Streaming limitations of emby, how does emby utilize hdd data?

[hecate 0]

I've got emby-server setup on an Ubuntu server 16.04 from an Asus laptop with i7 2.8ghz cpu and 16gb ram, along with a 2tb ext hdd in the usb 3.0 port. I'm very curious about what the streaming limitations are with emby. If I've got a day when my household is using emby on several devices and then say several friends and family using the server are all connecting and using media potentially on several devices, at one point can I expect to have an issue? How does emby utilize i/o on the ext hdd? What files are transcoded and how can I minimize the need for transcoding?

 

In general, I'm just thinking, what if I wanted to allow 20 people to stream my media, all potentially with multiple devices running concurrently, what do I need to do on my end? Is it necessary to setup multiple servers? How can I ensure the best experience for multiple users?

[Luke 38839]

It is only limited by the apps you and the media formats that their devices support. Our app wikis list the direct play supported formats:

 

https://github.com/MediaBrowser/Wiki/wiki/Apple%20TV

 

The more direct play you have, the more simultaneous users you will be able to support.