Site icon NAS Compares

QNAP TS-1635AX NAS PLEX Media Server Transcode 720P, 1080p and 4K H.264 + H.265 Test

Transcoding HD Media on the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS Plex Media Server?

As you may have heard, Plex is now available on Marvell and other ARMv8 based NAS devices. This is a big deal, as till recently if you owned a QNAP TS-1635AX or other cost-effective NAS, you were feeling a little left out. Luckily now we can start testing the extent to which this NAS will transcode and perform in plex. Transcoding on a NAS such as the QNAP TS-1635AX server is the ability for a multimedia file to be changed from it’s existing format or codec to one that is better suited to the destination device. In this file access, the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS is the host device and the device you want to play the file is the client. This is the case of whether you are using Plex or not. Transcoding is typically required when a media file is more recently released than the client device that is accessing it, so the newer compression or playback format is unknown to the device you want to access it with. Alternatively, you want to access the movie or music on your QNAP TS-1635AX and do not want to use the original file in its full size. Transcoding can enable you to stream a much smaller version in weight or resolution if needed. In a popular program such as PLEX, smooth playback is essential, and with the plex media server application on the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS using a larger percentage of CPU and Memory than most programs, it is very useful to know the plex transcoding abilities of any NAS.

 

OFFICIALLY the Best NAS for A Plex Media Server of 2017

Why should you factor transcoding with a Plex Media Server on a QNAP TS-1635AX NAS

When you install a Plex Media Server on your QNAP TS-1635AX, you should know that plex is not the answer to all of your media players. It has some limitations and depending on the NAS you use, these limits can be annoying. You will most likely have media files in a large collection of different formats and there is no guaranteeing that these are going to be compatible with TVs, iPads and Smartphones that you wish to watch them on. Although you will have a version of the Plex app on the viewing device, that app will still be locked to playback the supported media types on that device.

So if your phone does not support.MKV or .MOV, then neither does the plex app you installed on it. However, this is where transcoding comes in again, as the plex media server will use the NAS system resources to change the file to a version/format that it CAN play. What makes transcoding with Plex different to ordinary transcoding is that often, the NAS (in this case, the QNAP TS-1635AX) will not let the plex use the transcoding engine inside. This is not the end of the world, as it will use raw system power instead. The result is that where a regular transcode outside of plex will use 20-30%, in plex it could go as high as 70-80%. This is why it is important to know how well a plex NAS will transcode, as if it will happen regularly, it could potentially slow down the general use of your QNAP TS-1635AX NAS.

Which plex supported client devices require transcoding from the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS

Destination devices range greatly and are often referred to as the client device. Common client devices that your QNAP TS-1635AX device will be accessed by are often:

Transcoding between a QNAP TS-1635AX and your media can be of tremendous benefit for those with limited internet bandwidth, download limits or low powered devices whilst using the Plex client application.


What are the Specifications of the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS?

The specifications for the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS are below and like all NAS devices, the CPU and Memory play a big part in how well it performs at transcoding both in and out of plex. The key factors to consider are if the device features an x86 or ARM-based CPU, does the QNAP TS-1635AX CPU feature a transcoding engine and how much RAM the device arrives with for multiple transcoding tasks. Below are the QNAP TS-1635AX specs:

NAS Model

QNAP TS-1635AX

SPECS

Marvell ARMADA 8040 ARMv8

Cortex-A72 Quad Core 1.6 GHz

4-16GB DDR4 (1 slot)

2 Year Warranty

TRANSCODING ENGINE: YES

1080P Support: YES

4K Support: YES

Transcoding Support: YES

Where to Buy

What is the difference between H.264 and H.265 Media on a NAS

H.264 and H.265 are common codecs of modern digital media. H264 is also referred to as AVC by experts (Advanced Video Coding) and is considered the standard for video file compression. This allows for media originally created for large-scale entertainment to be recording, compressed, and distributed to the home and smaller scale production of digital video content watched by you, the consumer via plex.

H265 is the newer and more consumer-friendly alternative to H264. It is also known as HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) and was developed in order to resolve issues of enormous 4K media files being just too large for your client device to playback. H.265 has become so popular and data saving that chances are that the YouTube clip, iTunes media or iPlayer content you watched was in .265 and HEVC. Typically a modern NAS such as the QNAP TS-1635AX will playback with JUST H.265 or it will PLayback both H.264 and H.265. The latter pretty much being exclusive to x86 or AMD based NAS CPU devices.

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 1080p H.265 8-bit 24fps 405kb/s PLEX Test 10 – How well does it perform?

In an effort to maintain fairness, we also covered an H.265 1080p file, so a comparison between this and Test 12 could be made. Ignore the test numerical order numbers, as this needed to be re-done (blame the QNAP TS-1635AX needing a firmware update mid transcode and therefore spoiled the results the first time). This was an HEVC/H265 8-bit file running at 24fps through the plex media server application, but with a comparatively low bitrate of just 405kbps. The results (correct this time) were again, fairly expected:

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 4K H.264 8-bit 96fps MP4 PLEX Test 15 – How well does it perform?

Time to move over to another 4K file Plex transcoding test of the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS. We decided to move over to a video in an .MP4 container, as this is fast becoming the desired file format by most devices since the start of the. Never the less, we didn’t make it easy for the QNAP TS-1635AX and switched to a trickier and harder h.264 video compression. The results were interesting as the CPU inside the QNAP TS-1635AX handled this transcode from 2048 -> 480p slightly better than others before. This is almost certainly down to the MP4 file being used and eliminating a switch to a new format – something that challenges PLEX a little and particularly in the case of software transcoding (outside of NAS, a popular piece of software that shows this is handbrake). Below are the results

Test File Type

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 1080P H.264 8-bit 24fps MP4 PLEX Test 17 – How well does it perform?

As we noticed that in the previously QNAP TS-1635AX plex text, the CPU performed better than expected, we decided to push another area that can complicate transcoding on a plex media server, especially in the case of software transcoding featured on the QNAP TS-1635AX – BITRATE. This is effectively the amount of data passing through all the time and the previous test was 12MB/s. So in order to test this theory, we selected a near identical file, but with a bit rate over three times higher at 40MB/s. The results were pretty impressive, even for a modest hardware device such as the QNAP TS-1635AX. See below:

Test File Type

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 1080P H.264 8-bit 24fps MP4 PLEX Test 18 – How well does it perform?

For the nest test, I decided to go easy on the QNAP TS-1635AX a little and use a better compressed H.264 1080p file and much lower bitrate. As this file was a little lighter in size AND in weighted playback, the results were better than those before. Take a look:

Test File Type

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 720P H.265 8-bit 24fps MPEG PLEX Test 20 – How well does it perform?

For our second test, we used a near identical version to the one used previously on the QNAP TS-1635AX, but this time we switched from an MKV based version over to an MPEG, as the high CPU recordings from the last results were rather surprising. This was a valid concern, as MKV is easily one of one of the densest file containers for media you can have and although has excellent results, can really troublesome systems. Upon reviewing the results, we found that this didn’t make a vast amount of difference and when transcoding to 480p, aside from a jump in memory use, the QNAP TS-1635AX handled it just as well.

Test File Type

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 720P H.265 8-bit 24fps MKV PLEX Test 21 – How well does it perform?

In order to start the testing on the QNAP TS-1635AX NAS properly, I started with a relatively modern and regular 720p resolution file. I did throw a few curveballs into the mix with an MKV file. Aside from that, this media file is fairly representative of the larger than average files you will encounter from time to time when choosing media taht is suitable for both larger and smaller devices. With the QNAP TS-1635AX plex media server, I was able to software transcode the file down to a manageable 480p (I wouldn’t dip below this on modern mobile devices unless you are on a strict data package). Though it did the job, the CPU use definitely was hogged by the QNAP TS-1635AX, as seen below:

Test File Type

The QNAP TS-1635AX NAS 1080P H.264 8-bit 24fps MP4 PLEX Test 22 – How well does it perform?

After giving the QNAP TS-1635AX a easier file, I ramped the difficulty right back up again with another H.264 media file that was at 40MB/s bitrate and at 1080p resolution – I wanted to see if the earlier results were a fluke and to see how the QNAP TS-1635AX handles this heavier file. There was a noticeably change in CPU use, but the results bore similar results to before.

Test File Type

I hope these Plex Media Server 4K results were of use to you and this helps you consider which NAS you wish to you buy in 2018, whether it is the QNAP TS-1635AX or something more or less suited to your needs.

📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔


    🔒 Join Inner Circle

    Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


    Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

    This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

    Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

    Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.

      By clicking SEND you accept this Privacy Policy
      Question will be added on Q&A forum. You will receive an email from us when someone replies to it.
      🔒Private Fast Track Message (1-24Hours)

      TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
      If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
       
      Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
          
       
      Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

      ☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

        This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today’s video. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
      Exit mobile version