Computers NAS/HTPC and transcoding

kccrow · 01-19-2016, 06:52 PM

I don't want to hack the other thread on KODI, but I've been toying more on the HTPC front and wanted to ask a question for those more experienced.

I have a computer I intended to set up as an NAS box at some time in the future to handle some back end items, but its processor would only be able to handle one 720p transcoding session at a time, and wouldn't likely sniff 1080p (AMD Athlon II X2 235e). I intend to build an HTPC front end that will go in the family room. I'd compliment the HTPC/NAS setup by having set top boxes in the 3 bedrooms. Probably use Plex Media Server for the casting paired with KODI/XBMC w/Plex front end, unless someone has a great suggestion otherwise. So....

How often do you use simultaneous transcoding?
Do you try to accomplish this on the back end ahead of time or via your HTPC?

Here's my initial thoughts...

When I build the back end, I want to make sure I have enough processing power for transcoding, but I'm also price conscious. I'm looking at 2 seperate builds, one capable of 3 x 1080p transcodes and one capable of 2 x 1080p transcodes.

I'll go with an LOGISYS CS6802BK Slim Case/350W PSU combo, 8GB GSKILL NT Series SDRAM, MicroATX Mobo (ASUS B150M-K LGA1151 or ASUS A88XM-E), and Hitachi 2TB HD for either option. Looking at either an i5-6400 or an A8-7600 as the meat and taters of the operation. The i5 has a 6526 passmark to get me that 3 x 1080 transcode, while the A8 has a 5213 passmark to get me the 2 x 1080 transcode. Price will be either $409 or $293 respectively. I could also drop down to an Athlon X4 860K and drop another $20 off the latter, but then my concern becomes heat production by going from 65W to 95W as I'm trying to keep this to a bookshelf type server.

Obviously going for 1 more transcode operation sets me back an extra $106. Is it really necessary? How often would I find that my server would be transcoding 3 separate items simultaneously? In fact, is it even necessary to go for 2 simultaneous transcodes? I could as easily go with a very cheap or used setup with a Celeron G1820 or something to achieve 1 transcode at 1080p.

I'll have more questions on HTPC later on probably, but this is a start.

kccrow · 01-21-2016, 10:41 AM

No ideas on this, Fish, anyone?

Fish · 01-21-2016, 06:47 PM

Sorry, I've never messed with any server based transcoding.

Miles · 01-21-2016, 10:39 PM

No idea either for simultaneous users transcoding. My shitty NAS doesn't seem to have any issues with direct play with Kodi 1080p over network provided the device can handle the processing (HTPC or NVIDA Shield) and some choke on it and need transcoading like a chromecast. Thinking my friends that do this type of setup just have a better NAS or server and the devices just direct play. No serious power on backend but not really my area.

**Ragged Robin** · 01-21-2016, 11:32 PM

Why bother transcoding in the first place if you just rip your stuff correctly? I find it rare to even need to transcode anything to begin with but it's completely dependent on your own library. Do you really push multiple streams at the same time? Nice to have one channel for the rare occasion you actually do need it but multiple is a luxury IMO. Down to you and how much you're willing to spend and how OCD you keep your library.

DaveNull · 01-22-2016, 07:07 AM

I know you're looking to build your own, but the hardware transcoding that's done with the Synology boxes is pretty well documented and discussed in their forums if you just need background.

kccrow · 01-22-2016, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragged Robin

Why bother transcoding in the first place if you just rip your stuff correctly? I find it rare to even need to transcode anything to begin with but it's completely dependent on your own library. Do you really push multiple streams at the same time? Nice to have one channel for the rare occasion you actually do need it but multiple is a luxury IMO. Down to you and how much you're willing to spend and how OCD you keep your library.

Some rips do require transcoding. My big decision is cut the cord versus keeping cable and setting up DVR with transcoding. I currently transcode rips manually as needed on my gaming comp (i5 with a 7018 passmark). Might be something I just continue to do, as necessary, since most of my rips are in a "correct" format anyhow. Honestly, I'd like to cut the cord and just record via something like the WinTV app and serve those files to all the set tops, etc.

As for multiple streams, yes, sometimes 3 devices simultaneously but not a situation where I'd see it as a must for pre-downloaded content. Two simultaneously is a must (kids, wife and i) as sometimes the kids will be pulling a movie at the same time we are or shows... whatever. Obviously this isn't an "always" situation since we might watch a pre-recorded show while the kids are using Netflix, but the situation does exist (not that I couldn't limit it to one if necessary).

As I've done more reading on the subject, I think at this point I'm just going to turn my old Athlon II X2 box into a NAS running Linux with Plex and hard wire cat5 to my set tops and NAS so there is no wireless communication lag. I'll just upgrade the storage cap and I'll do transcoding on my gaming comp and FTP the files to the NAS box.

I dunno, I'll figure it out but I don't think I'm going to worry so much about transcoding in as much as automatically acquiring content on the NAS (E-DVR type setup).

Iczer · 01-22-2016, 11:48 AM

Why even transcode? I had issues before with my Roku transcoding movies hosted on Plex on HTPC. My HTPC was getting hammered and caused my movies to stutter. I bought a media player that handles anything I throw at it, so I no longer have to transcode...been perfect since.

Check out WDTV Live Player.

kccrow · 01-22-2016, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iczer

Why even transcode? I had issues before with my Roku transcoding movies hosted on Plex on HTPC. My HTPC was getting hammered and caused my movies to stutter. I bought a media player that handles anything I throw at it, so I no longer have to transcode...been perfect since.

Check out WDTV Live Player.

That's what I'm kind of finding as I do more digging beyond the "blogs" that are all out there. And even if I do come across a format that most modern players won't play, I can always transcode it via my other PC. Thanks for the heads up on the WD TV player. Will be looking into it.

01-19-2016, 06:52 PM
kccrow MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $2957078	NAS/HTPC and transcoding I don't want to hack the other thread on KODI, but I've been toying more on the HTPC front and wanted to ask a question for those more experienced. I have a computer I intended to set up as an NAS box at some time in the future to handle some back end items, but its processor would only be able to handle one 720p transcoding session at a time, and wouldn't likely sniff 1080p (AMD Athlon II X2 235e). I intend to build an HTPC front end that will go in the family room. I'd compliment the HTPC/NAS setup by having set top boxes in the 3 bedrooms. Probably use Plex Media Server for the casting paired with KODI/XBMC w/Plex front end, unless someone has a great suggestion otherwise. So.... How often do you use simultaneous transcoding? Do you try to accomplish this on the back end ahead of time or via your HTPC? Here's my initial thoughts... When I build the back end, I want to make sure I have enough processing power for transcoding, but I'm also price conscious. I'm looking at 2 seperate builds, one capable of 3 x 1080p transcodes and one capable of 2 x 1080p transcodes. I'll go with an LOGISYS CS6802BK Slim Case/350W PSU combo, 8GB GSKILL NT Series SDRAM, MicroATX Mobo (ASUS B150M-K LGA1151 or ASUS A88XM-E), and Hitachi 2TB HD for either option. Looking at either an i5-6400 or an A8-7600 as the meat and taters of the operation. The i5 has a 6526 passmark to get me that 3 x 1080 transcode, while the A8 has a 5213 passmark to get me the 2 x 1080 transcode. Price will be either $409 or $293 respectively. I could also drop down to an Athlon X4 860K and drop another $20 off the latter, but then my concern becomes heat production by going from 65W to 95W as I'm trying to keep this to a bookshelf type server. Obviously going for 1 more transcode operation sets me back an extra $106. Is it really necessary? How often would I find that my server would be transcoding 3 separate items simultaneously? In fact, is it even necessary to go for 2 simultaneous transcodes? I could as easily go with a very cheap or used setup with a Celeron G1820 or something to achieve 1 transcode at 1080p. I'll have more questions on HTPC later on probably, but this is a start.
Posts: 12,682

01-21-2016, 10:41 AM	#2
kccrow MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $2957078	No ideas on this, Fish, anyone?
Posts: 12,682

01-21-2016, 06:47 PM	#3
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $1908919	Sorry, I've never messed with any server based transcoding. __________________
Posts: 47,694

01-21-2016, 10:39 PM	#4
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1322400	No idea either for simultaneous users transcoding. My shitty NAS doesn't seem to have any issues with direct play with Kodi 1080p over network provided the device can handle the processing (HTPC or NVIDA Shield) and some choke on it and need transcoading like a chromecast. Thinking my friends that do this type of setup just have a better NAS or server and the devices just direct play. No serious power on backend but not really my area.
Posts: 14,522

01-22-2016, 07:07 AM	#6
DaveNull Veteran Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Villa Straylight Casino cash: $10005610	I know you're looking to build your own, but the hardware transcoding that's done with the Synology boxes is pretty well documented and discussed in their forums if you just need background.
Posts: 2,367

01-22-2016, 11:48 AM	#8
Iczer Starter Join Date: Dec 2014 Casino cash: $8132356	Why even transcode? I had issues before with my Roku transcoding movies hosted on Plex on HTPC. My HTPC was getting hammered and caused my movies to stutter. I bought a media player that handles anything I throw at it, so I no longer have to transcode...been perfect since. Check out WDTV Live Player.
Posts: 272