Sonarr — Prefer X265

: In older versions, users would simply set a quality profile (e.g., 720p/1080p) and add a tag for "x265." This basic approach worked reasonably well but lacked granularity and was removed with the introduction of V3.

Sonarr relies entirely on the release title to evaluate custom formats. If a release doesn't include "x265," "HEVC," or similar identifiers in its name, Sonarr cannot know what codec it uses.

: 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 files are often 30–50% smaller than x264 files of the same perceived quality. 4K Standard: sonarr prefer x265

For enthusiasts of online media, particularly those who enjoy streaming and downloading TV shows, leveraging the right tools can significantly enhance the viewing experience. One such powerful tool is Sonarr, a popular application used for automating the download of TV shows. It integrates seamlessly with various platforms, allowing users to search for episodes, manage their download queue, and keep their media library organized. A crucial aspect of optimizing the use of Sonarr is choosing the right codec for video encoding, specifically preferring x265 for its efficiency and quality.

Quality definitions are expressed in of runtime. If your x265 preferences consistently result in larger files than desired, you can reduce the maximum or preferred size for specific quality types. Conversely, if you find that x265 releases are too small and sacrificing quality, you may need to increase the minimum size thresholds.

: This is one of the most widely used video codecs. It provides a good balance between video quality and file size. However, with the advancement in technology and the increasing demand for higher quality video content, the limitations of x264 have become more apparent, particularly in terms of handling higher resolutions. : In older versions, users would simply set

The method you use depends on which version of Sonarr you are running. Sonarr v3 uses "Release Profiles," while Sonarr v4 utilizes a much more powerful system called "Custom Formats." Method 1: Sonarr v4 (Recommended)

By morning, the red lights on his NAS had turned a steady, calm green. He sat down with a cup of coffee and pulled up a show. He looked for the artifacts, the "blurring" the purists warned about. But as the 10-bit HDR colors washed over him, crisp and vibrant, he realized the war was over.

is the gold standard because it offers roughly 50% better compression efficiency, saving massive amounts of disk space without sacrificing visual quality. : Introduced as a successor to x264, the

"name": "x265 or HEVC", "implementation": "ReleaseTitleSpecification", "negate": false, "required": false, "fields": \\bhevc\\b"

To avoid this, consider pairing your x265 preference with preferred release groups.

This guide will show you exactly how to bend Sonarr to your will. We will cover advanced Custom Formats, scoring systems, and a "prefer/upgrade to x265" workflow that automates your library conversion.