Great thread with lots of good reading. I also +1 the Quicksync, i currently have a few users using Plex and it can bring my NAS to it’s knee’s at times, Quicksync fixes that instantly with other tests i’ve done. Would be great to see it, happy to beta test it.
Still no news at all, think this never will be an option 
Im dying to have Intel Quick Sync feature as well.
I know there are so many features that are important to be implemented and bugs that needs to be corrected, but in my opinion, IQS is one of those features that could potentially open up a new kind of home server for all. Those Atoms and Celerons are notorious for being pretty low cost and energy efficienc and with IQS that would be able to do so much more. As at this moment, they cant even be considered to be PMS as they are not “powerful enough for transcode SW”.
IQS is an important feature that would actually be able to change the environment bring the costs down significantly for those browsing for new home servers not to say the energy and environment.
One idea is why not keep the IQS for Plexpass only for a while? Maybe the difference between home server based on Atom/Celeron processor rather than an I3/5/7 justifies the Plexpass subscription alone.
The sad part is that FFMPEG has implemented the feature, but Plex still can’t figure out how to implement and re-distribute the feature within the GPL.
From what I have heard, Intel code can be distributed no problem, and it is more with the NVidia code. Maybe Plex should start with Intel only support?
@bjd223 said:
The sad part is that FFMPEG has implemented the feature, but Plex still can’t figure out how to implement and re-distribute the feature within the GPL.From what I have heard, Intel code can be distributed no problem, and it is more with the NVidia code. Maybe Plex should start with Intel only support?
@starbetrayer said:
@bjd223 said:
The sad part is that FFMPEG has implemented the feature, but Plex still can’t figure out how to implement and re-distribute the feature within the GPL.From what I have heard, Intel code can be distributed no problem, and it is more with the NVidia code. Maybe Plex should start with Intel only support?
Not sure what you are getting at with your quotes? The feature has been implemented upstream of Plex, they only need to compile and include the new version of FFMPEG with the correct flags, and then use the correct syntax when calling a transcode from the app for it to work. Some nominal programming will have to be added for the UI, and how to handle multiple streams, etc.
So unless you are saying that one really hard feature to implement (subtitle support) should hold up all other development until it is done?
We are not saying they should drop everything and work on Quick Sync for 9 months straight, we are saying they should at least look at implementing it, and then devote some reasonable resources into adding it. Now that it is working in FFMPEG they don’t even really have to do anything to make it work.
But If you’re so bent out of shape about modifying what the developers are currently working on, Plex makes enough money to hire a temp contractor to come in and implement the feature, in probably a 6 - 8 week contract.
If you are referring to the lack of OSX support. Welcome to OSX. Not implementing a feature because less than 10% of your user base can’t use it is asinine. Why not go one step further and say that if you can’t implement it in Linux you might as well not add it. That is at less than 2% of the user base.
The real problem with Plex is that their vision of what Plex needs, does not align with it’s users. Do the developers all have really fast PCs? Probably. Do they have really fast Plex servers, probably. Do they have the best Plex clients connected to those servers, probably. This is not an issue that affects them, but for many of their users around the world it is an issue.
That is why Emby is passing them by feature wise, because it is open source, so what users want can be added much quicker. The issue with Emby is that it is not as refined as Plex. Howerver now that Emby has a pay wall like Plex, I imagine that the additional devsthat will bring, will straighten it out pretty quickly.
I finally did it.
Got tired of having my mini pc server strugling with plex (i have a freaking script that converts all my media to compatible audio/video codecs with .mp4 container when it gets downloaded, but stil… subtitles or something was getting in the middle… or maybe it had 2 audio options, DD5.1 and AAC 2.0… whatever…)
Emby transcodes with hardware in the rare cases when it is needed, does correct passthrough of dolby digital 5.1 without transcoding needs, and has cero need to transcode when using subtitles or whatever (and it can also choose between the 2 audio options, where plex decides it cant passthrough the first one and so… transcodes.
I will miss the plex media player (the one for plex pass subscrivers), it was cool and did correct 5.1 passthroug from my optical cable (mini pc - hdmi to TV - optical to HT), but… there is always something not right it seems…
In any case, i am now using emby as my media server, emby app for controlling my chromecast, and KODI with the emby plugin and a nice skin for my pcs.
I wonder if there is any way to get a notification when PLEX finally:
- Does correct hardware video transcoding
- Does correct audio passthrough and has the option to chose between audio tracks (correctly)
- Has no transcode needs for subtitles, better download capabilities and subtitle offset options (kodi has the 2 last items).
@rcocchiararo said:
I finally did it.Got tired of having my mini pc server strugling with plex (i have a freaking script that converts all my media to compatible audio/video codecs with .mp4 container when it gets downloaded, but stil… subtitles or something was getting in the middle… or maybe it had 2 audio options, DD5.1 and AAC 2.0… whatever…)
Emby transcodes with hardware in the rare cases when it is needed, does correct passthrough of dolby digital 5.1 without transcoding needs, and has cero need to transcode when using subtitles or whatever (and it can also choose between the 2 audio options, where plex decides it cant passthrough the first one and so… transcodes.
I will miss the plex media player (the one for plex pass subscrivers), it was cool and did correct 5.1 passthroug from my optical cable (mini pc - hdmi to TV - optical to HT), but… there is always something not right it seems…
In any case, i am now using emby as my media server, emby app for controlling my chromecast, and KODI with the emby plugin and a nice skin for my pcs.
I wonder if there is any way to get a notification when PLEX finally:
- Does correct hardware video transcoding
- Does correct audio passthrough and has the option to chose between audio tracks (correctly)
- Has no transcode needs for subtitles, better download capabilities and subtitle offset options (kodi has the 2 last items).
I have to agree with you. Emby plays all my media flawlessly with Intel Quick Sync. Shame Plex doesn’t support it. I only started using Plex because it was easy for my wife to launch from the Tivo.
Do they actually have QS in their plans ? Or do they not give a ■■■■ ?
It has been said previously by one of the devs that Plex would like to leverage the power of QuickSync, but they want it to be cross-platform compatible for all their versions of PMS. Right now, the implementation of QS used by FFMPEG, which is what Emby uses, is Windows only.
Well thats kinda stupid ? Lets leave it out for everyone, let no one get benefits … Because some nas etc doesnt support it… From what I heard, Linux, OS X, Windows support Quick Sync ? (And i assume most NAS runs some port of Linux)
Quick Sync (QS) itself is a feature of the CPU. Most newer CPU’s have it so yes you can potentially have QS in Linux, OS X, and Windows. The problem is not the OS but the transcoding software. Plex uses a version of a popular program called FFMPEG. There are versions of FFMPEG for Linux, OS X, Windows. But only the Windows version can currently utilize QS. This leaves out not only NAS users, but iMacs and all variations of Linux. Plex is looking for a multi-platform solution.
Well… Its still crossplatform, even if you had QS on Windows, just a benefit having Windows over other OS’ until/if other OS will support it… Then the consumer can deal with it. Also the amount of power it would save
@AndenIDK said:
Well… Its still crossplatform, even if you had QS on Windows, just a benefit having Windows over other OS’ until/if other OS will support it… Then the consumer can deal with it. Also the amount of power it would save
For sure something to reflect over. But it influences prioritization as well. Lets say there are 50 big important changes that are planned for the coming 12 months, and that QS is one of them. If the other 49 is something that all users (or most) can benefit from then it becomes easier to choose to do the other 49 first. Especially if it means that in the mean time a solution for Linux and OSX may present itself.
@MovieFan.Plex said:
Quick Sync (QS) itself is a feature of the CPU. Most newer CPU’s have it so yes you can potentially have QS in Linux, OS X, and Windows. The problem is not the OS but the transcoding software. Plex uses a version of a popular program called FFMPEG. There are versions of FFMPEG for Linux, OS X, Windows. But only the Windows version can currently utilize QS. This leaves out not only NAS users, but iMacs and all variations of Linux. Plex is looking for a multi-platform solution.
Looking for a years. QS for windows will be enogh, for now. And as I understand - very easy to implement. So, why u cant add this feature?
@atrus said:
For sure something to reflect over. But it influences prioritization as well. Lets say there are 50 big important changes that are planned for the coming 12 months, and that QS is one of them. If the other 49 is something that all users (or most) can benefit from then it becomes easier to choose to do the other 49 first. Especially if it means that in the mean time a solution for Linux and OSX may present itself.
I tend to agree, but transcoding is the “heart” of Plex, it’s what makes it different. Some radical improvement to the core feature should be top on priority AND addressed carefully so it’s really a tricky situation. Also now QS is supported on all platforms (Win, Linux, OSX) so the real question is when/if FFMPEG will implement it for all platforms.
On a side note, are there some data regarding OS distribution in Plex Media SERVER usage? I don’t think global share is a significant numberehere, I use Windows at work, OSX at home, but my PMS runs on Ubuntu 
@zpaolo11x said:
On a side note, are there some data regarding OS distribution in Plex Media SERVER usage? I don’t think global share is a significant numberehere, I use Windows at work, OSX at home, but my PMS runs on Ubuntu
There are no public data on that. Last I heard the data, as you suspected, it was nowhere near the global share. Linux is overrepresented quite a bit, and that is of course due to NAS devices and that Plex has been building PMS for different Linux distros for years.
But no, I have no data to point to and no data to view myself. Only old data I heard of a long time ago.
Actually, as far as i know, plex could implement QS on windows, and set up the other platforms with the ability for the user to get their own ffmpeg with QS support and enable it.
Emby distributes their server for windows with QS support, and the linux one with the option for enabling it, with requires the user to compile/get their own ffmpeg.
Truth be told, i would not get back to plex just for QS tho, i currently use that for my chromecast (plus any subtitle without transcoding, or DD 5.1 passthrough without transcoding), and i use KODI on my TV pc, which allows for instant download of subtitles or subtitles offset.
By now, plex is only ahead on the “looks” department, and not by far.
@rcocchiararo said:
Emby distributes their server for windows with QS support, and the linux one with the option for enabling it, with requires the user to compile/get their own ffmpeg.
The day Plex would as me to compile anything I’ll leave it for a VHS player 
By now, plex is only ahead on the “looks” department, and not by far.
IMO where plex is really ahead is in client support for many devices including rokus, smart TVs etc
