Simplest replacement server options

[RockysMom]

Having just learned that I am now prevented from using my Shield device as a TVE server, I am trying to decide what to do next. I use the current server for basic things, recording tv programming primarily. There were 2 OTA sources, also Hulu Live and Pluto.

A few folks here suggested Beelink Mini PC as an option, if I was to go there, what would make sense as to specs? I looked at their site, there are lots of options, and I assume the device would have to be set up with a screen and keyboard.

I also have 3 Windows laptops around here connected to my home network, currently running Windows 10. Only one of them gets regular use for work, all have i7 processors and have significant amounts of RAM, so maybe the one that gets used least could become the Channels server ?

I really liked the current setup, would want the option that is most like what I had, and least complicated to set up and to live with, input appreciated.

Thanks !

[Edwin_Perez]

The laptops should be good as long as you have 3.0 or greater ports to attach an external powered drive.

[Jean0987654321]

A laptop, desktop or mini PC is the best option really preferably running linux and running Channels via docker/portainer

[Morris_Altman]

The Belink S12 with an N100 processor is a perfect low cost and low power draw solution. Channels DVR requires very little RAM 4-GB is more than enough and your OS drive can be tinny. Just add storage for your videos.

https://www.amazon.com/Beelink-Intel-N100-Computer-Desktop-Display/dp/B0BVFS94J5?crid=2MPXS0XF8HP1F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SkmLU3G8K6rXceFJCn3XrqYRs_7Yix7qGalN7lMBXpFsghwwjP3vUQCMxCN25zGdmznkge8ePmRxUD0Zcqr7BKyzQ5iirbOVyl7gGAbaVYnhtemZnaPtvstWeY8IjIOlzoSUHf8rj_G4ADpRFQ1blIppIu2Vqfu_UBQkt4BF_XFujkZbqunb_OTemGFy-ivwDkvVzjvWxRusp47TFM_H9KzeSoACpTGv9JX2zseWP2Y.K-0NqA59DL3y1PRAmksxkKVKBCfAX6z_C5u8gZrUeZo&dib_tag=se&keywords=beelink+n100&qid=1733239963&sprefix=beelink+n100%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-2

[IDisposable]

I use a BeeLink SER5 as my ChannelsDVR & JellyFin & PlayOnHome server... completely solid and would recommend. Plenty powerful and quite quiet. I also plugged a 4K HDMI dummy into the HDMI port because it's headless (it's Windows 11 Pro, I RDP into it).

[RockysMom]

Thanks for the input ! I now have the Beelink Mini set up as my Channels server, running Windows 11 all is well, with one question - storage. I had a Toshiba 4TB external usb HD attached to the Shield, which is now the storage for the server. It does not have much space left, would appreciate suggestions on what makes sense to add, and how to set the server so that it recognizes both the existing drive and the to-be added addition.

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year !

[chDVRuser]

If your Toshiba 4TB external USB HDD is working as your current Beelink Mini PC recording drive, just add a new external USB drive.
Then set the new drive as your recording location and your old Toshiba as an additional storage path.

DVR local storage question

You can do that, but you can also just relegate your existing storage location as an "additional storage path", and then set the new drive as your primary location. That way all over your previous recordings stay right where they are, and the new (empty) drive can take all of your new/future recordings. Here is the (extensive) thread about storage paths: (Also, I would recommend against RAID0/striping or JOBD: if either drive fails, you've lost the whole pool!)

DVR local storage question

It is currently quite annoying to swap to another primary, but that is the recommended workflow. One of these days I'll add a one-click button to turn additional storage into the primary.

DVR local storage question

The process isn't that difficult: Disable the DVR Add the current primary path as an additional path Set the new location as the DVR/primary path Re-enable the DVR

DVR local storage question

That is the exact process I use when adding additional drives ... the process you describe above you can just keep adding drives as they get full.... much better than moving files to another drive. Maybe they should update their docs to include this procedure it is the cleanest and easiest.

[RockysMom]

Thank you ! Perfect...