Tdarr

Tdarr is a distributed, cross-platform system for automating video/audio transcoding and remuxing across one or more machines. It combines media library analytics, video health checking, and rule-based processing via a modular plugin stack, typically used to standardize codecs, containers, audio tracks, and subtitles.

Key Features

• Server/node architecture to distribute work across multiple machines (including heterogeneous hardware)
• CPU and GPU workers for transcoding and health checks
• Automation using FFmpeg or HandBrake for transcode and remux workflows
• Plugin stack system (JavaScript-based) with conditional filters and actions for per-library processing rules
• Folder watching, scheduling (24/7 with per-library schedules), and worker stall detection
• Media library analytics, property explorer, and searching files by many technical properties
• Load balancing between libraries/drives and job reporting/history

Use Cases

• Bulk convert libraries (for example, H.264 to H.265/HEVC) to reduce storage usage
• Standardize containers/codecs/audio/subtitle streams to improve direct play compatibility
• Run automated health checks and cleanup actions across large media collections

Limitations and Considerations

• Correct results depend heavily on plugin stack design; misconfigured rules can lead to unwanted transcodes or removals
• GPU acceleration and hardware transcoding require compatible hardware and proper runtime/container configuration

Tdarr is well-suited for homelabs and media servers that need consistent, automated processing at scale. Its distributed design and plugin-based rules make it flexible for both simple conversions and complex library standardization workflows.