The new transcoder is quite efficient. As long as the devices can use it, and old Core i3 or Phenom II would surprise you
But what about Live SPORTS? This is the only reason I do not release cable TV. Any ideas?
I believe it. I use an E8400 stock, 4GB, no hardware related problems. Plex has pushed many updates down since I started using it in September, it's gotten better. And, of course, there were a few Roku updates since then.
For MLB you can buy the yearly package. Not sure about NBA or NFL. This is where the Roku pales against cable or Dish...
MLB Package JUST for cable you mean, or MLB package somehow works with Roku?
I only watch NBA and NFL.
For MLB you can buy the yearly package. Not sure about NBA or NFL. This is where the Roku pales against cable or Dish...
If you want to use the new transcoder, go to settings within the Roku Plex app and select Experimental for the transcoder option. Watch your CPU usage - I tested this out, watching a 13mbps copy of the Avengers and was amazed at the CPU usage difference from the Stable transcoder vs. the experimental.
Does the experimental transcoder fix the awful issue with subtitles having green blocky artifacts around them?
Also does the Roku w/ Plex allow you to select from multiple audio tracks? I watch a lot of subbed stuff and i've tried PS3 media center, Plex, and Serviio, and none of them seem to handle transcoding properly.
Is there a list of formats the Roku 3 supports natively? If it handles MKV with embedded ASS subs i'd buy one in a heartbeat and recommission my media server for other things!
I am not sure about the subtitle issue? When Plex was first released for the Roku it was plagued with an artifact bug when a video file was transcoding. It seemed to happen mostly on lower quality content - 480P and lower. I don't use subtitles at all so I really can't tell you yes or no about the blocky issue. I recently watched the PirateBay movie and the hard subtitles worked fine with no issues. If you have multiple audio formats for one movie or TV Show, you can select which one you want to use in playback options before you play it.
To my knowledge the Roku will play MKV and MP4's that are H.264 encoded natively. For audio support I think it's AC3 and mp3 only. With the newest version of the Server installed and the recent Plex Roku app update I have zero issues. I have been using it since it first came out and now it's really stable compared to what it was.
I do have a complaint now. Not that I used them alot, but recently went to use Videobuzz and 1080p (both Youtube channels) and found they had been removed. I googled it and sure enough Roku had forced them to remove the channels with no real reason given.
Ok, so it's just youtube, but my concern if other channels, including Plex. Granted, they probably realize Plex is what is selling their product.
Just ordered a Roku 3, we'll see how it goes I guess.
Does the new Roku 3 play .mkv natively? Previous versions did not and playback depended on the .mkv files being remuxed or re encoded to .mp4.
I am pretty sure you will like it. The new interface is pretty sweet as well. Runs good on Roku 2 XS, not so much on the slower Roku HD.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_...uzz-channel-for-streaming-youtube-on-the-sly/
I find YouTube through Plex works very well. I would also check out Twonky Beam (Google play and App Store). It's kind of like Airplay for the Roku. You can beam video you have taken with you phone and you can beam YouTube direct to your TV. Works pretty well.
I am pretty sure you will like it. The new interface is pretty sweet as well. Runs good on Roku 2 XS, not so much on the slower Roku HD.
Yes it does and so did the older Roku 2. They are just very picky with MKV's. They have to be .H264 encoded and the audio needs to be AC3 or MP3 format.
I would get the Roku, but it lacks apps like YouTube abd Twitch, something I watch regularly.