Thinking about this some, I can tell you the only situation I would like to see something like this occurring:
If I had more than one server set up and I wanted to consolidate those multiple servers into a single interface so my users get one and only one server to chose from. This setting would be on a per server basis then, and require ME linking them together as the server admin of both or all servers involved. There are a lot of other considerations, though.
This will only work if individual user bitrate limits exists on the server side, and things like concurrent streams and forced transcodes are under control without having to rely on something like PlexSentry to accomplish it.
Also, until we can get the database shared across servers, so the watched status can be moved from one to another, the point is effectively a non-issue. If I move that movie or TV show from one server to another I would need to move the user’s watched status with it. Can’t do that now.
This request is asking to pool servers together into a NetFlix-esque type of interface, for the ease of use of the user, but can create a lot more headache for the admin. The users have entirely too much control of the hardware and bandwidth on the admin’s machine as it is. The client app sets the bitrate and the server will do it’s absolute best to provide it, even if it’s incapable of doing so.
I WANT my users to know they are pulling media from MY hardware through MY bandwidth, and that they need to respect the rules we agreed to when I shared my media with them.
BTW, this is requested about once every 3-6 weeks. A search would likely pull up about 6 of them…
Here are three just on the first page by using group server as the search phrase.
