Device recommendations for Channels DVR

Channels DVR Server
#1

When I setup our DVR in December, I repurposed an old PC chassis with a 1.7 TB disk. It was good enough to convince me that Channels DVR is the right solution for us. My wife and I both use it regularly.

However it has become unreliable due to the age of the hardware (12 years). It looks now like the power supply might have failed. Knowing I can run the DVR software on virtually anything, what is the most foolproof out there? I'm looking for something I can setup once and have it "just work" with ongoing updates and maintenance. Preferably fanless, and I prefer Ubuntu or similar. I don't want something that's going to require a manual power cycle if/when the UPS fails or power flickers or cosmic rays or other strange events.

Also is the Docker image the easiest to setup and maintain, or stick with a direct install? This will be a single-purpose computer. Thanks.

2 Likes
#2

I've done Desktop Windows, Server Grade Machine (linux), RPi and Synology NAS. I prefer the NAS, little more configuration on the front end, but it's basically set it up and forget about it. I don't use Docker.

4 Likes
#3

Easiest would be the custom Rpi4b image Channels makes and a fast usb 3.0 ssd.
But the Pi is limited hardware wise. Can only do 1 remote transcode stream and comskip performance is slow.

Any "mini PC" would be good for Channels DVR server. Like a Intel NUC, or similar.
There are random brand cheap mini pcs on Amazon or I think some here recommended some Beelink mini pc. Something with at least a 4 core cpu is best.
Some mini pcs are barebones though, meaning you need to get and install your own ram, and ssd.,
You can often find off lease or refurbed Office mini pcs, Like Lenovo ThinkCenter or HP ProDesk/Elite Desk, Dell Optiplex for a decent price on ebay. Those are very hardy and reliable. (MicroCenter also sells them, if you happen to live near one)

Other wise, u can do a server install on a Windows machine, as long as you disable the normal sleep settings in Windows.

Docker, never cared for it. Adds complexity.

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#4

Go with a NUC or beelink with linux server. You cant go wrong. Im not a pi or windows fan, ive got mine on a core i7 nuc with 17TB of storage. Never had a single issue...

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#5

I use a Windows PC. It runs Channels, Plex and at night runs a back-up for all the PC's in the house to my NAS.

1 Like
#6

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