Sonarr Prefer X265 __top__ -

x265 files are typically 30-50% smaller than x264 files at the same perceived quality.

As hardware decoding becomes universal, x265 provides the best balance of fidelity and footprint. Step 1: Create a Custom Format for x265

While x265 is superior for storage, there are two things to keep in mind to avoid a "bad" automated experience. Watch Out for "Trash Guides" sonarr prefer x265

The most effective way to tell Sonarr what you want is through . This allows you to "score" specific terms found in release titles. Navigate to Settings > Custom Formats . Click the + icon to create a new format. Name: Call it "x265 HEVC". Specifications: Add a new specification. Select Release Title as the type. In the Regular Expression field, enter: (?i)x265|HEVC . Save the format. Step 2: Configure Your Quality Profile

This guide will walk you through setting up custom formats and quality profiles to ensure your library shifts toward the x265 standard. Why Prefer x265? x265 files are typically 30-50% smaller than x264

HEVC is the industry standard for 4K and HDR content.

Ensure your playback devices (Plex clients, smart TVs, or tablets) support HEVC hardware decoding. If they don't, your media server will have to transcode the x265 files back to x264 on the fly, which can heavily tax your CPU. Step 4: Applying the Changes Watch Out for "Trash Guides" The most effective

Go to the Series tab, select the shows you want to upgrade, and click Interactive Search or Search Monitored to let Sonarr find the more efficient versions.

Once your profiles are updated, Sonarr won't immediately replace your entire library. To trigger the shift: