This morning, I was offered the DSM 7.2.2-72806 Update 4 on my DS425+. Here is the message I received before accepting this update :
"Update Notice
Before proceeding, please be sure to review the important changes that will be implemented.
Must Read
With this update, the processing of media files using the HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 codecs will be offloaded from the server to end devices to reduce unnecessary resource usage and improve system efficiency.
These codecs are widely used on devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. If the device does not support the required codecs, the use of media files may be limited. Refer to this FAQ and the package leaflet below for more details."
I know our issue isn’t resolved yet, but I’m wondering if this will impact using hardware transcoding on Plex in the future.
Plex for 7.2.2 is because Synology changed a lot of stuff for how “apps” work. (read the FAQ if you can find it in the mess these discourse forums are)
The codex’s have been part of Plex since long time
As of DSM 7.2.2, Synology changed how the menus work.
To show you, this is the regular DSM 7 menu page when installing.
( I maintain a different file for each supported language)
[{
"step_title": "Plex Media Server - Installation options",
"items": [{
"type": "singleselect",
"desc": "<strong>Installation Type</strong>",
"subitems": [{
"key": "WNormal",
"desc": "Normal installation",
"defaultValue": true
},{
"key": "WUseClaimToken",
"desc": "Install using Plex Claim Token<br><p style='color:red'><i>New or lost servers only</i></p>",
"defaultValue": false
}]
},{
"type": "textfield",
"desc": "Claim token string from <a href='https://www.plex.tv/claim' target='_blank'><strong>Get Plex Claim Token</strong></a><br><i>Leave blank if not used</i>",
"subitems": [{
"key": "WClaimToken",
"desc": "Claim Token:",
"validator": {
"allowBlank": true
}
}]
}]
}]
As of DSM 7.2.2, these JSON source files became compiled JSON.
Nothing about the executable changed.
Because of how PMS is built, the executable “Plex Media Server” program image is used on all Linux workstations and all Linux NAS systems. It’s one 64-bit Linux binary image for all of them. (Similar to how one Docker image works everywhere except this is just this program and not an entire environment).
The problems we’re seeing on the DS425+ are specific to the DS425+ firmware.
The more we learn, the more it looks like a 5.10 kernel & i915 driver configuration or omission problem.
I was browsing the Synology website to see what CPU is used on the x25+ models and the “nk” suffix caught my eye. I thought it was a typo at first. I googled “geminilakenk” and came across this post on Reddit. “Naked” is a little touch of humor from me
I’ll ask when Synology contacts me but it doesn’t make sense to attach to the CPU. It would make most sense to include in the DSM release notes where it belongs.
Hello, after more than a month of waiting, I decided to contact Synology to see if our issue had been addressed. So I opened a ticket by logging into my Synology account. Their response was quick but surprised me:
“We appreciate the clear description of your concerns regarding hardware transcoding with Plex not functioning on your DS425+, despite the Intel J4125 CPU being present. We fully understand your disappointment and the impact this has, especially given your investment, and we will do our best to assist you.
After reconfirming with our product manager and developer, we can assure you that the DS425+ does support hardware transcoding. We also reviewed Plex’s official documentation and found that they list the DS425+ as HW transcoding compatible, and they mention that further investigation is ongoing.
At this point, we recommend checking with Plex regarding the status of their investigation. If their team requires any clarification or cooperation on the Synology side, they already have our appropriate contact channels and we will be ready to work with them directly.”
I replied again, telling them that Synology had been contacted by someone from the Plex staff, insisting that hardware transcoding wasn’t working.
I felt a bit like I wasn’t being taken very seriously. In my opinion, it would be good if I weren’t the only one reporting the problem. If DS425+ and DS225+ owners would be willing to join me in getting Synology to take us seriously…
