Raspi or DS718+ for my Channels DVR?

Channels DVR Server
#1

Hello! I'm ready to set up a Channels DVR in parallel with aging Tivo system (Roamio Pro with 3 minis) and start a migration process. Which platform would be better performing and more reliable?

A Raspi 8gb with a dedicated drive? (Channels DVR would be it's sole purpose)
or
A DS718+ 6gb (shared purpose with other downloading and backup jobs)

4-5 simultaneous users max.

Tivo get's it's content from Spectrum cablecard.
Channels DVR will get it's content from TV Everywhere (Spectrum) and HDHomeRun Flex4k (and possibly an HDHomeRun Prime if they'll give me a 2nd cablecard)

Viewing devices would be Chromecasts with GoogleTV, Android TVs, Android tablets, and Windows desktops.

Thanks in advance!

#2

I'd go with the Synology if you already have it (I run Channels DVR on two of them).

If you view content (live or recorded) on a Windows desktop it will be done using a web browser and the server will have to either remux or transcode the content for viewing. The Raspi can only transcode one stream at a time. You didn't mention, but if you use remote access viewing/playback it will also need to transcode.

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#3

Thanks! Windows desktop viewing would be rare and probably just me for testing etc.

Remote viewing would be sporadic but I would want the option available.

#4

4-5 users is probably too much for a Pi. The Synology would be a better platform.

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#5

Thanks! 5 people in the household but I would say about 90% the time I would have 2 devices watching live or dvr'd content. Another 9% would be 3 devices. 4-5 simultaneous devices would be rare.

I ran cat6 everywhere so pretty much every viewing device will be wired. From what I'm reading, I can utilize both LAN ports on the Synology with my UniFi switch and take advantage of link aggregation too!

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#6

Yup, that's pretty much what our setup is, a 918+ with both Ethernet ports connected doing other things (e.g. backups, surveillance) and running Channels DVR with 2 wired Apple TVs and a bunch of iOS devices streaming over wireless. Local performance is great and remote performance is acceptable.

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