DS218play & Plex 4K Transcoding (DSM 6.2.2 Update 4)

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Hi all,

I just got a Synology DS218play to set up as my new media library for Plex (to be played on my Roku TCL TV). I first downloaded the package from package center, but later updated with the most recent version on Plex’s download page (Installed Version 1.18.42171-ac2afe5f8). I connected my media, got a Plex Pass, and went to work setting things up.

When I went to the Transcoding options under Settings, I found that there was no option for hardware enabled transcoding. I’m not sure why this is, and was hoping someone else has experienced this and found a solution.

Thanks for the help!

2

Same here! I’ve got the 218+ but just recently saw the same thing. I’ve got my home videos in 2K and it can’t keep up. Read the article about enabling the hardware accelerator in the Transcoder settings but like you, no option shows up. Don’t see anything inside Synology to enable this. Hoping to find some help, it was the main reason I bought the unit and went with Plex, dumping iTunes.

3

Pretty sure the ds218play has no hardware encoding capabilities

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MfYoJkiwSqCXg8cm5-Ac4oOLPRtCkgUxU0jdj3tmMPc/edit#gid=1274624273

4

bobbymarko do you have plex pass? the 218+ does have the ability to hw transcode

5

I know the 218+ does

6

You have to have the flex pass to enable it?

7

Must have a Plex Pass to enable HW acceleration. (Restart server if PlexPass recently added to update it immediately)

To enable:

Settings - Server - Transcoder - Show Advanced - Enable HW Acceleration when available.

8

Got it, thanks!

9

When you have a chance, sign out and back into the forum. Your Plex Pass status will also update here too.

10

Thanks for all the responses!

So it sounds like transcoding doesn’t work on the 218play?

Or will this work:

Does this mean re-start the synology or is there a way to re-start it in Plex?

11

DS218play is the ARMv8 CPU. there is no HW transcoding.
64 bit intel CPUs have HW transcoding. DS218+ (for example)

Apologies, I should have caught that right upfront.

12

This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.