Moving server triggers transcoding

[d7ark]

Hello.

I'll update my message to address my own mistakes. Maybe someone will find these information useful.

1. Raspberry Pi setup is doable for single client at a time (maybe it can do more, didnt check).
2. Make sure you're not using browser client. Use dedicated client (ie Jellyfin Media Player).
3. Considering original post's topic - I've encountered situational transcoding with RaspberryPi server and Jellyfin Media Player client, but checking the logs it was due to some internal error with playback, restarting client seemed to fix the problem.

If you would like to setup Raspberry pi server for limited clients I'd say go for it. Dont worry about transcoding. I'm using it for two months and never had any problem, not a single file needed transcoding using Jellyfin Media Player as a client.
Just dont use browser client, it will require transcoding for nearly each file and Raspberry Pi is incapable of transcoding at anything resembling reasonable speed (ie it's slow AF / unwatchable).

Good luck

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Original message below
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Context:
I was using Jelly server on PC for a long time. It was on Windows with files streamed from HDD.
Today I tried recreating same server on Raspberry Pi 4 using the same HDD.

Client in both cases is web browser (firefox) run on the same macbook.

Question:
Why the very same files streamed from Raspberry Pi are showing transcoding, when streamed from Windows they were either direct playing or remuxing.
(I was checking playback info provided in the player.)

Disclaimer:
I saw info that transcoding depends on client, which only deepens my confusion.
I understand Raspberry Pi is not great device for Jellyfin server. I'm just tinkering. But I'd love to understand why this is happening and if possible fix / adjust raspberry to provide somewhat usable service.

Additional context:
Im streaming to a single device (macbook), only in local network, for an hour or two every couple of days - i.e. not much. Running my gaming PC for this feels ridiculous but it works. I might look into alternative (like Rockchip RK3588/RK3588S or Intel N100 based miniPCs) but I want to give RPi a fair go. Especially considering I've seen working setups and read about people using it for cases similar to mine.

If this was already answered I'm sorry, please post a link. I tried looking but I'm rather new to both media servers and raspberry pi.

Thank you for the help.

[TheDreadPirate]

When you moved the server to the RPi, did the version of Jellyfin change?

[d7ark]

Probably. TBH since yesterday Im not 100% sure about checking the very same files on both setups (I need to redo the test). I was watching something yesterday and it showed as transcoding even from my PC (which did not happen before, maybe I was testing only on H.264 files 🤷 Im not even sure how to check which one is which).

Also I've just realized there's *Jellyfin Media Player* I could use on macOS, so Ill give this a try as well. Got this idea from reddit post - https://www.reddit.com/r/jellyfin/commen...erry_pi_4/ answer suggesting using clients that support H.265 (and browser is the only one that doesnt) I thought browser client is the only option for MacOs/Windows 🙈

Sorry for bringing this up without properly testing. I'll update post once I have final answer. For now I dont need any additional help 🙇‍♂️

[d7ark]

Just FYI I've updated original post.

• Transcoding was not consistent and most probably due to playback error.
  
• Browser client is not good. Use dedicated client.
  
• Raspberry pi jellyfin server is doing good in a single client setup. 2 months and no problems spotted.
  

Have a great day <3