First Post - Emby Hardware Transcoding Setup – Intel ARC A380 (SPARKLE) & QuickSync Query

[stationemby 1]

Hello Emby Community,

This is my first post here, and I’d appreciate some expert advice on my server’s transcoding configuration.

System Overview:

• Server: Dell Precision 7810 (Windows Server 2022 Standard)

• CPU: Dual Intel Xeon E5-2696 v3

• RAM: 128GB ECC

• Storage: ~2,400 movies, <50 TV shows (4K + 1080p mix)

• Emby License: Premium

Usage Scenarios:

• Local Network (Direct Play):

  • Clients: Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield (flawless playback).

• Remote Users (10 external):

  • Devices: Samsung TV App, Sony TV App

  • Challenge: Low-bandwidth connections occasionally force transcoding.

Hardware Upgrade:

Originally, the server had no dedicated GPU (managed via RDP). To improve remote streaming, I installed a Sparkle Intel Arc A380 GPU.

Transcoding Observations & Questions:

1. Current Settings:

   • In Emby’s Transcoding section, the available options under Preferred Hardware Decoders/Encoders show DX11VA instead of Intel QuickSync (QSV).

   • My older server lacks Resizable BAR (ReBAR) support natively.

2. No Playback Issues:

   • Performance is stable, but I’m curious if the configuration is optimal.

3. Key Questions:

   • Should I expect QuickSync to appear with the A380, or is DX11VA the correct fallback for my Xeon-based system?

   • Are there BIOS/driver tweaks or Emby settings I might be missing?

I’ve attached server logs for review. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

embyserver.txt ffmpeg-transcode-e7c4fdb5-764f-46a3-8a94-55268365f71f_1.txt ffmpeg-transcode-a3ca0490-83d0-480b-aea3-a86082367218_1.txt hardware_detection-63882835309.txt

[Luke 42077]

Hi, is this all being done over RDP?

[RanmaCanada 494]

quicksync should show up, but it might not because of the lack of resizeable bar. It also might not be showing up as it usually requires you to have an active monitor plugged into your system. If you're going to leave it as headless I would recommend you get an HDMI dummy plug. Your system is seriously ancient. You would be best to upgrade to a system that does have resizeable bar, or move to an NVIDIA card like a Quadro P1/2000.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000092416/graphics.html

Intel themselves state that resizeable bar is required for optimal perfomance and that Arc cards can still work on a system without, but not guaranteed.

[stationemby 1]

5 hours ago, Luke said:

Hi, is this all being done over RDP?

Hello, 

I have an old monitor connected the Server through Display Port. The server is kept in my storage room, I connect to the server over RDP from my office room. 

[Luke 42077]

I mean when you tested in Emby was that over RDP?

[stationemby 1]

Hi Luke,

That's correct.

[stationemby 1]

On 5/15/2025 at 1:05 PM, Luke said:

I mean when you tested in Emby was that over RDP?

Hi Luke,

Update!

I initially attempted using a Dummy HDMI plug, but the QuickSync option in the Transcoding section was inconsistent—appearing and disappearing intermittently. After troubleshooting, I suspected the instability might stem from Intel ARC A380 driver compatibility issues with Windows Server 2022.

To resolve this, I:

• Switched the OS to Windows 11 Pro (for better driver support).
• Removed the Dummy HDMI and connected an actual monitor (an older one sufficed).
• Reinstalled the Intel drivers and Emby Server.

The system is now fully stable:

• QuickSync appears consistently in the Transcoding section.
• The option persists even after restarting Emby or the PC.

Here’s how the Transcoding section looks now:

I’ve noticed that QuickSync appears twice in the transcoding options.

Should I select all available options, or just one?

I would appreciate your guidance on whether my current selections among the available options are optimal. If there are any recommendations for improvement or alternative choices, I’d be grateful for your insights.

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise!

[stationemby 1]

On 5/15/2025 at 8:43 AM, RanmaCanada said:

quicksync should show up, but it might not because of the lack of resizeable bar. It also might not be showing up as it usually requires you to have an active monitor plugged into your system. If you're going to leave it as headless I would recommend you get an HDMI dummy plug. Your system is seriously ancient. You would be best to upgrade to a system that does have resizeable bar, or move to an NVIDIA card like a Quadro P1/2000.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000092416/graphics.html

Intel themselves state that resizeable bar is required for optimal perfomance and that Arc cards can still work on a system without, but not guaranteed.

Thank you for your suggestion regarding the HDMI monitor connection. You were absolutely correct—connecting an actual monitor resolved the issue. Interestingly, the Dummy HDMI plug did not work in my setup, likely due to driver/OS compatibility limitations (possibly related to my operating system version).

[qq772520 0]

Like you, I also use the Intel ARC GPU but I have never connected to a monitor. Everything is running normally. On a daily basis, I manage it with RDP

The operating system I use is Server 2019

If you need to connect a monitor, you should install the driver using RDP, set the resolution to 4K, and then plug in the monitor to display. Usually, the interface cannot display before turning on the computer and entering the system

Hope it is helpful to you,