Plex Server v Streaming Device

dholdi

dholdi

dholdi

Associate
Joined
21 Apr 2010
Posts
1,426
Location
Preston
Ive recently upgraded my TV to 4K so am building up my 4k video library.
I was initially thinking about upgrading my NAS to run Plex but reading up on things I'm probably going to need a 12600 cpu.
I've already got the mb & ram.
However also been looking at streaming devices such as the Dune, Ugoos & Zidoo.
I could pick one of these up for around the same money as a CPU and just use the NAS for storage.
What do the good folks of OCUK recommend ?
 
Certainly easier to to access the files on the NAS without any transcoding going on. I just use a cheap 905x3 chinese android box with coreelec, and access files on HDD connected to that device and also files on a NAS, NFS access. For 4K I'd probably stick to wired from box to switch and switch to NAS, as I've had some slowdown on 4K on wifi.

About £35 for the media box. Works pretty well but the supplied remote is poor, and I'd avoid using the supplied android OS.
 
I use a Zidoo Z9X 8k which then links with 40tb storage in a raid 5 configuration. Absolutely no issues and the interface is pretty swish. As long as you don't need streaming apps etc (otherwise get an Nvidia shield pro) then as a local media player it's perfect and I've never looked back since moving away from Plex.
 
Simmz said:
I use a Zidoo Z9X 8k which then links with 40tb storage in a raid 5 configuration. Absolutely no issues and the interface is pretty swish. As long as you don't need streaming apps etc (otherwise get an Nvidia shield pro) then as a local media player it's perfect and I've never looked back since moving away from Plex.
Click to expand...

This is the one I've been attracted to the most.
I've no need for streaming apps, presuming you mean Netflix, Prime etc.
I was planning on wired network to my NAS to play files stored there.
 
dholdi said:
This is the one I've been attracted to the most.
I've no need for streaming apps, presuming you mean Netflix, Prime etc.
I was planning on wired network to my NAS to play files stored there.
Click to expand...

Yeah, netflix etc.

I don't actually have a NAS but if you can wire it via network cable then all the better. I'm using a 5 bay DAS drive (Terramaster D300) with 5 x 10tb Ironwolf disks so that's then plugged directly into the Zidoo via USB 3.1. Been running it for 5 years now with absolutely zero issues. Only thing I did upgrade was the Zidoo Z9X to the new Zidoo Z9X 8k, which I'd say is definitely worth it as its a lot faster and the app is much better on the new model and also supports Tidal connect and Spotify which I do make use of.
 
I know nothing of these streaming devices but if you match your TV to your library then there's no need for a powerful CPU as your TV will just play the video with no need for transcoding. What's your TV? There's a good chance you'll not need to upgrade your NAS as it'll just need to serve the video files and they'll play fine on the TV.
 
Bluecube said:
I know nothing of these streaming devices but if you match your TV to your library then there's no need for a powerful CPU as your TV will just play the video with no need for transcoding. What's your TV? There's a good chance you'll not need to upgrade your NAS as it'll just need to serve the video files and they'll play fine on the TV.
Click to expand...

My tv is not bad for media support but Kodi is better interface easier to use and has wider codec support.

Also has things like media scanner data by scraper. Can delete files
 
hornetstinger said:
My tv is not bad for media support but Kodi is better interface easier to use and has wider codec support.

Also has things like media scanner data by scraper. Can delete files
Click to expand...
Should’ve been clearer - I meant using a TV app such as Plex or Jellyfin to access the corresponding backend on the NAS. The OP mentioned Plex so I just bounced off from there
 
Bluecube said:
I know nothing of these streaming devices but if you match your TV to your library then there's no need for a powerful CPU as your TV will just play the video with no need for transcoding. What's your TV? There's a good chance you'll not need to upgrade your NAS as it'll just need to serve the video files and they'll play fine on the TV.
Click to expand...

Its a Samsung S95D, thanks, I will give that a try and see how it copes, although I nust admit I also dont find Plex that user friendly either.
 
Last edited:
dholdi said:
Its a Samsung S95D, thanks, I will give that a try and see how it copes, although I nust admit I also dont find Plex that user friendly either.
Click to expand...
The Samsung Plex app is pretty decent. I've had Plex set up for a very long time now so it's working the way I want it. Can't say I find it user unfriendly but that'll be because of my years of experience using it!
 
hornetstinger said:
The app is horrid as well. Click click click click just to go into menu upon menu

Plus the music side is just horrid to use, compared to LMS
Click to expand...
I don't know how you've set up the app you use but when I start Plex either on my iPhone or TV, I can immediately select what I want to play and go.
 
hornetstinger said:
Plus the music side is just horrid to use, compared to LMS
Click to expand...
I used the standard Plex App for everything (and would have definitely agreed with you), until I discovered there's a dedicated UI (Plexamp App) for music.

Likely there are still better alternatives, but Plexamp for music is miles better than trying to do it through normal Plex app.
 
Bluecube said:
Each to their own. It was a dislike of Kodi that pushed me to Plex many years ago
Click to expand...
I remember trying plex early and thought it was junk and loved how much you could customise kodi at that stage. Now I’ve totally flipped other way, and used plex for about 8 years or so. Plex is significantly better WAF and miles easier to use imo. I’ve got loads of people using my plex server who I just told register and put the client on your tv, and never helped them more than that. It makes me shudder to consider the faff I’d have gone through with kodi for something similar
 
I used nucs with openelec and librelec for years with a nas. It was largely fine. I needed to update the hardware to support hevc, and I had issues with the new nuc working properly with the harmony remote.

Ive now gone apple tv. I'm not an apple guy, but the apple tv is perfect. Frame rate matching works perfectly, so the tv always matches the frame rate of video. Hdr matching works well too.

I use software called infuse which is paid software, but its a 12 quid a year or something. It works well. Can also run plex on the apple tv, plus all the other apps, prime, netflix, player etc. Ive never even used the tv apps, I just do everything through the Apple tv. No Ads. Proper quick and slick interface. I'll never go back.
 
Ah that's good to know about Infuse, I was looking at that when I was looking to use JellyFin, but I just found the JellyFin UI to be pretty garbage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom