If you are an end user that just wants to perform the fix yourself, please see my separate how-to guide: Note: This is a detailed post on how I figured out my workaround, and contains some technical material on advanced Javascript concepts.

Not only have users casted media higher than 12 mbps from other apps, but I have successfully gotten around this hard coded limitation and streamed 20+ mbps video without a problem. Plex claims this forced transcoding is due to 'performance issues' with media over 12 mbps, but this is not true 1. But, I am using an old laptop that can barely transcode to 4 mbps, 720p video files, so the video playback stutters. If you have a powerful PC running as your Plex server, this is fine- the server software will transcode the higher bitrate videos on the fly to 12 mbps. Plex, for whatever reason, has decided to limit the maximum bitrate of a video file to 12 mbps when casting to a Chromecast device. There's one major issue, however, in terms of compatibility between Plex and the Chromecast- and it's not actually the Chromecast's fault. Chromecast also has a browser API, so Plex's website also allows you to cast media to your local TVs. Using your phone as a remote, you can 'cast' media from an app (such as Netflix, HBO, or Plex) and onto your TV. I also have several Chromecast devices- they're great little media streamer sticks that simply plug into your HDMI port on your TV. Attached to my ReadyNAS, my Plex server has access to 6 TB of storage. I am a big fan of Plex Media Server- it has a great set of software, both server and client side, and is much easier to setup and use than alternatives such as XBMC.

Google tv chromecast plex