automating Your Movie Collection

Radarr performs a similar function to Sonarr, but specifically for movies. It automates the process of finding, downloading, and organizing movies in your Plex library.

Configuring Radarr for Movie Magic

1. Installation and Initial Setup: Install Radarr and configure download clients and indexers, similar to Sonarr.

2. Adding Movies: Add movies you want to Radarr, specifying desired quality and release preferences. Radarr will then search for available downloads that meet your criteria.

3. Quality Profiles: Define your preferred quality profiles (e.g., 1080p, 4K) to ensure you only download movies that meet your standards.

4. Root Folders: Set up your movie folders.

Connecting Radarr and Plex: An Automated Symphony

Integrating Radarr with Plex mirrors the Sonarr integration process:

1. Plex-Compatible Naming: Ensure Radarr uses proper naming conventions.

2. Automated Importing: Configure Radarr to move downloaded movies into your Plex media folders automatically.

3. Scheduled Scans: Plex will then detect the new movie and update your library.

Fine-Tuning Your Automated Setup

While Sonarr and Radarr can significantly simplify media management, some fine-tuning may be necessary.

• Indexer Selection: Experiment with different indexers to find those that consistently provide reliable results.

• Release Groups: Consider specifying preferred release groups to ensure you download releases from trusted sources.

• Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor Sonarr and Radarr to ensure they are functioning correctly and to address any errors or issues.

By mastering the art of automation with Sonarr and Radarr, you can build a self-sustaining Plex library that requires minimal manual intervention. This frees you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your favorite media.

Advanced Topics and Troubleshooting: Conquering Plex Challenges

[Automation with PVRs: Building a Self-Sustaining Library External Tools for Advanced Management: Level Up Your Plex Game Understanding Plex's metadata system is paramount to harnessing the full potential of your media server. It dictates how your library is organized and presented, ultimately impacting your viewing experience. Grasping how Plex use...] As you refine your Plex setup, you'll inevitably encounter edge cases and challenges that demand a deeper understanding of its inner workings. This section delves into advanced topics and troubleshooting techniques, arming you with the knowledge to overcome common hurdles and maintain a pristine media library.

Navigating the Labyrinth of Absolute Episode Numbering

Standard season/episode numbering (S01E01) works flawlessly for most TV shows. However, certain content, particularly anime and some documentaries, employs absolute episode numbering. Instead of resetting each season, episodes are numbered sequentially across the entire series (e.g., Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3...).

Plex can handle absolute episode numbering, but proper naming is crucial. You'll need to inform Plex that a show uses this system.

The correct naming convention generally involves using the Episode.### format within the season folder. For example:

/TV Shows/Show Name/Season 01/Show Name - Episode.001 - Episode Title.ext.

Consult online resources and Plex's official documentation for show-specific recommendations. Sometimes a different metadata agent will need to be selected.

Keep in mind that, after changing your episode naming scheme, a “Plex Dance” may be required to reset Plex’s database. This involves removing the show from Plex, updating libraries, putting the show back, then updating again.

Taming the Beast of Partial Episodes

Sometimes, you'll encounter media files containing only parts of an episode or multiple episodes combined into a single file.

This is a common occurrence with older TV shows or user-created content. Correctly naming these files is vital to prevent metadata errors and playback issues.

If a file contains two episodes, use the format S01E01-E02. If a file contains only the first half of an episode, consider naming it S01E01a and the second half S01E01b. Plex will often group these together correctly.

For multiple episodes, consider using tools like MKVToolNix to split the file into individual episodes for easier management and identification by Plex.

The Zen of Maintaining a Clean Plex Media Server

A well-maintained Plex Media Server is a happy Plex Media Server. Over time, your library can accumulate orphaned files, incorrect metadata, and general digital clutter. Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and a smooth user experience.

Scheduled Scans: Your First Line of Defense

Configure Plex to perform scheduled library scans. These scans automatically detect new content, update metadata, and remove entries for deleted files. This ensures that your library always reflects your current media collection.

Ideally, schedule scans to run during off-peak hours to minimize any impact on streaming performance.

The Perils of Orphaned Files: Banishing the Unwanted

Orphaned files are media files that no longer exist but are still listed in your Plex library. This can happen if you delete a file directly from your file system without informing Plex.

To remove orphaned files, use the "Clean Bundles" and "Optimize Database" functions found in Plex's settings. These features remove dead links and optimize the database for faster performance.

Embracing Regular Metadata Refreshments

Periodically refresh metadata for your entire library, or specific sections.

This ensures that you have the latest information, artwork, and descriptions for your media. It can also correct errors caused by changes in online databases.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this helps you wrangle those plex multiple episodes in one file and get them playing smoothly. It might seem a little daunting at first, but once you get the hang of the naming conventions, it'll become second nature. Happy watching!