Tips, updates, and guides from the JellyWatch team.
Direct Play uses zero CPU. Transcoding can max out your server. This guide explains every playback method in Jellyfin, why transcoding happens, how to identify it, and how to force Direct Play on every client for the best quality and lowest server load.
An honest side-by-side comparison of Jellyfin and Emby in 2026. We compare pricing, performance, plugins, privacy, mobile apps, and which companion app works best with each.
Choosing between Jellyfin, Plex, and Emby in 2026? This definitive comparison covers pricing (free vs $119 vs $249), privacy, hardware transcoding, 4K HDR support, plugin ecosystems, mobile apps, remote access, and scalability - with a clear recommendation for every type of self-hoster.
