Shield TV - Transcoding Local files to save space?

Channels DVR Server
#1

Hey everyone. Currently running the free month trial for channels server on my shield tv moving over from plex. Really like how fluid everything is but one thing that concerns me are the file sizes. On plex dvr I am able to set the transcode option to convert while recording leaving me with files that are sometimes less than half the size of the mpegs from a straight record. On channels I'm getting those same huge file sizes (sometimes 2gb for 1 hour video) and I'm wondering if there is an auto transcode option like plex's? I'm looking to get the files recorded somewhere closer to 700-800 megs per hour.

Is this possible?

#2

If you use an Extend and its native transcoding, then yes. Otherwise, no.

#3

Ah, I'm using a quatro. Anyone know if there are plans on adding transcoding for local files in the future, or will it always be relegated to streaming?

#4

We would like to add transcoding eventually, but large hard drives are so cheap now that it is not a priority.

1 Like
#5

Ah I see, thanks for the reply.

#6

Local post-recording transcoding would be very useful for bandwidth limited remote viewing - when using a lower performance DVR server processor that cannot do realtime transcoding effectively. A 1080i mpeg-2 stream clocks in at 10mbps or more. My internet connection can do "at most" 11mbps upsteam. Transcoding AND deinterlacing in realtime generally takes a 2014 or newer intel processor with quicksync... and even then you are right at the limit on being able to "fill the buffer" for any fast-forwarding you may wish to do.

If the DVR software could pre-process mpeg-2 interlaced into mpeg-4 progressive files prior to remote viewing them - you could save a bunch of upstream bandwidth and be able to fast forward recorded programs with a lower performance server processor.

#7

Best Buy has a 10TB WD drive for $160 this weekend.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/wd-easystore-10tb-external-usb-3-0-hard-drive-black/6278208.p?skuId=6278208

1 Like
#8

Does the Channels Server software have real-time transcoding?

#9

Indeed it does.

#10

so it only transcodes when watching or viewing content when the device is off the network?

#11

It's configurable. You can change the resolution and bitrate that the DVR server provides when at home, when remotely connected, and for phones when on a cellular connection. The default setting when at home is "original", meaning as it was received; you can however change this as you like.

#12

Okay, thank you.