Quick Fix for Missing Thumbnails (Poster and Background) on Plex

[CFBancroft]

Hello QNAP Community,

I wanted to share a quick solution I discovered for missing thumbnails (poster and background) on Plex. This workaround involves a simple adjustment and renaming process on your QNAP server. Before you begin, note that the firmware version of QNAP is QTS 5.1.2.2533, and the Plex Media Server version is V1.30.0 (2023/02/07). Now, follow the steps below:

• Open Plex and identify the missing thumbnails.
  Adjust the size to match six photos across for better visibility.

Now, let's navigate to your QNAP server:

• Open the QNAP server, and locate the path to [filename or folder name].
  Choose the "View" menu and select "Sort By" [Name]. If necessary, repeat this step.
  Adjust the size to match six folders across and apply to all folders and filenames.

Return to Plex:

• Examine the photos in Plex to identify which ones have missing thumbnails and note the filenames or folder name.
  Add a "Z" at the end of the filename or folder name on the QNAP server (not Plex itself).

Wait for the scanning process to complete:

• Wait for the scanning process to finish. The duration depends on the size of the photos inside the folder. You'll see a scanning circle until it stops, and the thumbnails should appear in Plex.

Now, to finalize the process:

• Remove the "Z" from the filename or folder name on the QNAP server (not Plex itself).
  Again, wait for the scanning process to complete, indicated by the scanning circle.

Repeat these steps for each affected filename or folder name.

This serves as a short-term solution, and the cause of the issue may be a conflict between Plex software and QNAP server software. I hope this helps you resolve missing thumbnails on your Plex setup.

Feel free to share your thoughts or any additional insights.

[CFBancroft]

Additional Tips for Plex Thumbnail Issues

Hello everyone,

Building upon the previous discussion about addressing missing thumbnails on Plex, I wanted to share some additional tips that might help improve your experience. These suggestions are particularly aimed at optimizing your settings within Plex.

1. Local Detection Option: (That's what I am currently doing, as mentioned in the above post.)

To enhance the accuracy of thumbnail detection, navigate to Plex > Settings > Library. Under "Maker source," choose "local detection only." This can improve the consistency of thumbnail generation.

2. Separate Paths for Different Content Types: (Future add features on Plex Media Server)

When setting up new paths in Plex, consider separating them for different content types. For example:
Plex > Manage > Libraries > Add Library [Click]
Choose "Photos" and fill in the library name BEFORE clicking "Next"

Suggesting Plex Media Server add features by:
Options for Maker source:
Both, try online first
Only online (no local detection)
Local detection only (best for family photos)

This would provide more control over the scanning process and prevent unnecessary online searches that might disrupt thumbnail generation on local family photos. And similarly for Home Video Settings, providing control over scanning and preventing disruptions in thumbnail generation.

3. Customizing Thumbnail Options:

If you've ripped DVDs or Blu-rays, consider selecting "both, try online first" or "only online (no local detection)" based on your preferences. This customization can be especially useful for users who prefer a particular approach to fetching metadata.

4. Family Photo Management: (My reasons for this method)

If you wonder why I'm setting up Plex for family photos, it's because I plan to use it exclusively for family-oriented content.
For a comprehensive collection, I'll rely on QuMagie 2.2.0 for my wife and two children. QuMagie will serve as the go-to solution for organizing and managing our entire photo library, eliminating the need for Apple iCloud.

For Plex Media Server, I'll selectively upload photos to share with individuals who may not use other social media platforms. By granting access to specific folders, I can easily share content with others who have a Plex account. This provides a convenient alternative for those without Facebook, Instagram, or other social networking services.

Feel free to explore these suggestions, and let me know if you have any questions or insights to share!

[CFBancroft]

According to this quote…

by Trexx » Thu Oct 22, 2020 9:32 pm
1st thing... are your files stored under /share/Multimedia?

If so that is your problem. Thumbnails are stored in separate “Plex” location, but /share/Multimedia is controlled by QNAP and at various times things happen to it and it breaks Plex mapping.

Delete media from Plex library, create new “Media” share.. name whatever you like. Move folders under /share/Multimedia you want in Plex into new “Media” share. Re-ingest into Plex (add to Library).

ARE YOU TRYING TELL ME… I MUST dupe two photo libraries on each… i.e.

/share/Multimedia/ (put photos for QuMagie)

"Media" = "PlexFolder" Yes?
If NO? (Please explain an example. Thanks)

/share/PlexFolder/ (put DUPE photos from QuMagie for Plex) 

"Default" for the whole family. Yes?

Tell me which is correct.

/share/PlexFolder/Master/ (That is for future DVD/Blu-ray rip)
/share/PlexFolder/Father/ (Family photos and Videos)
/share/PlexFolder/Mother/ (Family photos and Videos)
/share/PlexFolder/Son/ (Family photos and Videos)
/share/PlexFolder/Daughter/ (Family photos and Videos)

or

Below need to DUPE Photos! Yes?

/Father/PlexFolder/ (links from Plex Media Server)
/Father/Multimedia/ (links from QNAP-QuMagie)

/Mother/PlexFolder/ (links from Plex Media Server)
/Mother/Multimedia/ (links from QNAP-QuMagie)

/Son/PlexFolder/ (links from Plex Media Server)
/Son/Multimedia/ (links from QNAP-QuMagie)

/Daughter/PlexFolder/ (links from Plex Media Server)
/Daughter/Multimedia/ (links from QNAP-QuMagie)

I set that one right now in my first post, but I will add it in the future for Father, Mother, and Son...
/Daughter/Multimedia/Plexfolder (I link both QuMagie and Plex path to this.)

If NO? (please explain an example. Thanks)

Thanks.

[CFBancroft]

The issue with the Multimedia Console Update (Version 2.5.1) on QNAP

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed that the Multimedia Console was updated to version 2.5.1 on November 28, 2023. According to the release notes, the update addressed the following issue:
"[Fixed Issue]
* Fixed the issue that thumbnail generation fails for HEIC format files."

In an attempt to resolve a related problem in Plex, I followed these steps:
* Navigate to Plex > Settings > Manage > Libraries > [Choose a Library] > [Three Dots] > Select Delete > Confirm.

* Afterward, I added the Library again and initiated a scanning process.

However, this did not resolve the issue, as explained in the post above. I'm hesitant to repeat the process of adding "Z" and deleting "Z" in the Library with the hope of finding a solution.

I wanted to reach out to the community to see if others have encountered a similar problem. Has anyone identified whether the issue lies with Plex or the Multimedia Console? Your insights and feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to your responses.