I am considering to buy new device for my Plex Server and my choice was DS918+, but I am interested if I could use the Shield as my server and how many 4K HEVC 10bit files would it be able to transcode. It would save me money if I only bought the Shield, because i wouldnt have to buy chromecast for the TV, but I NEED to be able to transcode 4K HEVC 10bit on my server. I was trying to research it myself but no luck, because there is no info on it’s CPU, like there is on Intel’s.
I’m interested in this question. I’d like to expand the question to say, what containers and codecs both audio and video is the NVIDIA Shield capable of playing / transcoding? So for example the xbox one s only properly plays a file if it’s in mp4, has no subtitle tracks and only has audio in AAC or AC3; is the NVIDIA Shield limited like the xbox one s?
Also does Plex on the NVIDIA Shield support putting the library database on an external drive? Because 16GB isn’t enough for mine by a country mile.
I can answer these questions, it can play anything like standard plex server, and yes it can put it’s library on an external drive, but you have to format it as Internal storage
@dgwharrison said:
Also does Plex on the NVIDIA Shield support putting the library database on an external drive? Because 16GB isn’t enough for mine by a country mile.
Yes, i’m using a Synology myself with the NVIDIA shield.
@myplex.se And can the Shield transcode 4K 10bit HEVC files?
No it’s not powerful enough to transcode.
Doesn’t work for me. It tries to start, but then gives an error.
My library works fine off a NAS connected to my router.
@danlat1415 said:
No it’s not powerful enough to transcode.
Doesn’t work for me. It tries to start, but then gives an error.
My library works fine off a NAS connected to my router.
hmm thats not true… 4K 10bit HDR bt2020 HEVC including Dolby Atmos or DTS:X works fine…
or better said, it worked till last week… 
now some of them i just hear the sound, but the screen is green… and the others work without problem…
I’m French
you can play your MKV 4K HDR 10 BITS ATMOS on Plex server from your SHIELD (NAS linked to your router).
But Plex have big problems to read those files, I’m using Kodi who is better.
Sometimes works fine, sometimes don’t.
If you want to change subtitles or audio track during playing your movie you will have some bugs
Plex need a important update
Kodi player is much more better for 4K files
Yes it can transcode them is the right answer. How many depends on many factors, including bitrate, but don’t expect more than 1 maybe 2 full Blu ray rips transcoded at once.
For regular 4-5000mpbs HEVC files expect maybe 2 or 3. Its much more efficient if your base files are h264 of course.
