Server Version#: 1.20.1.3252
Tuner Make/Model: Undecided
I’m looking at migrating from my Tablo OTA solution to one that leverages my Plex server so that things I DVR end up in my Plex lists, rather than having things in multiple places. However, I need a recommendation on a tuner that includes a transcoder. I don’t have a super powerful server so transcoding live TV will likely bring it to its knees. From a web search I notice that the HDHomeRun Express seems to be the go to for that, but it looks like that model has been discontinued. I couldn’t find a direct replacement, so I’m reaching out to this group for some ideas.
Thanks DJ. So you don’t have any transcoding taking place on your server? I should have mentioned this in my original post…I’ll be mainly using Roku devices/TVs for viewing live TV as well as programs that get DVR’d.
My original server did not have to the power to handle more than a 720 stream or 2 so I upgraded to the extend to help out for live TV which typically is 1080. Between my family and friends we have a good mix of roku, android and ios devices. Most content direct plays but i have no issues with transcodes. I’ve seen 6 to 8 active streams and cpu never breaks a sweat.
I started with Plex a couple years ago with a very underpowered server, and I have been happy with my HDHR Extend. In Plex if you set the Extend to “High Quality (30 fps limit)” transcoding it outputs at 720p h.264 in a .ts container - or lower resolution if the original is less than 720p. My primary clients are Rokus and Androids, and I don’t have problems getting either to direct play or direct stream. Rokus do require a couple changes in the default video settings in the Plex client. With my old server I tested up to 4 clients streaming with no problems when the Extend was transcoding.
The one thing I noticed is that for sports, where the motion is fast, sometimes it would not be as crisp. A few times I turned off the Extend’s transcoding to get the original stream (which for most stations in the US will be MPEG2 in a .ts container at whatever resolution the stations broadcast.) I did notice that the MPEG2 seemed to make my server struggle with more that a couple streams even when direct streaming, which was interesting.
I now have a much faster Plex server, but I found that I still like the “High Quality (30 fps)” setting because of the significantly smaller recording files that result. For the typical TV show that I record the 720p looks fine to my eye.
I think they have discontinued to Extend, and I don’t know there is a direct replacement as Silicon Dust seems to be focusing more on DVRs. If you look there are still some places you can get an Extend.
