I am a real newbie to Plex and I am currently planning to use the Plex capability that is in-built in my Netgear R9000 X10 Router. with my libraries stored on a USB connected Seagate Ironwolf NAS drive. I realise the limitations of this configuration, but want to get used to the Plex interface and see if transcoding works. My wife has severe tinitus and needs to view all programmes and videos with subtitles. Once I get the initial config working I will move to a more robust NAS, using an old PS3 as the Plex client, and here is the problem. In reading through the many posts I realise (1) the overhead in transcoding required to ensure that subtitles are included in the stream in real time (2) the options of formatting / encoding ? the stream with subtitles on before saving the video (for example) is saved into the Plex library. That is confusing me is the issue of hardware or software transcoding and the type of NAS I will eventually need. The limitations of the PS3 are (I believe) are limited to handling 720p and the TV is an old Panny plasma so there is no issue there, although eventually I will upgrade to a 4K capable display. The eventual NAS config should be capable of handling 4 concurrent streams (1 wired, 2 local wireless and 1 remote wireless). Confused over Intel or AMD, even if I get a Plex Pass and enable Intel hardware encoding. Some people mention restrictions with Quick Sync of 2 streams. Other Plex users have tested AMD and believe that this is the best platform is transcoding is required. Apologies for the rambling post but being 60 it comer with the age. Any guidance / advice gratefully received. Budget 2-3K initially so 2-4 drives in some form of RAID.
