How many multimedia streams playing at the same time?

[Vibe]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am working with a good friend to help him build his first unRaid server.  After my success with the Budget Box I convinced him that this was the route to go - he's definitely onboard.  We got into a lengthy conversation regarding how many simultaneous multimedia streams a typical unRaid server could handle.  He enlightened me about the Kaleidescape server products that claim 45 zone simultaneous DVD streams and 5 zone simultaneous Blu-ray streams - great for big $$$ but definitely not as rewarding/fun as unRaid  . 

 

His goal is to have the ability to simultaneously stream video to six "zones" in his house: (1) Home Theater room, (3) Bedrooms (kids included) as well as any miscellaneous PC(s) that might be running.  With the budget box I have been able to stream six DVD video streams to my old laptop (before taxing the system).  However, I am not certain how well multiple Blu-ray rips would be handled.  Does unRaid handle multiple Blu-ray rips effectively?  Would faster hard drives (e.g. 7200 rpm vs Eco/Green drives) help his situation?  He is not as concerned with the low-power capabilities of unRaid as he is with the ability to handle regular multiple streams.  Thanks for any comments!

[bubbaQ]

Does unRaid handle multiple Blu-ray rips effectively?

 

Yes, easily, as long as you do wired gigabit Ethernet with certified cables and good switches, and stick to HTTP or NFS rather than Samba.

[Vibe]

Thank you for your reply bubbaQ - this is definitely enlightening.  I have read in the forum that NFS does not have the overhead that Samba does - but need to bring myself up to speed regarding the HTML possibility (I believe Twonky Media Server falls into this category - and llink as found in the Wiki).  I see my friend an I have some reading/research to perform. 

 

I do know his network is wired gigabit so he won't need to do much work there.  As far as server hardware, would there be any need for faster hard drives (7200) if he goes the NFS/HTML route?  I would think the WD EADS/EARS would be sufficient - but he wants to make certain his investment is appropriate for his needs.

 

Thank you again for your comments!

[bubbaQ]

hard drives won't make a difference.... the network will be the limiting factor.

[Vibe]

Thanks again for your time bubbaQ - this is very good information to know.  Best wishes!

[neilt0]

Does unRaid handle multiple Blu-ray rips effectively?

 

Yes, easily, as long as you do wired gigabit Ethernet with certified cables and good switches, and stick to HTML or NFS rather than Samba.

 

HTTP, not HTML. Also, HTTP can't serve full BDMV rips to most (any?) media players, and llink can't handle Blu-ray ISOs.

 

So, it's NFS or Samba unless you remux to a single m2ts, ts or MKV file.

[squirrellydw]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know the cheapest cable certifier?  Are they still a couple thousand?

[Vibe]

That's very interesting information neilt0 - I have much to learn about remuxing into other formats.  I haven't had the opportunity to work with Blu-ray yet - only my DVD collection which I am currently ripping into 1GB VOB files.  My need for multiple streams will probably be at most three so I would think Samba will be able to handle this over my Gigabit network.  However, once I do move onto Blu-ray I can see my strategy may have to be updated.