Plex, ReadyNAS & Roku

[grahambutler]

Hi folks,

I've got a slight issue with watching 720p stuff (pausing to catch up every so often) which I reckon I know the cause of but wanted to confirm and, maybe, find a workaround.

Kit is a Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 2+, PMS and a Roku XS.

I suspect that it's the NAS that's not quite up to snuff for transcoding. Which is a *bit* of a shame as I've just bought the bugger :D. I'm happy to buy a different player, but splashing out on another, more powerful NAS isnt an option at the moment.

The reason I mention buying another player is that I don't actually need the majority of the transcoding ability as I'm only streaming to one TV, and I understand that the Roku has a pretty limited set of formats it can play direct. So are there other devices that anyone recommends for this scenario?

Or maybe some optimisation tweaks with my existing setup that I've missed (I've tried adjusting the network speed to no avail)

I'm open to other software but I have to say that I really like Plex's interface and library handling so would prefer to stick with it if possible.

Cheers

[mdgm-ntgr]

As mentioned in http://www.readynas.com/plex for 720p you need the Ultra 6 Plus and for 1080p you need the Pro 6.

I like using Mac Minis for my client machines.

[grahambutler]

Yeah, I remember that article. Thing is, it didn't strike me at the time of purchasing as I didn't realise the Roku would prompt transcoding so regularly (if I understand PMS's client capability detection wizardry correctly).

I should add that my HD content is 720. Don't have any 1080

[grahambutler]

Oh, and I presume one uses the full Plex client when using a Mini? Thus any transcoding is handled there?

[mdgm-ntgr]

Yes I use the full Plex client on my Mini.

Transcoding to devices is only needed if your player can't play the video natively or due to bandwidth limitations the video needs to be converted.

[grahambutler]

Yeah, that's what I was getting at re the player rather than changing the NAS. Mini is an interesting possibility.

[grahambutler]

Anyone else have any input?

Alternatives for clients that don't require transcoding?