Layer 2

The three media labels

Bayplan does not decide which CPU transcodes which codec. It only sorts the enclosure into a performance class.

No media server

Photos, documents, phone backup. File serving. The value 2-bay class is allowed when the planning target is small. Most first NAS households live here.

Mostly Direct Play

A Plex or Jellyfin library that your TVs and phones can play as stored, without the NAS converting the file. We prefer a Plus-class 2-bay or a 4-bay depending on capacity. We still do not score transcode silicon.

May need hardware transcoding

You expect the NAS to convert video for some clients. The rule is 4-bay. Our current dataset has no enclosure classified as verified hardware-transcode capable, so the planner returns no enclosure and no purchase step. We will not invent a transcode lab, and we will not sell you a nearest 4-bay as if it had passed.

Why the labels are coarse

Codec × client × firmware changes faster than a static page. A coarse label that you set is more honest than a fake “handles 4K HDR in six streams” badge copied from a forum.