I'm working on transcoding our physical DVD library to something more server-based, partly so we can pull the DVDs off the shelf, partly because with a toddler, Plex seems likely to lead to less chaos ...

Hardware transcoding unlike software transcoding, relies on the server’s CPU to convert media files into different formats, hardware transcoding offloads this intensive task to a dedicated component ...

So I'm going to be picking up a TCL 40S305 40" TV with Roku built in this evening. Target has it for $250, with 10% off via their Cartwheel app (which will promptly get uninstalled!). What a price.

Self-hosting is an increasingly popular alternative for those looking to escape the convoluted (and expensive) content-streaming landscape and return to a more traditional personal ownership approach ...