Folder Sync Copy > Re-Transcoding Even When Matching Bitrate

[AgileHumor 123]

Version 3.0.5597.1

 

I've created 3 Folder Sync (not cloud)  of Kids Movies using the following bitrates:

• 700Kbps - Baseline
• 1.5Mbps - Baseline
• 3.0Mbps - General

Then, tried setting my 'max streaming bitrate' in the webclient to 1.5 and 720Kbps, but when playing a file that has been transcoded, it spawns a copy to FFMPEG to transcode.  

 

I expected there to be no transoding if I pre-synced/converted the content as shown here:

 

Also, a related question on the bitrate tolerance what happens if the bitrate is close, but not exact (for example, in WebUI)?  For example I set web client bitrate to 1.0 and 2.0...would both those be expected to transcode...or would they fall back to the next lowest pre-converted (i.e. 2.0 setting would get the 1.5Mbs pre-converted file).    Another example is my 700Kbps sync/convert job...will the 720Kbps client setting cause a transcode as it's not an exact match (720 vs 700 Kbps)

 

PS - I have not setup path substitution as I did not anticipate direct play as this is primary for external clients (web browser and Roku). 

 

Edited May 2, 2015 by AgileHumor

[AgileHumor 123]

@@Luke, Could I have an update on this supporter feature for pre-converting content (to reduce CPU load on multiple streams) from the server. 

 

Is Folder Sync (baseline) supposed to work for remote content streaming or will always require transcode again to HLS?    Or, perhaps Folder Sync only works with internal clients that can use path substitution and direct file access. 

 

I've tested this internally, but assumed the WebUI emulates internal and external users experience (minus networking/firewall) and it doesn't seem to be working without FFMPEG getting involved to transcode.

[Luke 42080]

It works with every app, provided the server can access the file at the time of playback. If it fails to direct stream you'll have to pull the server log to find out why.

[AgileHumor 123]

Would "direct stream" work for external users (over HTTPS WebUI or Roku)...or is that a term for apps that on the internal LAN that can access the NAS?   Sorry, not exactly sure of the technical vernacular of direct stream (and if you can direct steam over HTTP),. 

 

I'm thinking that pre-conversion using Folder Sync is not the designed method for optimizing remote user steaming...but it's a great option for internal users.

Edited May 4, 2015 by AgileHumor

[Luke 42080]

anybody, yes. the server will stream the file over http without any conversion. MBT will even check for direct access and play the file over the LAN if possible.

 

but all usual direct stream checks still apply, such as the user's bitrate setting, the format requirements. I've tried to set the sync profile to something that will work on any app but there is always the possibility that under certain conditions something is missing. So it can always be refined.