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# Welcome to The HTB Media Server # The HTB Media Server
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. The HTB is a private media server focused on delivering high-quality movies and TV shows to friends and family. Our automated system prioritizes archival-quality sources while making content easily accessible through simple request workflows.
## Key Features
- **Quality-First**: 95% of movies are lossless remuxes; the rest are transparent encodes
- **Automatic Upgrades**: Library constantly improves as better sources become available
- **Large Library**: 3600+ movies and 650+ TV shows (48,000+ episodes!)
- **Request System**: Easily request movies and TV shows not yet in the library through the automated request portal
- **Fast Fulfillment**: Most popular movies are automatically added within 1 day of digital release, TV shows often within hours of airing
## Getting Started ## Getting Started
### 🚀 Access and Setup 1. **Access**: You'll receive a Plex invitation via email
2. **Setup**: Accept the invitation and install Plex (or use your browser, but not recommended)
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. 3. **Requests**: Visit [overseerr.shawserver.com](https://overseerr.shawserver.com) to request new content
4. **Quality Selection**: Choose your preferred quality profile when requesting (see profiles below)
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, often in as little as 15 minutes.
## How The HTB Works
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.
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.
### Automatic Quality Upgrades
When a better quality version of something becomes available, we upgrade to it immediately. This means the library constantly improves over time.
### IMAX Prioritization
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.
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.
### Library Content
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.
## 🎯 Quality Profiles - Choose Your Experience
When requesting content, specify which quality profile matches your setup and preferences:
### 2160p Balanced ⭐ *Recommended for Most People*
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
**Profile:** 4K profile targeting WEB-DL sources with lossy audio for smaller file sizes.
**Use when:** You want 4K content but prefer smaller files and don't need lossless audio.
### 2160p Quality 🎬
**Profile:** 4K profile that prioritizes UHD Bluray sources with high-quality encode fallbacks.
**Use when:** You want 4K content with physical media priority and will accept imperceptible quality loss.
### 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
git fetch upstream
git pull upstream stable
# Resolve any conflicts while preserving customizations
# (See inline comments in profile files for guidance)
# Push to personal repo
git push origin stable
```
## Profile Customizations
Profile files contain `# CUSTOM:` comments marking changes from upstream. These should be preserved during updates.
## Quality Scoring
- **280,000+**: UHD Bluray and highest quality tiers
- **250,000+**: 2160p physical media
- **200,000+**: 1080p physical media
- **140,000+**: High-quality web sources
- **40,000+**: IMAX Enhanced (theatrical variant)
- **1,000-10,000**: Streaming services and audio/video enhancements
- **-40,000**: Special Edition penalty (theatrical variant)
- **-220,000**: x265 Bluray penalty
- **-999,999**: Banned content
## Last Updated
- **Repository**: October 21, 2025
- **Upstream Sync**: October 21, 2025
- **Profiles Documented**: 7/7 (All variants)
--- ---
> Private repository for personal use - based on Dictionarry-Hub's excellent work ## More Info for Nerds
--- ### Quality Philosophy
## Technical Details (Developer Reference) The HTB treats films and shows as art forms deserving preservation at reference quality - the same standard used by professional archivists. We believe directors' color grading and sound engineers' audio work shouldn't be compromised by aggressive compression.
### Actual Customizations vs Upstream ### Intelligent Source Selection
This section documents the specific changes made from the upstream Dictionarry-Hub database for future merge reference. Much of the content on The HTB is made from the best versions of video and audio from multiple sources, creating versions that are better than what's commercially available. For example, a movie might use video from a specific region's Blu-ray disc and audio from another region to optimize both visual impact and sound quality. Or if it's only on streaming, it might use the video from highest quality streaming service but add HDR metadata and audio from a different, better source.
#### 2160p Quality Profile Changes ### IMAX
- **UHD Bluray score**: 280000 (upstream: 240000) - **+40000 boost** Whenever possible, The HTB serves IMAX or "IMAX Enhanced" versions because they use your entire TV screen instead of letterboxing. This occasionally means serving streaming-quality IMAX over higher-bitrate theatrical versions, but we value the immersive experience over pure technical metrics in this case.
- **UHD Bluray (Missing) score**: 280000 (upstream: 240000) - **+40000 boost**
- **UHD Bluray position**: Moved to front of custom_formats list (upstream: middle)
- **2160p Bluray**: 250000 (upstream: not present) - **Added format**
- **IMAX Enhanced**: 40000 (upstream: not present) - **Added IMAX boost**
- **MA score**: 6000 (upstream: 4000) - **+2000 boost**
- **minCustomFormatScore**: 0 (upstream: 20000) - **Removed minimum**
#### 2160p Remux Profile Changes ### Automatic Quality Management
- **minCustomFormatScore**: 0 (upstream: 20000) - **Removed minimum** When superior sources become available, upgrades happen automatically. This means your favorite movies continuously improve in quality without any intervention from you.
- **IMAX Enhanced**: 40000 (upstream: not present) - **Added IMAX boost**
#### 2160p Remux (Prefer Theatrical) Changes Example 1: An old movie is finally released on 4K Bluray and is upgraded from 1080p to 4K HDR.
- **Special Edition score**: -40000 (base: neutral) - **Heavy penalty** Example 2: A TV Show is available 15 minutes after airing in 1080p. 2 hours later, it is upgraded to 4K HDR.
- **IMAX Enhanced score**: 40000 (inherited from base) - **Same as base**
- **Description**: Added theatrical preference explanation
#### 2160p Remux Only Changes Example 3: A streaming-only movie becomes available on a streaming service that has higher quality video. The higher quality version replaces the existing version.
- **Qualities**: Restricted to remux-only (3, 8) vs full quality list Example 4: A new remaster of a movie is released. The HTB automatically upgrades to this new version.
- **Description**: Added remux-only explanation
#### Other Profile Changes ## Quality Profiles
**1080p Quality**: Check against upstream for actual differences When requesting new content, you are asked what Quality Profile you want to use. They are explained here.
**2160p Balanced**: Check against upstream for actual differences
**720p Quality**: Check against upstream for actual differences
### Custom Format Modifications ### 2160p Balanced *Default*
To be documented after upstream comparison 4K WEB-DL sources with lossy audio for optimal file size. Best for most users who won't be watching in a dedicated home theater or who don't have dedicated Plex hardware.
### Merge Strategy Notes ### 2160p Quality
- Always preserve UHD Bluray prioritization (position + score boost) 4K with UHD Bluray priority and high-quality encode fallbacks. Physical media preference with imperceptible quality loss. Usually has lossless audio.
- Maintain minCustomFormatScore = 0 across profiles
- Keep variant-specific customizations (Special Edition penalties, quality restrictions) ### 2160p Remux
- Verify MA scoring boost in quality profiles
Lossless archival quality with perfect audio and video. This is for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
### 2160p Remux (Prefer Theatrical) - Movies Only
Same as Remux but avoids Special Editions unless no theatrical version exists.
### 2160p Remux Only - Movies Only
Restricts to remux sources exclusively - no encodes or WEB sources accepted.
### 1080p Quality - TV Only
Best 1080p available with physical media priority. For setups where 4K isn't needed. Also a good choice for shows with LOTS of episodes (think Jeopardy or reality TV shows).
### 720p Quality - TV Only
Even smaller than 1080p. Good for kids shows or old shows where quality isn't really there anyway.
## Hardware Recommendations
### Ultimate Quality
- **Dune HD Pro Vision 4K** or **Ugoos AM6B Plus**: Perfect Dolby Vision, lossless audio
- **Trade-off**: Technical setup required, Plex-only
### Great Quality + Simplicity
- **NVIDIA Shield TV Pro**: 99% perfect quality, easy setup, supports all apps
- **Best balance** for most quality-focused users
### Apple Ecosystem
- **Apple TV 4K**: Excellent video and UI, no lossless audio (Apple limitation)
### Budget
- **Chromecast with Google TV**: Decent 4K, no lossless audio, Wi-Fi only (may struggle with some high bitrate video unless you lower the quality)
### Free Options
- **Smart TV Plex app**: Variable quality, already built-in
- **Mobile devices**: Great for personal viewing and travel
## Understanding Quality
### Remux vs Encode
- **Remux**: Exact copy from disc - zero quality loss, largest files
- **Quality Encode**: Compressed but visually identical, smaller files
- **Balanced Encode**: Minimal visible loss, much smaller files
### Transcoding
When your device can't play a file directly due to hardware or bandwidth limitations, Plex converts it in real-time. This reduces quality but ensures compatibility. Use recommended hardware and strong network connections to minimize transcoding.