Snap Plex Media Server version latest/stable 1.42.1.
Does the Snap version of the Plex Media Server app support hardware transcoding, assuming the device has a supported GPU? If yes, Do I need to do any configuration changes to see the option of enabling hardware transcoding, once I have an active Plex Pass?
The Snap version of Plex Media Server is running on an Ubuntu 24.04.03 LTS system. I’m interested in purchasing Plex Pass and just want to verify the Snap version of Plex Media Server works with Hardware Transcoding…or if I ultimately need to consider going the with the .deb version of Plex Media Server.
I’m a huge fan of dockercompose and use it for anything that touches external networks. Like another layer of firewall. Their github has directions for hw transcode, pass in /dev/dri and there is a checkbox in the server settings. Make sure your HW is compatible.
The snap version of Plex Media Server supports hardware accelerated transcoding. The capability was added a year or so ago. AFAIK, no special configuration is required.
You can try the Plex Pass for $6.99 USD/mo to see how well it fits your needs. If it does, you can then decide on which plan to purchase long term (monthly / yearly / lifetime).
It is possible to move from the snap version to a regular install (or docker/vm/etc.) and retain your current library definitions, etc. The Plex Data Folder holds the database and other info for your server. You would need to move it from the snap location (/var/snap) to the location for the new installation (/var/lib, etc.).
Regarding snap versus other install methods, the “regular” (non-snap) version of Plex Media Server is better supported. Plex has more control during the installation process and can better control the installation process, detect hardware, etc. Also, although it is currently up to date, the snap version sometimes lags the public release.
Personally, I run a “bare metal” installation on Ubuntu. Installing updates via dpkg is easy and straightforward. The server runs only Plex (via dpkg) and Tautulli (via snap). I’ve no need for docker, virtual machines, etc. (they have their place, I just don’t need them for my server).
