Plex often transcodes video when a playback device can’t handle the original codec, resolution, or bitrate. This process is CPU-heavy and can cause buffering if multiple users are streaming. Older ...

Hardware transcoding unlike software transcoding, relies on the server’s CPU to convert media files into different formats, hardware transcoding offloads this intensive task to a dedicated component ...

So I'm going to be picking up a TCL 40S305 40" TV with Roku built in this evening. Target has it for $250, with 10% off via their Cartwheel app (which will promptly get uninstalled!). What a price.