Thinking Outloud - New Server AND Client?? in one

[Ahole 17]

Was thinking about getting a mini-PC to setup a new server.

Was considering going all out with something like - ASUS NUC 14 Pro, Intel NUC 14 Pro NUC14RVH Revel Canyon AI Mini PC, Core Ultra 7 155H CPU https://www.amazon.com/NUC14RVH-Canyon-Computer-Display-Thunderbolt/dp/B0D6RLW6SF/ref=asc_df_B0D6RLW6SF?mcid=54a0576c1b99350cb9f20461edba262e&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=704452679949&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12327694596811635975&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009191&hvtargid=pla-2333718111740&th=1

Currently have my server runs on a laptop running Ubuntu Server (and previously on my Synology NAS).  Then in the main TV area we have an Nvidia Shield  for a client.  Other areas use Firestick.

Wondering if anyone has used thier server - and the client on the same machine  For example - the device I mentioned above has great video display output so I was wondering if it could be used for client as well??   I probably would be running Linux

[Q-Droid 989]

Many use their server for playback also unless you mean an HTPC. Which would be going in the wrong direction, against the grain so to speak. Not so much because the output is inferior but that most platforms have moved to streaming clients leaving fewer options for integrating a PC with an HT setup. 

[Ahole 17]

1 hour ago, Q-Droid said:

Many use their server for playback also unless you mean an HTPC. Which would be going in the wrong direction, against the grain so to speak. Not so much because the output is inferior but that most platforms have moved to streaming clients leaving fewer options for integrating a PC with an HT setup. 

Makes sense - shame that we can't find a better way to be more all inclusive with the mix and match.  Shield works well but I have had a lot of the black screen things lately -- my family doesn't always close the app out
Like I mentioned it was a midnight thinking out loud (after drinking coffee too late).  The NAS is in a dedicated closet so that is a pretty good place for the media server - now that I have seperated my server from my NAS
But there is a great place in another closet for a media PC instead or in addition to the Shield - esp if it had that small form factor

[RanmaCanada 494]

Yeah sadly HDR10+ and DV are a mess on PC and it would be a horrible, frustrating experience. I've mentioned it many times, but with Switch 2 being released there is a the possibility that we will get a Shield 2, as the originals run on the same hardware. It's a wait and see moment right now. We're at a point in time where mini pc's are more than powerful enough, but the software side has been crippled drastically, by design.

[Ahole 17]

3 hours ago, RanmaCanada said:

Yeah sadly HDR10+ and DV are a mess on PC and it would be a horrible, frustrating experience. I've mentioned it many times, but with Switch 2 being released there is a the possibility that we will get a Shield 2, as the originals run on the same hardware. It's a wait and see moment right now. We're at a point in time where mini pc's are more than powerful enough, but the software side has been crippled drastically, by design.

Thanks!   What is you overall setup?
Do you think the device I mentioned above is overkill and/or enough to do everything I want -- It would really be nice if it could run all my servers, icluding Emby, on Linux while maybe running a VM version of Windows for occaisional remote Windows needs

[RanmaCanada 494]

I personally use an i5-1235u laptop as my Emby server with my content stored on a NAS in the basement. My network setup is 2.5gbit, all hardwired. As for my players, I have a Fire Cube V3, Roku TV, Formuler box, and various tablets and phones. I stopped playing stuff on PC as it was just difficult to get HDR and DV to play nicely.

[Ahole 17]

9 minutes ago, RanmaCanada said:

I personally use an i5-1235u laptop as my Emby server with my content stored on a NAS in the basement. My network setup is 2.5gbit, all hardwired. As for my players, I have a Fire Cube V3, Roku TV, Formuler box, and various tablets and phones. I stopped playing stuff on PC as it was just difficult to get HDR and DV to play nicely.

I am similar currently - not sure that the majority of my network is 2.5 capable.  The hardwires in some places (that would be VERY hard to re-do) are Cat5
I am using the Shield in my main viewing room

[RanmaCanada 494]

Cat5e is supposed to be for gigabit, but it is capable of 2.5gbit. I believe it can also handle up to 10gbit. 5gbit at 300ft almost 10gbit at 100ft. So if you don't have more than 100ft of cable from source to source, you should be able to handle even 10gibt with "no problem" (I would just upgrade to 2.5gbit and call it a day).

[Ahole 17]

8 minutes ago, RanmaCanada said:

Cat5e is supposed to be for gigabit, but it is capable of 2.5gbit. I believe it can also handle up to 10gbit. 5gbit at 300ft almost 10gbit at 100ft. So if you don't have more than 100ft of cable from source to source, you should be able to handle even 10gibt with "no problem" (I would just upgrade to 2.5gbit and call it a day).

That’s really helpful. Thanks.  I probably have close to 100 ft in some places because of limited access to the 2nd level of house from the crawl space below the first level. It’s been almost 20 years since I ran the cable