August 11, 20178 yr Hello! New unRAID user here (purchase thread: https://forums.lime-technology.com/topic/59175-new-build-pre-check-dual-e5-2670/), and one of my plans is to replace one of my kodi boxes with a LIbreElec image. I do not have my new hardware yet, so I am running some old AMD hardware with a Nvidia GT 610. Long story short, I was able to successfully get GPU passed thru to the VM, with my remote, and the box works-ish. (used this guide: https://forums.lime-technology.com/topic/53662-video-guide-install-a-custom-libreelec-vm-complete-with-emulation-station/, but just the generic build. I am not using Limetech's build, as it is running 7.0.x while I need 8.0.x) Playing video it stutters and playing h625 barely plays. However, menu's sound, etc. work no problem. I was also able to link it up with my MySQL database (shared for multiple kodi boxes). I am going to presume my problem is that the hardware I am using, and once my new hardware comes I will have no problems. My question, what is the best bang-for-your-buck GPU to pass thru for Kodi playback, and what remote to people use? Due to where the server and the TV Are located, USB isn't really an option, and I run my HDMI over Ethernet (I use this something very similar to this https://www.amazon.com/Portta-Extender-CAT5e-Cable-support/dp/B003LZA95W)
August 11, 20178 yr 1 hour ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: USB isn't really an option I use USB over ethernet on a 50' run with no problems. Using this: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/292190729634?_trksid=p2380057.m570.l6004&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI292190729634.N41.S1.R1.TR2.R1.TR2 Only USB1.1, but a remote control doesn't need much bandwidth Beyond that, you can always use any phone / tablet as a remote with the Android / iPhone Kodi remote apps.
August 11, 20178 yr 4 hours ago, Squid said: Beyond that, you can always use any phone / tablet as a remote with the Android / iPhone Kodi remote apps. +1 for this method. I use plex and love using the phone app to pick what to play on the TV. If this works for you then it saves you the effort of USB worries and passthru. I have to ask, why not Plex? Plex seems far better match for what you're trying to do. Download the plex docker app in Unraid and setup the server (super easy), install the app on your phone and then get some 4K chromecasts for your TV (or my favorite pick,the Nvidia Shield). Then you're done! No pass thru, no graphics card, much simpler. If you do go with USB pass thru, check if it's possible to pass thru a single USB port. Last time years ago I tried it, and maybe it was the motherboard limitation, but it was all or nothing when passthru USB, which you can't do since you need USB for UnRaid. I worked around this by adding a extra USB card to the system for the pass thru. Not elegant. Hopefully someone will say this is a non-issue no longer an issue.
August 12, 20178 yr Author To sum up my long post: go USB over ethernet Tried Plex, emby, but always end up at Kodi TL;DR: 7 hours ago, Squid said: I use USB over ethernet on a 50' run with no problems. Using this: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/292190729634?_trksid=p2380057.m570.l6004&_trkparms=gh1g%3DI292190729634.N41.S1.R1.TR2.R1.TR2 Only USB1.1, but a remote control doesn't need much bandwidth Beyond that, you can always use any phone / tablet as a remote with the Android / iPhone Kodi remote apps. Technically, I could use USB, but its a little more complicated than that... As I mentioned, I use HDMI over Ethernet. The distance is not too long (each Ethernet cable is 19'), but i have the cables going thru a hole in the floor to reach the server (unRAID server is in the basement, TV is on the first floor approximately right above the server). The problem is the hole that I run the cables thru; it is not very big. Right now it has a 4 Ethernet cables running thru it (2 for HDMI, 2 for internet); coaxial for cable; and a bunch for my alarm system. There really isn't enough room to run USB or another Ethernet cable. I make all my own cables, so I run the cable, then put the ends on afterwords. If I put the end on before, it wouldn't fit. I would prefer a remote that uses WiFi Direct (like a roku remote) so I don't have to run a cable. I have some Chinese 3rd party remote that uses RF and IR, which kinda works with my limited testing, but I would like something more consistent (the RF part, obviously IR would not work if no direct line of sight). I also could make the hole bigger, but drilling thru my floors is something I would rather not do. I think my best bet is to do the USB over Ethernet, and run one more cable thru the hole, if I can fit it. If not, I can remove one of the internet Ethernet cables and run a new one for USB). I prefer a physical remote with physical keys to control Kodi. I will use my phone from time to time when the wife lost the remote, but I am a feel-the-physical-buttons kind of guy. 3 hours ago, Lev said: I use plex and love using the phone app to pick what to play on the TV. If this works for you then it saves you the effort of USB worries and passthru. I have to ask, why not Plex? Plex seems far better match for what you're trying to do. Download the plex docker app in Unraid and setup the server (super easy), install the app on your phone and then get some 4K chromecasts for your TV (or my favorite pick,the Nvidia Shield). Then you're done! No pass thru, no graphics card, much simpler. If you do go with USB pass thru, check if it's possible to pass thru a single USB port. Last time years ago I tried it, and maybe it was the motherboard limitation, but it was all or nothing when passthru USB, which you can't do since you need USB for UnRaid. I worked around this by adding a extra USB card to the system for the pass thru. Not elegant. Hopefully someone will say this is a non-issue no longer an issue. I have always been a Kodi supporter and always will be. I tried emby, plex, and another one that I can't remember the name, but have always come back to Kodi. I got started with it back on my original Xbox with XBMC, and have never looked back. Plex is not FOSS, and they charge for certain features, which I do not like. Kodi has a more DIY get-your-hands-dirty feel, which I prefer. I was able to pass thru my 3rd party Chinese remote, as well as a keyboard & mouse no problem, but I will have to see once i get my new hardware. On a side note, FedEx says it will be delivered one day earlier than expected :-)
August 12, 20178 yr 4 minutes ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: Xbox with XBMC You bring back some memories! I remember those days. 4 minutes ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: they charge for certain features 5 minutes ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: get-your-hands-dirty feel I got tired of getting my hands dirty and would rather pay. Does this mean I'm getting old? Don't answer! Good for you, my younger self agrees with your opinion. I forgot to reference the remote I like. Phone apps are still my preference, especially over candy bar remotes. But after trying MANY candy bar and keyboards, this one is my pick because it's works great and cheap to replace if kids or dogs decide to bash it.
August 12, 20178 yr 9 hours ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: Playing video it stutters and playing h625 barely plays. However, menu's sound, etc. work no problem. I was also able to link it up with my MySQL database (shared for multiple kodi boxes). I am going to presume my problem is that the hardware I am using, and once my new hardware comes I will have no problems. My question, what is the best bang-for-your-buck GPU to pass thru for Kodi playback,.. I went a gtx 1060 to cover some casual couch gaming, but something like a 1050ti will do the trick for playback and low end gaming. 10 series have hardware decoding for h265 so should give seemless playback... kabylake cpu can offer this too. Note the card drivers are only on recent builds of Libreelec. 9 hours ago, CrimsonTyphoon said: ...and what remote to people use? Due to where the server and the TV Are located, USB isn't really an option, and I run my HDMI over Ethernet (I use this something very similar to this https://www.amazon.com/Portta-Extender-CAT5e-Cable-support/dp/B003LZA95W) I use a FLIRC receiver (USB) to use my tv remote. I also use the tablet/phone apps for Kodi, both official apps for iOS and Android are great. Another option is if you have a gamepad, though I've not tried that on Libreelec myself (used it on my old win7 Kodi build).
August 12, 20178 yr +1 for Yatse android remote If i wanted full 4k hdr output i would run a HDMI 2.0 cable to my tv. and upgrade to kabylake socket 1151 with Intel p630 integrated graphics for passthrough. Or put a gtx 1050 in the server. Seeing as i wouldnt be 4k gaming (60fps min) from the server i would test my current hdmi 1.4 highspeed cable(with ethernet) to see if it could cope with 4k 30fps content(movies) As it stands though i believe windows is the only method for true 4k hdr 10bit output so i would use MPC-HC(recently stopped developement) with madVR + lavfilters Currently happy with skylake p530 intergrated graphics passthrough for 1080p via LibreELEC Virtual Machine. Edited August 12, 20178 yr by raidserver
August 12, 20178 yr Author Looks like that the 1050ti is my best bet. I wasn't planning on spending ~$175 but it is what it is. No need for 4k yet, but that does give me an idea...perhaps I will run a true HDMI cable and get a new TV at some point... :-) Remote wise I am going to go usb over Ethernet, and use my phones/tablets as secondary. New hardware is scheduled to arrive Wednesday, so hopefully I get everything running by Wednesday night :-)
August 13, 20178 yr I have a 1050Ti SC that I am passing through successfully to a Windows VM. Here is a long USB cable that I am using for keyboard/mouse (LogiTech unifying receiver) via passthrough: https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030312&p_id=6149&seq=1&format=2 And here is a long HDMI cable: https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=102&cp_id=10255&cs_id=1025506&p_id=12962&seq=1&format=2 Both are available in multiple lengths.
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