Hi
I have a Synology DS415 play, and lately it is buffering very much. I read that transecoding with a plex pass does noet work because this one can not do that. But is there anything else I can do to stop the endeless buffering? I uploaded the plex media server logs if it helps 
The DS415 play has an Atom CPU. It does not support hardware accelerated video transcoding, as the Atom does not have an embedded GPU/ASIC (so a Plex Pass will not help you with transcoding).
The DS415 play might be able to transcode 480p and some low bitrate 720p/1080p video in software. However, this will be hit and miss due to the limited CPU power.
References:
Using Hardware Accelerated Streaming
Plex NAS Compatibility List
Plex NAS Compatibility Guide ( Google Docs spreadsheet)
Basically, avoid playing media that requires a video transcode. You should also avoid subtitles when possible, as enabling them may result in a video transcode.
Transcoding audio does not require as much CPU power as transcoding video. You may be able to play media where the audio transcodes and not run into buffering.
Note that on Android (and some other) devices, transcoded audio + subtitles results in transcoded video (Hence my earlier line about avoiding subtitles).
I donât know the capabilities of a Galaxy Tab Pro, so cannot tell you what will and will not transcode. In general, H.264 video and AAC & AC3 audio should direct play. Not sure about other video / audio formats.
During playback, check Now Playing on the Dashboard to see if the audio or video is transcoding. Plex Web -> Activity -> Dashboard.
Edit: Regarding the Samsung UE40KU6020. It should support direct playback of EAC3 and dts audio (in addition to AC3 & AAC). If you still see buffering, disable subtitles (if enabled), and check the Plex Dashboard to see if the video or audio is transcoding. If everything is direct playing, then weâll have to look elsewhere for the reason things are buffering.
Thanks. Some of it is solved by using plex on the Galaxy tab and then mirroring it on the tv. If I would look for a new Synology NAS wich device would be good replacement?
Check the spreadsheet linked in my first post.
The best approach is to arrange your media so it does not transcode. That saidâŠ
a) Without a Plex Pass, no consumer level Synology NAS will transcode well (those with Atom, Celeron, & ARM CPUs).
b) Even with a Plex Pass, none will reliably transcode 4K media.
c) Some will transcode 1080p media reliably if youâve a Plex Pass (refer to spreadsheet).
Personal experience:
I run PMS on a DS918+ with hardware acceleration enabled. It direct plays 4K HDR media just fine. It will not transcode 4K media without buffering. 1080p transcoding is generally OK. However, I transcode very little, so my sample set is very small.
Some other options:
Qnap NAS - They have models with more powerful CPU, such i3/i5/i7, which can handle transcoding much better than Atom/Celeron CPUs. They are also more expensive than Synology.
PMS on a PC - Keep your data on the NAS, but run PMS on a PC. You may be able to find an acceptable used PC that costs less than a new NAS.
If your transcoding is limited to 1080p H.264 files, you can use something like an i5/i7-4xxx (fairly inexpensive on the used market). If youâre transcoding HEVC video, then youâll want a 7th gen Intel processor and a Plex Pass to take advantage of hardware accelerated transcoding (A 7th gen Intel supports 10-bit HEVC video in hardware, earlier generations do not).
You have several options. Find the one that best fits your needs & budget. If you do go with a system with a lower end CPU youâll definitely want a Plex Pass to utilize hardware accelerated transcoding.
Great answer Fordguy.
So much is said about transcoding.
I agree that âmostâ media can be re -coded or remuxed to direct play.
Personally I have a big NAS which could transcode multiple streams. But rarely does as my media is âfixedâ to not need to transcode.
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