Linux Kodi with Sabnzbd Suite, Plex media server and crashplan

• 

  O15 on 26/02/2017 - 08:20

  Probably the CPU. That's a pretty weak chip.

• 

  [Deactivated] on 26/02/2017 - 09:42

  You are probably better off getting a decent piece of hardware to begin with
  Underpowered CPU big time for Kodi, let alone anything else

  Furthermore for support, visit the Kodi Forums, they will provide you with the assistance you required and give you ideas on the best plan of attack

  I run Kodi Windows on an i7, 16gb of Ram laptop and it works fine

• 

  Master Bates on 26/02/2017 - 10:10

  +1

  Interesting, I have the opposite problem with my practically identical setup. 1080p stutters in VLC, but works flawlessly in Kodi.

  I've been thinking about turning my N40L into pure storage and feeding an Android box, but can't get Xpenology working right.

  • 

    PR0r on 26/02/2017 - 11:27

    I've used the N40L for years now solely to serve media to various players throughout the house. This might be a cheaper option for the OP rather than a full hardware upgrade. Media players can be had for under $100.

    • 

      Master Bates on 26/02/2017 - 11:30

      What O/S are you running on the N40L?

      I want to run Synology, but can't format the HDDs for some reason.

      • 

        PR0r on 26/02/2017 - 15:15

        Im running Ubuntu Desktop, I had never had any experience with Linux prior and found it quite easy to use. If I was to start again I would go straight to Ubuntu Server which is terminal based.

  • 

    BigLeviathan on 26/02/2017 - 14:03

    Are you able to share your kodi settings for me? As I'm curious what made Kodi run smooth on yours

    • 

      Master Bates on 26/02/2017 - 18:52

      My Kodi setup is stock, I haven't changed any settings.

      I do have a slightly different video card to you though, mine is the HIS version of this.

      Strangely my setup also struggles with 1080p YouTube streaming.

      • 

        BigLeviathan on 26/02/2017 - 22:39

        So, only works fine playing 1080p on VLC but not the rest?

      • 

        Master Bates on 26/02/2017 - 23:03

        @televisi: No, it struggles to play 1080p both on YouTube (via Chrome) and in VLC, but works flawlessly in Kodi.

        It seems to be the exact opposite of your problem (although you haven't stated whether you can play 1080p in any other programs).

        I was a bit shocked by my results, seeing as all of the forums/guides state that the N40L and my video card are powerful enough for 1080p.

      • 

        BigLeviathan on 28/02/2017 - 15:39

        @Master Baiter: Using VLC + windows 7x64 is stuttering for me too :(

        I might try to reinstall windows / try other Linux flavours

      • 

        Master Bates on 28/02/2017 - 15:43

        @televisi: I think you've hit something there, it probably is Windows hogging resources. It might be worth trying a Linux setup as you say.

      • 

        BigLeviathan on 02/03/2017 - 22:23

        @Master Baiter: Okay, I tried Debian installation, the following is what I found:
        - Plex media server is an easy installation
        - Kodi, unfortunately I cannot find the right installation document/wiki on the net; I suspect because I installed debian without GUI?
        - I haven't had a chance to install Crashplan or sabnzbd as yet

        I might go back to Windows 10 now… :(

• 

  kapone on 02/03/2017 - 09:37

  I think it's a driver or other software issue. Have had this happen occassionally on certain videos, while other 1080p videos play fine (note, I generally play 720p or lower). From memory, on a couple of occasions I may have fixed this by playing with Plex settings, but lost the settings after doing a reinstall.

  My N40L has 6GB and a low profile Radeon (can't remember which model, and not near the computer right now), and it can run Portal at 720p, so I can't imagine that it isn't capable of 1080p video. Running Plex on Windows 10. Also doubles duty as my file server, and frequently streams from Plex to two other clients, while also playing a video locally.

  • 

    BigLeviathan on 02/03/2017 - 22:19

    Thanks for your response!

    So you managed to play 1080p using Plex locally (as well as remotely to 2 x remote clients) and not with Kodi?

    Also, what is Portal? as far as I know Portal is a steam game :)

    Talking about Windows 10, did you need update your Bios firmware? as I found the network card is identified as 'unplugged' all the time prior applying BIOS firmware update

    • 

      kapone on 03/03/2017 - 11:23

      I haven't used Kodi in years, Plex works better for us (the whole family use it, generally streaming to tablets and Chromecasts around the house).

      Streaming 1080p doesn't work great on most files, but I suspect that's largely due to network limitations (I currently have the N40L connected to my router via Ethernet-over-Power, which has improved streaming considerably).

      As for Portal, yes the game. My kids loves it and I was amazed when he was able to get it running (Portal 2 as well, although it performs pretty poorly, good enough for him though).

      I haven't done BIOS updates that I can recall. If I did, it must've been over 12 months ago.

      • 

        BigLeviathan on 03/03/2017 - 18:39

        Thanks for your response!

        When you are playing video locally, are playing it over browser (and just point the browser to local plex ip address?)

        OR are you using VLC?

      • 

        kapone on 03/03/2017 - 20:23

        @televisi: I'm using the Plex Home Theatre client, and Plex apps on all other devices (PS3s, Xbone, Tablets, Phones)

      • 

        BigLeviathan on 03/03/2017 - 22:03

        @kapone: Ah..silly me, never know that there is Plex desktop app.

        I usually I use android plex app / chromecast / kodi for local play

        Thanks for this; will give it a try

• 

  coota1268 on 03/03/2017 - 20:44

  Hi, I have a N40L and I love it. It's Cheap and Low Power Consumption. I've put 16GB of RAM and 5TB of Storage in it. It runs Server 2012 (and 2-3 other VM's) and doesn't lag.

  I run a Raspberry Pi (With Openelec) Connected to my TV. I'm able to stream 1080 without a hitch (Over Ethernet and Wifi).

  I'd suggest using your N40L as a media storage device rather than a Media Playback device.

  • 

    BigLeviathan on 03/03/2017 - 23:00

    Wow that's lots of memory :) How did you manage to run so many VMs? consider it only has dual-core CPU?

    Yes, I love my N40L, it only runs 40watt; if compared with another machine that I have (150watt on idle).

    Is Raspberry Pi able to output to 5.1 speaker settings with DTS sound quality?

    I have a decent sound system and wanted to make sure to get the benefit of seeing 1080p and good sound quality

    Thank you

    • 

      coota1268 on 04/03/2017 - 09:48

      You'd need to do your own research, but I'm sure you'd be fine. My 55' TV handles 1080p fine and although I dont have 5.1, I'm confident the Pi would handle it in some capacity.

      As for all the VM's: without getting too complex, I run VMware on my N40L, it allows me to run multiple VM's on the single box wihtout oo much trouble. They arne't designed to be the fastest VM's but for my needs (File storage, Legal Linux ISO downloading and learning Linux) it does very well.

      Hit me up if you want a more in depth explanation.