MediaServer ReadAhead

[Razillian]

11. Changed MediaServer's readahead optimization to only be enabled for certain file types. By default this is an empty list. It's controlled by the property: media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions

Under what circumstances would you want to put extensions in this list, and what exactly is the effect?

[Narflex]

You would use this if you're watching high bitrate files on the HD extender and they don't playback smoothly (i.e. pauses in the video due to the high datarate). The only formats it'll work well for though is mpg, ts and mkv. (other formats don't read linearly so the optimization doesn't work for them)

This helps greatly when the device the media on isn't all that fast.

For example; if I put a 40 Mbps MKV file on my workstation; it has no problem streaming it to the extender w/out this optimization. But if I put that same file on my Buffalo Terastation; it'll stutter constantly during playback. If I then enable the optimization; I can then get smooth playback even from the Terastation.

[Stuntman]

Originally Posted by Narflex

If I then enable the optimization; I can then get smooth playback

Why would you NOT enable this then? Seems like it should be a default??

[mwhittaker1024]

Should this setting go in the sage.properties file?

Is this the correct way to use it:

media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions=mpg

Thanks

[Razillian]

Would the setting work with VOB files seeing as they are basically mpgs?

[Deacon Crusher]

So,

media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions=mpg

This seems like this might fix some problems I'm having, except I'd hope mine might look like this.

media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions=mkv,ts,m2ts

Is that possible/correct?? Hoping m2ts works like TS and that this is the proper syntax?

Thanks

[Deacon Crusher]

Slightly related question.

I have some hi bit rate files that play fine as m2ts or Ts files on my pc, when I convert them to mkv I always end up with audio sync problems.

So, I'd like to leave them as TS files. However, those TS files have no audio when played back through the HD extender.

What's the right way to troubleshoot that problem??

Thanks

[Razillian]

Originally Posted by Deacon Crusher

Slightly related question.

I have some hi bit rate files that play fine as m2ts or Ts files on my pc, when I convert them to mkv I always end up with audio sync problems.

So, I'd like to leave them as TS files. However, those TS files have no audio when played back through the HD extender.

What's the right way to troubleshoot that problem??

Thanks

Are those files with no audio using a specific audio format, such as 6-channel audio (surround sound) versus stereo? Either way I would think your best bet would be to file a bug report.

[Eckwell]

Did anyone figure out the proper syntax of this property? I want to try it to see if it gets rid of micro stutter when playing back H.264 files from the HD-PVR via my HD extender.

THanks in advance.

[Lucas]

The syntax should be like:

media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions=.mkv,.ts,.m2ts

That's how I have it.

[Deacon Crusher]

Did it make a difference for you?

I tried that entry and I'm still having periodic stutters when playing back hi-bitrate blu-ray rips that have been converted to mkvs.

Thanks

[interloper]

I'm also curious if this setting has made a difference for anyone.
I have enabled it on my server, but have not seen the slightest difference on any media files that have been giving my HD extender difficulties.

Other than modifying "media_server/readahead_optimized_file_extensions " is there anything else that needs to be done to take advantage of this setting? Or is it possible that while the server has this setting, maybe the Extender firmware does not support it?

Originally Posted by Deacon Crusher

Did it make a difference for you?

I tried that entry and I'm still having periodic stutters when playing back hi-bitrate blu-ray rips that have been converted to mkvs.

Thanks

[bbwebb]

Can anyone validate one way or another whether this setting is working correctly? A read ahead buffer would go a long way towards dealing with stutter problems I'm having when pulling high bitrate H264 off of my ReadyNAS.

Thanks
Bill