Plex DVR transcode vs. Handbrake DVD transcode---file size

Live TV & DVR
1

I just got a HD HomeRun Connect 4K, and it was about the easiest hardware install I’ve ever done. I do have a concern with the storage being used with DVR’d shows. I’m seeing at around 800MB MB for even a 30 minute HD show.

In comparison, a 30 minute HD show from a DVD, converted on Handbrake with the standard “Fast 1080p30” format, comes in at around 200MB or even less.

Is there something I can do to shrink down these files (preferably in an automated manner)? I have about 2.5TB left on my media library, and it seems like files of that large size will eat that up quickly.

I tried to run the transcode during recording option, but it pegged my CPU (and didn’t reduce the file size). I see that I can run a post-processing script, but would need one that worked with the HDHomeRun device and a Plex server on a Mac.

Any info would be appreciated.

2

DVD’s are only SD:

  • PAL: 720x576
  • NTSC: 720x480

Also, the formats are probably different.

  • my HDHomerun saves in .ts
  • I rip DVD’s with Handbrake to .mp4

If you compress your TV recordings to MP4, you’ll see a smaller file size.

[edit] - to be clear, you can compress the .ts file manually using Handbrake after the event. The two files (TV and DVD will also have different bitrates etc).

3

Thanks for the clarifications.

So, is there an automated way to convert DVR’s shows to MP4?

4

Not sure about automatic, but you can do it in Handbrake. Just open the file (from the “Open Source” button). Select the 720p30 or 540p30 present and convert :slight_smile:

Don’t forget to have Plex rescan the library afterwards (and delete the original).

5

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