Plex, SponsorBlock and SSDs

I learned a lot today. In fact, it’s so good, I decided to add it to my blog that I’ve reinstated lately.

So yeah, learnings go here.

SSD Lifespan#

• Apparently, SSDs use TBW (Terabyte Write) to determine lifespan.
• Reads are apparently negligible in a lifespan of an SSD.
• That means my portable Samsung T5s can be used more often, and maybe even a lot more when read-only. Which leads to…

Plex Media Server + Plex Pass#

• Raspis can make good servers with an SSD attached.
• Raspberry Pi Plex works and is official.
• You can tunnel via SSH to allow Plex to communicate to a locked-down server.
• iPad Pro does NOT need to transcode video in HEVC or H265. The Plex app handles them nicely!
• Plex Relays are automatic. The quality cap is just poor for non Plex Pass users.

Since I learned Plex Media Server works well even in a closed network (Relays, Tunneling) and with no transcoding in a local setup, maybe I can use this to my advantage.

• SSD + Laptop + Smart Plug = remote access Plex + transcode
• SSD + Raspberry Pi = local always-on library

If this works very well, I think I’ll subscribe for a Plex Pass.

SponsorBlock Extension

• You can finally block annoying in-video sponsor callouts in YouTube. SponsorBlock exists to do this!
• Works because it’s crowdsourced from other viewers using the extension.
• I’ve yet to test its effectiveness for not-so-popular content. But for the current god of annoying inserts, sponsors and unwanted segues (Linus Tech Tips), this is fantastic.