Hardware encoding with ffmpeg under Linux is a mess while Mac OS employs a clean interface via videotoolbox. The cost of a modern Intel CPU alone is comparable to the entire Mac Mini system. Should Mac OS be declared the platform of choice for Channels?
I have been using Linux for years with Channels DVR and Hardware Acceleration on an Nvidia GPU with zero issues. In my case, I am still using a 4th gen Intel CPU (4790K), but I could build a semi modern PC with a recent Intel GPU (i7-14700k with 32 GB DDR5 RAM) for around $590 ($399 for MB/CPU/RAM bundle at Microcenter, ~$68 for case, ~$55 for PSU, ~$65 for 1 TB m.2 SSD) if I wanted to. Even if I add a Nvidia GPU it is only another $200 for a 3050. Mac Minis are currently between $600 and $1000 and upgrade options are limited (IE: can't upgrade RAM) and for the low end model you are limited to 256 GB SSD.
fair enough (I had checked Apples website before posting and it showed $599, but now shows $499 in most places - maybe it just changed??).
Either way though, I would still not say that there is enough of a difference to say it is the platform of choice based on that alone. The limitation of 16 GB of memory is enough for me to not use it, but on top of that, 256 GB of SSD space is too limited. So that means you need an external drive. Not that that is a bad thing, but it does add more cost, as well as a point of failure. Probably not the $88 price difference in my example, but I could also use a cheaper case and save another $30 or so if I wanted.
All that to say, choice is great. If you want to use a Mac Mini, then it is a great option. In my case, I prefer Linux for these types of things, and in some cases I like to use VMs (my Emby server is virtualized with a pass through GPU). That is a great option for me, but maybe not for everyone. Some people like Windows for these things because it is what they know.
The core of the issue is problems with ffmpeg on the platform which Mac Mini nicely avoids. This wasn't even addressed in the posts so far.
Older Mac Minis are under $200 on Amazon
In my case, I use Nvidia, so those issues aren't an issue for me. But even with that, it is software, it will be fixed. I used a Mac for my daily driver (MacBook M2) for almost a year before a software glitch drove me insane (not channels related) and I went back to Windows for my work PC. I would bet that there have been issues in Channels before that affected Macs as well. Don't know that for sure, but it is for sure possible.
So, yeah, there is a current problem with very new Intel hardware using FFMPEG (not sure if that is a Linux problem, or if it affects Windows also), but to abandon those platforms would be silly. It will be fixed or worked around. (they are clearly working on it based on the thread you linked)
Not if H265 encoding is any indication.
Some of us do not like to choose a life of constant struggle. I would rather watch TV.
ok. then use your platform of choice. I couldn't care less what you choose to use. I will continue to use Linux, and I have no idea why you care what I use.
Thread has run its course it just seems like a grump fest.