X265 | Sonarr Prefer

Go to Series > [Show Name] > Edit > Monitoring . Select "Only monitor future episodes" or manually delete the x264 file and use the "Re-scan" broom icon.

Scroll down to the section at the bottom of the profile window. Locate your newly created Prefer x265 format. In the Score column, assign a positive number (e.g., 100 ).

Smaller file sizes mean your torrents and Usenet NZBs finish downloading much quicker.

This comprehensive guide covers everything needed to configure a robust workflow using modern Custom Formats , preventing common pitfalls and maintaining optimal quality. Why Prefer x265/HEVC in Sonarr?

Optimizing Sonarr for x265: How to Prefer High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) sonarr prefer x265

The x265 ecosystem contains variations in release quality. Because x265 can shrink low-quality sources into tiny files, some release groups upload heavily compressed, washed-out media. You can refine your Custom Formats or Release Profiles to filter out these files. 1. Filter by Release Groups

To help refine this setup for your specific home lab, tell me:

: This format requires both x265 and 1080p resolution, useful for users who want HEVC for HD content but not for lower resolutions.

If you want to avoid specific groups known for ultra-compressed encodes (like MeGusta or PSA ): Create a new Custom Format named Low Quality Groups . Go to Series > [Show Name] > Edit > Monitoring

Some automated uploaders take low-resolution or poorly encoded sources and compress them into x265 just to use the trendy tag. To avoid downloading low-bitrate garbage, pair your x265 custom format with a limit inside your Quality settings. This ensures that while the file is compressed, it still retains enough data to look sharp on a large screen. Summary Checklist for x265 Optimization Action Item Configuration Location Create Custom Format Settings > Custom Formats Detects x265 , h265 , and HEVC tags. Set Format Score Settings > Profiles > [Your Profile] Gives x265 releases a higher priority over x264. Enable Upgrades Settings > Profiles > [Your Profile] Replaces old x264 library files with x265 alternatives. Configure Delay Profile Settings > Profiles > Delay Profiles Waits for x265 releases to drop before grabbing x264.

Before diving into the settings, it is important to understand the trade-offs of shifting your library to HEVC. The Benefits

: Smaller files download faster and reduce data usage on capped internet connections.

Go back to your and give this format a negative score (e.g., -500 ). Verifying and Monitoring Your Setup Locate your newly created Prefer x265 format

By implementing this "Prefer but not Mandatory" strategy, your Sonarr instance will slowly, intelligently, and automatically upgrade your library to x265. Your hard drives will thank you, your electricity bill will drop (less spinning rust), and your users will never notice the difference—unless they try to watch on a 2014 Smart TV, in which case, tell them to buy a Fire Stick.

: An episode encoded in x265 can achieve the exact same visual quality as an x264 encode at roughly half the file size.

: The current and most powerful method is using Custom Formats . Introduced in Sonarr V4, Custom Formats allow you to create sophisticated rules that can score, require, or block releases based on codec, resolution, release group, audio format, and dozens of other attributes. This is now the recommended approach for any serious Sonarr setup.