Raspberry Pi CM5 Channels Server

Channels DVR Server
#1

I've recently been running the Channels server on my M1 Mac mini, but my wife has had issues where the connect drops and obviously not ideal when I'm using it as my workstation and reboot it.

I've transferred a copy of the macOS Server to a Raspberry Pi CM5 to check the performance and for my 2xHDHomeRun boxes and my media collection of TV / Films its absolutely great performance.

I've got the CM5 on a Waveshare POE-B carrier board and case which have native NVMe SSD slot. Boots in a few seconds which is.great.

The only issue I have is I don't have enough storage 256GB SSD doesn't go very far with a Media server.

Does anyone know what limitations I should look out for?

#2

An external USB drive is the easiest way to go. If you use a hard drive you may need to power the case while a SDD can run off of bus power and thus save you some on your electric bill.

#3

This is my final build.. Am planning on using the box to retire my old RPI4 home server to as well in time.

Using a CM5 with a Waveshare 'B' base-board case with a 1TB Genx3 NVMe SSD.

Cost 2GB RAM, CM4 with 16GB eMMC. £48
Mini Base board + Metal case + PSU. £32
1 TB RPI SSD £64

Total £144

If you just want to watch live TV and only occasional recordings you don't need 1TB, or you can use a slower but adequate USB3.1 external drive.