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• Version 5.2 is now available

  diddy • 4 hours ago • 0 comments

  Project Update: Enhanced Media Automation & Robust Transcoding

  The mkv-2-mp4.sh script, which runs as a scheduled midnight systemd task, has been overhauled to improve automation, reliability, and hardware efficiency. This script acts as the "cleanup crew" for the Mini Pi Media Server, ensuring all new downloads are standardized for DLNA streaming.

  Key Features of this Update:

  • Intelligent "Promotion" Phase: The script now automatically scans Transmission download subfolders. If a folder contains exactly one video file, it "promotes" it to the main library, deletes the leftover clutter (NFOs, samples, etc.), and removes the empty directory.
  • Power-Loss Protection: To prevent file corruption during a power failure, the script now uses a PROMOTING_ or CONVERTING_ prefix for temporary files. The final filename is only applied upon successful completion of the move or transcode.
  • Adaptive Hardware Encoding: It leverages the Raspberry Pi's hardware acceleration (h264_v4l2m2m). The script now calculates an adaptive bitrate—aiming for 70% of the source quality—to balance file size and visual fidelity dynamically.
  • Smart Fallback Logic: If the hardware encoder fails , busy or running on a Raspberry Pi 5, the script automatically falls back to a multi-threaded software encode (libx264) with a specialized mobile-friendly resolution (960x540) to ensure the task finishes.
  • Automated Library Maintenance: After processing, the script handles the "housekeeping" by resetting permissions for the minidlna user and restarting the service to trigger an immediate library re-index.

  Workflow Logic:

  1. Locking: Prevents multiple instances from running simultaneously.
  2. Stream Copying: If the source is already H.264/AAC, it copies the streams without re-encoding to preserve 100% quality and save CPU.
  3. Cleanup: Automatically deletes the original .mkv files only after a successful .mp4 conversion is verified.

  You can download / upgrade by running the following on the Raspberry Pi (either SSH into the Pi or on the actual Pi) :-

  wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/diddy-boy/mini-pi-media-server/main/install.sh | bash

• Mini-Pi Media server in the car

  diddy • 04/07/2026 at 18:21 • 0 comments

  Multiple streaming to two tablets in the car all from the Pi zero 2 w running from the cars electrics

• Version 5.1 is now available

  diddy • 04/01/2026 at 22:43 • 0 comments

  Version 5.1 is out

  Fixes for displaying on mobile devices

  Fixed small bug with titlebar icon not displaying

  added a couple more background pictures that can be set.

  Added a recently viewed list to the file listing view based on previous use.

  You can download / upgrade by running the following on the Raspberry Pi (either SSH into the Pi or on the actual Pi) by copying :-

  wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/diddy-boy/mini-pi-media-server/main/install.sh | bash

• Quick FAQ

  diddy • 03/13/2026 at 08:31 • 0 comments

  Mini-Pi Media Server: Quick FAQ

  • Q: Which Raspberry Pi models are supported?
    • A: It is highly optimized for the Pi Zero 2 W (£14), but fully supports Pi 3, 4, and 5.
  • Q: Can I use an external hard drive?
    • A: Yes but only to synchronise from! The project includes an Auto-USB sync feature. Plug in a drive with "Video", "Music", or "Pictures" folders, and it will automatically sync media into the pi's media library.
  • Q: Does it support 4K?
    • A: The Zero 2 W handles 1080p HD effortlessly (up to 4 streams). For 4K, we recommend using a Pi 4 or 5 with an Ethernet connection. Streaming over wifi at this bandwidth is just asking for pain.
  •  Q: Do I need to be a Linux expert to install it?
    • A: No. It’s a one-command install. Just run the script from our GitHub and it handles the entire stack setup for you.
  • Q: How do I manage the server?
    • A: It comes with Cockpit Web Admin pre-installed. You can manage files, check system health, and terminal into the Pi directly from your web browser—no SSH knowledge required.

• Beating the Pi Price Hike: Why 512MB is all you need for HD Streaming

  diddy • 03/13/2026 at 08:11 • 0 comments

  With the recent news of a second price spike for high-RAM Raspberry Pi models, many makers are feeling priced out of the home server hobby. If you’re looking at a £100+ price tag for a Pi 5 just to stream some movies, I have some good news: You're overspending.

  I captured this screenshot from the Mini-Pi's Cockpit dashboard during a stress test.

  The Setup:

  • Hardware: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (£14).
  • Load: 4 separate devices (Tablets/Phones) all streaming different HD content simultaneously.
  • The Result: Look at those metrics!

  The Proof is in the Data:

  • CPU Load: A staggering 0.01 average. The quad-core 64-bit chip in the Zero 2 W isn't even breaking a sweat.
  • Memory: Despite having "only" 512MB of RAM, the system still has 232MB available. My software stack is tuned to ensure the OS doesn't bloat, leaving plenty of room for MiniDLNA and Samba to do their jobs.
  • Temperature: Running cool at 38°C in a Flirc case—no expensive active cooling or massive heatsinks required.

  Stop Paying the "AI Tax"

  The price hikes on the Pi 4 and 5 are driven by global demand for high-density LPDDR4 RAM used in AI. But a media server doesn't need 8GB of RAM to move packets of video data.

  Mini-Pi proves that with the right software optimization, the £14 Zero 2 W is still the undisputed Budget King of home media.

  Don't upgrade your hardware—optimize your software.

• Architecture Diagram layout

  diddy • 03/07/2026 at 10:57 • 0 comments

• Mini Pi Media Server: Version 5 is Here!

  diddy • 03/06/2026 at 22:27 • 0 comments

  Version 5 introduces a major overhaul with a focus on a cleaner UI, better performance, and expanded features.

  What’s New?

  • Fresh Branding: A new "Pi-Play" logo now serves as the default background for new browser visits.
  • Refined UI:
    • Smoother Transitions: Polished animations when changing backgrounds.
    • Reduced Bloat: Optimized index.html for faster loading.
    • Stealth Mode: Click the branding logo to toggle the visibility of the "Easy Connect," "Select Background," and "System Status" buttons for a minimalist look.
  • Integrated Torrent Downloader: A built-in way to manage downloads directly from the dashboard.

  • Improved Installer: Optimized scripts for seamless version upgrades.

  How to Use the Torrent Downloader

  1. Navigate to Downloads on your dashboard.
  2. Login: Use username pi and password pi.
  3. Add Torrents: Click the Add Folder icon on the left, paste your magnet/torrent link, and you're set.
  4. Automation: The system downloads in the background (you can close the tab) and automatically saves files to your Video folder.

  Pro Tip: To organize your library, select Manage Server to enter Cockpit. Use the Navigator to browse to /var/lib/minidlna/Video to rename or move files. The Media Scraper runs daily at 5:00 AM to fetch metadata for your new content.

  Disclaimer: This tool is intended for legitimate use cases. The developer is not liable for how users choose to utilize this software.

  Download or Upgrade Now

  Run the following command in your terminal (via SSH or directly on the Pi) to launch the installer:

  wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/diddy-boy/mini-pi-media-server/main/install.sh | bash

• Mini-Pi Media Server v5.0 – UI Overhaul in Progress

  diddy • 03/04/2026 at 11:14 • 0 comments

  Mini-Pi Media Server v5.0 – A Complete UI Overhaul

  Version 5.0 marks a major milestone for the Mini-Pi Media Server project. This isn’t just another incremental update — it’s a full visual and user-experience redesign aimed at making the system feel less like a collection of scripts and more like a polished media appliance.

  The new interface introduces smooth focus and fade transitions inspired by modern living-room media platforms, giving the home screen a clean, cinematic feel. Navigation between Media, Torrent Downloader, and Web Server management now flows with subtle animations rather than hard page switches.

  Background customization has also been upgraded with seamless cross-fade transitions, replacing abrupt image changes with a more refined visual experience.

  System feedback has been reimagined as well. Status popups now use a glass-style aesthetic, and the system load indicator LED has been enhanced to pulse and change colour dynamically based on real-time CPU usage — turning raw metrics into ambient visual feedback.

  To keep the interface clean, secondary controls such as “Select Background” and “Easy Connect” are now tucked behind the branded icon, creating a simplified front page while still keeping advanced features easily accessible.

  In addition to the UI redesign, Version 5.0 integrates a built-in torrent downloader that writes directly to the MiniDLNA video directory. Newly downloaded content becomes instantly available to the DLNA server, Samba shares, and the Apache web interface — creating a seamless download-to-stream pipeline.

  Version 5.0 represents a shift in philosophy for the project: from functional media server to refined, self-contained media appliance.

  More screenshots and details coming soon.

• version bump to 4.72

  diddy • 02/26/2026 at 09:34 • 0 comments

  Just a small update to version 4.72

  Fixed a small logic bomb in the version.txt that wasn't being written correctly to the apache web directory on install / upgrade. Result was that every user was notified of an update which they were already on.
  
  this has also given me the chance to set the 'Easy Connect' button size and spacing correctly on the main page

  You can download / upgrade by running the following on the Raspberry Pi (either SSH into the Pi or on the actual Pi) :-

  wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/diddy-boy/mini-pi-media-server/main/install.sh | bash

• Version 4.7 is out and its a big update

  diddy • 02/24/2026 at 20:47 • 0 comments

  Version 4.7 is now available with the following :-
  
  Fixed popup for USB syncing (the backend was working and Rsyncing data)

  Now comes with 'Easy Connect' Technology..... well actually just QR code generation for connecting to the Pi WIFI Access point via camera on a mobile device or tablet.

  Added an Upload button for Music, Video OR Pictures folder. Only upload supported file types.

  Version update check once a week, users will be notified on the main web page if there is a newer version with a link this this hackaday page for future instructions.

  Also added a zoom in view on page opening and fade out when selecting to View Media Files or Manage Server

  You can download / upgrade by running the following on the Raspberry Pi (either SSH into the Pi or on the actual Pi) :-

  wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/diddy-boy/mini-pi-media-server/main/install.sh | bash

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