GJones

Though I know you might be aware, Plex is actually designed for this. It is derived from XBMC source and runs in a separate client/server model. I used XBMC for years but when I added more clients (now up to 3 Roku, 4 iPhone, 2 iPad, a MacBook Pro Retina and a few Chromebooks through PlexWeb), the Plex setup was much simpler to administer. Plex Media Server runs as a plugin on unRAID and works exceptionally well. I'm still a huge fan of XBMC, but it does not meet my needs as well. If you are running a single client or want separate HTPCs at each TV with separate libraries, XBMC may still be a better fit. Plex does have some disadvantages: no smart playlists, lack of PseudoTV functionality. But the advantages, for me, were too many to pass up: automated sync to iPhones/iPads centralized library management transcoding of files on the fly for different client types Excellent Roku support And I am in no way associated with Plex. I just hate to see someone get frustrated trying to get XBMC to do something which is more easily accomplished with something else.

Actually, there are many uses for it. I use MakeMKV to rip the disks to unRAID. They sit there, being served from the MKV file under Plex and my automated script transcodes them into a smaller MP4 using HandBrake.

Has anyone attempted to get HandBrake 0.9.9 working on unRAID 5.0? (The previous thread was somewhat dead)

When testing is complete, this is the objective. ISO files and VIDEO_TS files present a challenge because they include multiple titles. Single title formats are easily accomplished, though.

The transcoding server listed in the User Customizations also uses HandBrake to transcode all identified files. It contains options to find files automatically (cron) or to transcode them one at a time.

Zalman HS2 Mini-review I received the HS2 this week and built out the server. This is my first unRaid build but one of dozens of builds for Linux boxes. The first impression for the case is that it is beautiful. Clean lines and good thinking are evident in all aspects. The airflow in the case seems to be excellent: filter on the bottom under the PSU, vents and 120 mm fans at the top of the back and back of the top. I augmented the included 92mm fan on one drive enclosure with one (not included) for the second enclosure. Even during parity build, my drives are sitting around 31C. At other times, they have been at 28-29C. The drive bays are the best and worst qualities on this case. These are not professional quality enclosures. Let me repeat: not professional quality. However, they are functional and cheap. When I say cheap I mean that I spend about $170 for the case and the two included 3-in-3 SATA enclosures. The enclosures are plastic and will not take heavy usage. However, I knew this when I bought it. I did not see them as a cheap alternative to a $100 4-in-3 enclosure but as a more functional alternative to cheap 4-in-3 mounts like the Cooler Master drive caddy. For users that will not be moving drives a lot, the six removable trays offer a lot of flexibility with ample airflow. As an added benefit, the power connections for the enclosures are 4-pin molex power adapters. This means I get away with a cheaper PSU and less cabling because the enclosures only take 4 cables each (3 SATA + 1 4-pin power). Pros: Excellent build quality and design on the case itself. Good price $170 for six bays of removable caddies Excellent airflow with the included fans, easily upgraded by predrilled spots for 2 additional 12mm fans (bottom and top) and one additional 92mm fan (for back of the second enclosure) Padding on one side panel, padded mount point for PSU to reduce noise About the cheapest way to get a high quality case and enclosures if your goal is 6-9 drives Cons Retention mechanism for drives is prone to sticking LEDs for drives only indicates connection, not activity They could have included more fans but it may be cooling well enough as-is (I have yet to install the additional 12mm fan I purchased because it is so cool and quiet as-is) Result I recommend this case for builds requiring 6-9 drives (Zalman sells extra enclosures for roughly $60) that will not be moved a lot.

When I ordered the HS2, I ordered an extra 92mm fan for the second drive cage and an extra 120mm fan for the top. The extra $20 is surely cheap insurance against even one failure.

I have an HS2 on the way to me now. I know the drive density is not the best with the built-in 3-in-3 units but this will be my first build for unRaid and felt the value for a six-drive hot-swap system was fairly good. I'm more concerned about adequate cooling and low noise than I am about drive density at this point. I will post a review (hopefully in about a week) detailing my results.