Transcoding 4K Requirements

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
122

Intel’s 6th Generation QSV on your Core i7 KBL fully supports HEVC 10-Bit (decode/encode). However Plex Media Server can only support using Intel’s QSV to hardware accelerate decoding of HEVC 10-bit content. Plex Media Server will only encode to H.264. The H.264 encoding can be hardware accelerated by Intel’s QSV on your KBL.

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123

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

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well from what I see to transcode 4k you will need 12-16k passmark on the cpu

my 26k passmark E5 can transcoede 1x4k and 3x 1080 at the same time.

but if i do 2 x 4k streams one will buffer.

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Or an Apollo Lake, Kaby Lake, Gemini Lake or Coffee Lake CPU using Intel Quick Sync Video. There is also the P2000 option for those without QSV.

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126

I don’t quite have but a little over 10K Passmark on the i7 7700. But I guess transcoding into h.464 when necessary doesn’t make a lot of difference particularly if the h.264 is easier to play afterwards. My goal is to use direct play whenever possible.

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For DirectPlay use MP4+AC3. Use BOX4 software for muxing. I use ffmpeg with EAC3

ffmpeg -i d:\temp\movie.mkv -strict experimental -c:v copy -c:a eac3 -b:a 1640k d:\temp\movie.mp4

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128

Quick question if I may, which processors are GENERALLY better at transcoding HEVC/H.265 HDR10 4K files? Intel or AMD? I.E., which gives best bang for buck when it comes to transcoding - and SPECIFICALLY, how/why?!?

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Plex does not currently support AMD’s hardware transcoder, so if this is related to Plex, Intel wins by default.

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From my experience:

  • Surface Pro 3 i7 - cannot handle 4K HEVC, it can handle 1080p HEVC though
  • Surface Pro 6 i5 - can easily handle 4K HEVC HDR without any glitches
    There are differences in HDR support and all 4K HEVC are HDR - you need to look at the HDR support as well.
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