diff --git a/README-CUSTOMIZATIONS.md b/README-CUSTOMIZATIONS.md index 2ddc924..1722dcf 100644 --- a/README-CUSTOMIZATIONS.md +++ b/README-CUSTOMIZATIONS.md @@ -1,60 +1,237 @@ -# St-sha's Profilarr HTB Customizations +# Welcome to The HTB Media Server -This is my private fork of the [Dictionarry-Hub Profilarr HTB Database](https://github.com/Dictionarry-Hub/database) with personal customizations for my media setup. +The HTB is a private media server hosting movies and TV shows with a focus on preserving audio and video quality. We maintain a large library and support automated requests to make finding content easy. -## 🎯 Customization Philosophy +## Getting Started -- **Physical Media Priority**: UHD Bluray and Remux formats are strongly preferred -- **Quality Over Size**: Transparent encodes and lossless audio prioritized -- **IMAX Enhanced**: Special scoring for IMAX Enhanced releases (optional profile variant) -- **Theatrical Preference**: Special Edition penalty in theatrical variant (optional profile variant) -- **Streaming Service Optimization**: Enhanced scoring for premium services (MA, ATVP, DSNP) +### 🚀 Access and Setup -## 📁 Available Profiles +1. **Getting Access**: The HTB is a private server for friends and family. If you're reading this, you likely already have access or someone is setting you up. -### 2160p Quality +2. **Plex Setup**: You'll receive a Plex invitation to your email. Install the Plex app on your devices and accept the invitation to access the library. -Main 4K profile prioritizing physical media with transparent encode fallbacks. +3. **Making Requests**: Visit [overseerr.shawserver.com](https://overseerr.shawserver.com) to request movies, TV shows. Most requests are fulfilled automatically within 24-48 hours, often in as little as 15 minutes. -**Use when**: You want the best 4K quality with UHD Bluray priority and high-quality encode alternatives. +## How The HTB Works -### 2160p Balanced +Most movies in our library are the highest quality you can get outside a theater. In some cases, they're even better quality than what you'd find anywhere else - we prioritize releases that combine audio and video from multiple sources to create the best possible version. -Targets consistent 2160p WEB-DLs with lossy audio for smaller file sizes. +Around 95% of The HTB's movies are remuxes (explained below). Some kids movies and less popular titles are "transparent" quality, but not "archival" quality - but you'd never notice the difference. -**Use when**: You prefer 4K content but want smaller files and don't mind lossy audio. +### Automatic Quality Upgrades -### 2160p Remux +When a better quality version of something becomes available, we upgrade to it immediately. This means the library constantly improves over time. -Base remux profile with lossless audio and neutral Special Edition handling. +### IMAX Prioritization -**Use when**: You want only untouched 4K sources and want to leave the Special Edition vs Theatrical choice to The HTB's discretion. +We specifically prioritize IMAX versions because they fill your entire 16:9 TV screen instead of having black bars (like the typical 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio). This creates a more immersive viewing experience on home displays. -### 2160p Remux (Prefer Theatrical) - Optional Variant +Occasionally, this means we'll serve a "streaming quality" IMAX version over a higher-quality Blu-ray version. For example, several Marvel movies only released their IMAX versions on streaming platforms, and we prioritize that full-screen experience over the technical quality difference. -Same as base remux but actively penalizes Special Editions and boosts IMAX Enhanced. +### Library Content -**Use when**: You specifically prefer theatrical releases over Director's Cuts, Extended Editions, etc. +The HTB focuses on English-language movies and TV shows. We maintain both current releases and classic archive content that's harder to find elsewhere. -### 2160p Remux Only - Optional Variant +## 🎯 Quality Profiles - Choose Your Experience -Restricts downloads to only remux qualities (no encodes allowed). +When requesting content, specify which quality profile matches your setup and preferences: -**Use when**: Storage isn't a concern and you want guaranteed lossless sources only. +### 2160p Balanced ⭐ *Recommended for Most People* -### 1080p Quality +Most people do not care as much about AV quality as we do, so this is the **default** to save storage space and bandwidth. If you do care about these things, choose 2160p Quality or 2160p Remux -Targets transparent x264 1080p encodes with physical media priority. +**Profile:** 4K profile targeting WEB-DL sources with lossy audio for smaller file sizes. -**Use when**: 4K isn't needed/wanted and you want the best 1080p quality available. +**Use when:** You want 4K content but prefer smaller files and don't need lossless audio. -### 720p Quality +### 2160p Quality 🎬 -Targets transparent x264 720p encodes for smaller files or limited bandwidth. +**Profile:** 4K profile that prioritizes UHD Bluray sources with high-quality encode fallbacks. -**Use when**: You need smaller files or have bandwidth constraints but still want good quality. +**Use when:** You want 4K content with physical media priority and will accept imperceptible quality loss. -## 🔄 Update Workflow +### 2160p Remux 🏆 + +**Profile:** 4K remux profile with lossless audio. Accepts both theatrical and special editions. + +**Use when:** You want the highest possible archival quality audio and video. + +### Additional 2160p Options + +#### 2160p Remux (Prefer Theatrical) 🎭 + +**Profile:** 4K remux profile that avoids Special Editions unless they are the only option + +**Use when:** You specifically want the theatrical edition + +#### 2160p Remux Only 🏅 + +**Profile:** Restricts to remux sources only - no encodes accepted. + +**Use when:** You do not want a WEB source, even if it's available. + +### Lower Resolution Options + +#### 1080p Quality 📺 + +**Profile:** 1080p profile with physical media priority and quality encode alternatives. + +**Use when:** 4K isn't needed or supported by your setup, but you want the best 1080p available. + +#### 720p Quality 💾 + +**Profile:** 720p profile for smaller files or bandwidth limitations. + +**Use when:** You need smaller files due to storage or bandwidth constraints. + +## 📚 Understanding Digital Media Quality + +### What is a Remux? + +A **remux** is a movie file that contains the exact video and audio from the original disc (Blu-ray or UHD Blu-ray) without any compression or quality loss. This preserves every detail in archival quality. + +### Quality Hierarchy + +1. **🏆 Remux** - Perfect copy of the disc. Highest possible video and audio quality. +2. **🎬 Quality Encode** - Compressed but visually identical to the source. Lossless audio when possible. +3. **⚖️ Balanced Encode** - Compressed with minimal visible quality loss. Lossy audio. + +### Why We Prioritize Quality + +We believe films and shows are art forms that deserve to be preserved and presented as their creators intended. When directors spend months color-grading a film or sound engineers craft immersive audio experiences, compressing that work into a small file loses important details that matter. + +The HTB exists to archive and share media at reference quality - the same standard used by film preservation societies and professional archivists. Every pixel and audio sample has meaning. + +## Making Requests + +### Request Process + +Making requests is straightforward - just search for what you want and request it if it's not already available. The system automatically finds the best source matching your selected profile, usually within 24-48 hours for popular content. We're always happy to add new content that people want to watch. + +### Special Requests + +If you need specific versions (director's cuts, different audio tracks, etc.), just reach out to an administrator. We can often find multiple versions or create custom combinations from different sources to get exactly what you're looking for. + +## 🛠️ Hardware & Setup Guide + +Choosing the right device makes a huge difference in your viewing experience. Here are our recommendations based on different priorities: + +### 🏆 For the Ultimate Experience (Perfect Quality) + +**Dune HD Pro Vision 4K** (~$164) or **Dune HD Max 8K** (premium option) + +- **Perfect Dolby Vision**: Only media players that display Dolby Vision 100% correctly +- **Lossless Audio**: Full support for Dolby Atmos and DTS-X without compression +- **Trade-offs**: Requires technical setup, no streaming apps (Plex only) +- **Best for**: Quality enthusiasts who want the absolute best picture and sound + +**Zidoo Z9X Pro** (~$200-300) or **Zidoo Z30 Pro** (premium option) + +- **Excellent Quality**: Same perfect Dolby Vision and lossless audio support as Dune +- **User Experience**: Slightly easier setup than Dune players +- **Trade-offs**: Still requires some technical knowledge, no streaming apps +- **Best for**: Serious home theater setups where quality is the top priority + +### 🎬 For Great Quality with Simplicity + +**NVIDIA Shield TV Pro** (~$200) + +- **Excellent Performance**: Handles 4K HDR and Dolby Vision very well (99% perfect) +- **Lossless Audio**: Supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS-X +- **Easy Setup**: Works out of the box, familiar Android TV interface +- **Versatile**: Also supports Netflix, YouTube, gaming, and other apps +- **Best for**: Quality-focused users who want simplicity and versatility + +### 🍎 For Apple Users + +**Apple TV 4K** (~$150) + +- **Great Video**: Excellent 4K Dolby Vision support +- **Audio Limitation**: Cannot play lossless audio (compressed to lossy formats) +- **Seamless Experience**: Perfect integration with Apple ecosystem +- **Apps**: Full access to all streaming services +- **Best for**: Apple users who prioritize ease of use over audio quality + +### 💰 Budget Option (Under $150) + +**Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)** (~$50) + +- **Decent Quality**: Supports 4K HDR, no lossless audio +- **Performance**: Can be sluggish with very large files +- **Connectivity**: Wi-Fi only (no ethernet port) +- **Best for**: Casual viewers or secondary rooms + +### 🆓 Free Options You Already Have + +**Your Smart TV's Plex App** ($0) + +- **Convenience**: Already built into most modern TVs +- **Quality**: Varies by TV manufacturer and model +- **Performance**: Usually handles standard content well +- **Best for**: Quick viewing without buying additional hardware + +**Mobile Devices** ($0) + +- **iPhone/iPad**: Excellent Plex app, great for personal viewing +- **Android Phone/Tablet**: Works very well, good for on-the-go viewing +- **Convenience**: Watch anywhere with good internet connection +- **Best for**: Personal viewing, travel, or when the main TV is occupied + +### 💻 Web Browser (Computer/Laptop) + +**Browser Playback** ($0) + +- **Convenience**: No app installation needed +- **Limitations**: Can be finicky and may require quality adjustments +- **Stability**: More prone to crashes compared to dedicated apps +- **Best for**: Occasional use when other options aren't available + +## 🔄 Understanding Transcoding + +When Plex can't play a file directly on your device, it "transcodes" - converting the video to a compatible format in real-time. Here's what you should know: + +**When Transcoding Happens:** + +- Your device doesn't support the video format +- Your internet connection is too slow for the full quality file +- You manually select a lower quality in Plex settings + +**Effects of Transcoding:** +- **Video Quality**: Automatically reduced to ensure smooth playback +- **Server Load**: Uses processing power and electricity (though only 1-2% of total server usage) +- **Playback**: Seeking/jumping through the video may be slower +- **Bandwidth**: Allows more people to stream simultaneously + +**Minimizing Transcoding:** +- Use recommended hardware that supports direct play +- Ensure strong network connection (wired when possible) +- Keep Plex quality settings on "Original" or "Maximum" if your connection allows + +### Audio Setup Considerations + +If you care about sound quality and choose a device with lossless audio support: + +- **Sound System**: Consider a receiver that supports Dolby Atmos/DTS-X +- **Headphones**: High-quality headphones can reveal the difference in lossless audio +- **Room Treatment**: Even basic acoustic improvements make a noticeable difference + +### Network Requirements + +- **Bandwidth**: 4K remux files can require 50-100+ Mbps during peak scenes +- **Wired Connection**: Ethernet is strongly recommended for 4K content +- **Wi-Fi**: If using Wi-Fi, ensure strong signal strength near your streaming device + +## Getting Started + +### Access and Setup + +1. **Getting Access**: The HTB is a private server for friends and family. If you're reading this, you likely already have access or someone is setting you up. + +2. **Plex Setup**: You'll receive a Plex invitation to your email. Install the Plex app on your devices and accept the invitation to access the library. + +3. **Making Requests**: Visit [overseerr.shawserver.com](https://overseerr.shawserver.com) to request movies, TV shows . Most requests are fulfilled automatically within 24-48 hours. + +## Development Workflow ```bash # Pull latest from upstream @@ -68,11 +245,11 @@ git pull upstream stable git push origin stable ``` -## 🏷️ Customization Markers +## Profile Customizations -Look for `# CUSTOM:` comments in profile files to identify intentional changes that should be preserved during updates. +Profile files contain `# CUSTOM:` comments marking changes from upstream. These should be preserved during updates. -## 📊 Scoring Philosophy +## Quality Scoring - **280,000+**: UHD Bluray and highest quality tiers - **250,000+**: 2160p physical media @@ -84,11 +261,11 @@ Look for `# CUSTOM:` comments in profile files to identify intentional changes t - **-220,000**: x265 Bluray penalty - **-999,999**: Banned content -## 🔧 Last Updated +## Last Updated - **Repository**: October 21, 2025 - **Upstream Sync**: October 21, 2025 -- **Profiles Documented**: 4/4 (2160p variants) +- **Profiles Documented**: 7/7 (All variants) --- @@ -96,7 +273,7 @@ Look for `# CUSTOM:` comments in profile files to identify intentional changes t --- -## 🔧 Technical Details (Developer Reference) +## Technical Details (Developer Reference) ### Actual Customizations vs Upstream