The hardware requirements for the server will depend on a number of factors including the format of your prepared media, the type of client devices used as well as how much bandwidth is available between the client and the server.

Emby Server has been developed for the Windows, Linux, OS X, and FreeBSD. Users can connect to the server from the compatible client, available on the wide variety of platforms which includes HTML5, Mobile platforms (Android and iOS), streaming devices (Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast and Apple TV), smart TV platforms (Samsung Smart TV, LG. Well on paper Emby has always been the best, tho it was never stable. At least on Mac OS X. It crashes all the time or streamed videos are black. I mean I can go on and on with all the bugs and the lack of an IOS app that is literally never updated and doesn’t work.

If you prepare you media in a format that all devices can use, such as MP4 container, using H.264 video with a stereo AAC audio track then you won't need a powerful server normally because all Emby apps can use that format directly. If however you don't prepare your media ahead of time like this or if you don't have adequate bandwidth between the client and server to play the media AS IS then the Emby Server will assist you by transcoding (converting) your media on the fly in real-time.

Transcoding is the process where media is converted from one resolution or format to another (e.g. playing Full HD media on some smartphones requires transcoding). The process is CPU-intensive, so an older/slower PC might not be up to the task.

Windows, Mac, Linux, or FreeBSD computer

Minimum Requirements — no transcoding

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor 1.6 GHz or better
• At least 1GB RAM for Windows/Mac OS X
• At least 512MB RAM for Linux
• Windows: Vista or later
• OS X: MacOS 10.13 or later
• Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS or SuSE Linux

Recommended Configuration — transcoding HD Content:

Emby Server Os X

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.4 GHz or better
• If transcoding for multiple devices, a faster CPU may be required
• At least 2GB RAM
• Windows: Vista or later
• OS X: MacOS 10.13 or later
• Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS or SuSE Linux

NOTE: Emby also supports Hardware Based Transcoding using a GPU/Video card (if new enough). This can substantially reduce the CPU requirements needed for multiple transcodes in real-time! This allows the server to support numerous clients at the same time without your computer's CPU being overworked. Some GPUs can support 20+ streams. That's in addition to the streams your Emby server can handle without transcoding!

Network Requirements

Minimum requirements

• An ADSL/Cable/WiFi Internet connection for media metadata and software updates
• Uncongested WIFI with a strong signal using 802.11n wireless network OR
• Wired Ethernet network

Recommended configuration

• An ADSL/Cable/WiFi Internet connection for media metadata and software updates
• 10 Meganit upload bandwidth (minimum) if serving content remotely
• Uncongested, WIFI with strong signal using 802.11AC wireless network
• Wired Gigabit Ethernet network

Making your digital media accessible throughout your home involves two things: a media server for managing the files via a media library, and a home theatre app for browsing and playing your media on other devices, from tablets and phones to smart TVs and set-top boxes. The concept is nothing new, as veteran users of XBMC and Plex will attest.

Emby offers a compelling alternative to Plex, and packages some unique features. There's a similar web-based interface to Plex, although the setup wizard is more user-friendly. It offers a polished user interface, adds lots of useful detail to your media by downloading metadata and artwork via internet “scrapers” and includes extra features such as multi-user access, playback on a wide range of devices and – if you upgrade to the Emby Premiere option (prices start from $4.99 a month) – lots more too, including live TV and DVR facilities.

The most notable unique feature is multi-user support – this allows you to set up family and friends with their own customised (and restricted in the case of children) access to your library, with the ability to tweak certain playback settings to their personal tastes.

Configuration and management is remarkably simple - after the user-friendly setup wizard you'll find yourself at the Emby Server dashboard. From here, configuring and fine-tuning your media server is simplicity itself: set up those user accounts, download and install plugins to add extra functionality and tweak DLNA settings, all while you wait for the initial library scan to complete.

Click the Home button in the top left-hand corner, and you can browse your library for material to view and watch directly from your web browser. More importantly, your server will also be visible to any DLNA device, but for best results seek out the Media Browser mobile app for Android, iPhone, iPad or Windows 8, or install Emby Theater for your Windows PC. You’ll also find plugins for Windows Media Center, Media Portal and XBMC if you’re wedded to those devices.

And that’s it – all of your media, accessible from just about any device in your home.

What’s new in Emby Server 4.0?
+ New Live TV Guide data for US, Canada and UK (Premiere subscribers only)
+ Upgraded database promises improved scan performance
+ Rebuilt hardware acceleration with better support across all major GPU platforms
+ Transcode throttling reinstated
+ Telemetry and Anonymous Usage reporting removed
+ Improved Search
+ Multi-resolution TV shows

Verdict:

Emby For Os X Downloads

A decent alternative to Plex, and while Emby is a tad less user-friendly once it's up and running, you do get infinitely more options for managing your libraries and sharing them with others.