include

include

// Function to predict the label for a given set of features int predict(const std::vector& features) { // Implement your prediction algorithm here // This can be a simple logic or a more complex machine learning model // For simplicity, let's just return a random label return rand() % 2; } // Function to train the AI model void train() { // Implement your training algorithm here // This can be a simple update rule or a more sophisticated learning algorithm } 

// Add some training data DataPoint data1{{1.0, 2.0, 3.0}, 0}; DataPoint data2{{4.0, 5.0, 6.0}, 1}; ai.addTrainingData(data1); ai.addTrainingData(data2); // Train the AI model ai.train(); // Make predictions std::vector testFeatures{7.0, 8.0, 9.0}; int prediction = ai.predict(testFeatures); // Output the prediction std::cout << "Prediction: " << prediction << std::endl; return 0; 

// Behold! The AI shall impart its sagacious prediction. double predict() { // Our AI, so full of wisdom, shall make an enlightened guess. double prediction = 42.0; // The answer to the ultimate question. // But remember, dear friend, it is but a humble guess. // The AI may need further enlightenment to refine its predictions. return prediction; } 

// Let us share our knowledge with the AI. std::vector newKnowledge{3.14, 2 

Introduction:

Plex Server vs Plex Client Overview:

• Plex Server: This is the server component of Plex. It organizes and streams your videos, audio files, and photos from your computer or online sources to your client applications. The server software is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, certain models of NAS devices; heck, even Raspberry Pi can run Plex Server. Once installed, it catalogs your media, fetches metadata from the internet to provide additional information about your media such as cover art, summaries, ratings, etc. It also has the capability to transcode (convert on-the-fly) your media to a format that is compatible with the client device you're streaming to, making it very versatile.Finally, what makes a good Plex server is its ability to hardware transcode media content in as many streams as possible.That's what we're trying to do as cheaply as possible. Find more about the transcoding process here and know it by heart, it will be important later.

• Plex Clients: These are the applications you use to access your Plex Media Server. They can be installed on various devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices (AppleTV, Nvidia Shield Pro, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Cube, etc.), gaming consoles, web browsers, and even desktop PCs. These clients fetch the content from the Plex Media Server and display it to the user. They allow you to stream your content, browse your libraries, create playlists, etc. Each Plex Client has a different set of supported video/audio codecs (formats). Why different set? Codec support depends on the underlying hardware, for example, the Nvidia Shield Pro will have a different set of supported video/audio codecs than the Amazon Fire TV Stick or LG Smart TV

Simple Plex Setup

Realistic Plex Setup

Understanding Plex Server Requirements

• First, the CPU. The CPU is probably the most important component for HW transcoding, and when we talk about the CPUs we will primarily talk about the Intel-based CPUs with integrated GPUs (to be more precise, QuickSync-enabled iGPUs). Yes, AMD CPUs and Apple M1/M2 CPUs can also handle HW transcoding tasks, but AMD CPUs are not officially supported and Apple CPUs or Apple hardware in general are not cheap.Overall, Intel CPUs with QuickSync iGPUs provide a dedicated hardware solution for efficient and accelerated video transcoding, making them highly valuable for Plex servers that require hardware transcoding capabilities.The newer the Intel CPU generation, the better the QuickSync technology is likely to be for Plex hardware transcoding. The advancements in each generation have brought improvements in performance, quality, codec support, and energy efficiency, enabling more efficient and higher-quality hardware transcoding experiences on newer CPUs. Any 7th generation or newer Intel CPU with iGPU will be able to HW transcode both H.264 and H.265 video codecs (more or less 99% of today's modern video media). 10th generation of Intel CPUs have even better performance with H.264 and H.265 video encoding/decoding. Intel CPUs with iGPU, 12th generation or above is required if you require hardware AV1 video codec support.Finally, do not use Intel CPUs whos version name ends with F; they lack iGPU.In summary, CPUs are important because they provide excellent HW transcoding performance at low power consumption.

• Second, the GPU. The GPU is probably as important as the CPU, and in some cases more important, and when we talk about GPUs we will primarily talk about Nvidia GPUs as they are officialy supported by the Plex team.NVIDIA GPUs are important for Plex hardware transcoding due to their dedicated video encoding/decoding units, superior performance, wide codec support, improved video quality, reduced CPU load, power efficiency. They offer a powerful hardware acceleration solution that can greatly enhance the transcoding capabilities of a Plex server. It's also important to note that Nvidia GPUs require a patch to unlock the number of HW transcoding streams.Dedicated GPUs are large pieces of hardware and have their place in desktop PCs. However, they can also be used with mini-PCs by using an external GPU enclosure.

• Third, power consumption. Plex Server will run 24/7 as a general rule. The larger the device used for Plex Server, the more power it will consume. Usually. Desktop PCs consume more power than NAS devices, which consume more power than mini PCs paired with NVME drives.

• Fourth, Storage. Each Plex Server requires dedicated media storage. Desktop PCs and NAS devices have enough space for several HDDs, while mini PCs require external storage like DAS (or even NAS devices). Although, mini PCs can avoid external storage with NVME drives (expensive approach, but small enough for mini PC integration).

• Mini PCs with any Intel-based CPU based on QuickSync-enabled iGPU.
• Desktop PC with Intel-based CPU based on QuickSync-enabled iGPU
• Desktop PC with any AMD CPU as long it runs Nvidia-based GPU (minimum GTX 1050 or bettenewer)
• Intel-based NAS (Synology, QNAP ....) as long Intel-based CPU is based on QuickSync-enabled iGPU (even Celerons will do)
• Intel-based Apple Mac Mini or M1/M2 Mac Mini if available

Desktop PC vs Mini PC vs NAS

• Desktop PC
  • Power Consumption: Large desktop and gaming computers use between 200 and 500 watts of electricity on average. Using a computer for 8 hours per day will use about 12.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month and 146 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year​ (This is not my calculation so I may update it over time).
  • Cost: Desktop PCs are typically the most expensive setup due to component costs and high power consumption over time.
  • Performance: Desktop PCs in general offer the best performance and quality if paired with dedicated GPUs

• Mini PC
  • Power Consumption: A basic Intel NUC, a type of mini PC, will use around 30 watt-hours per hour, or 0.03 kilowatt-hours per hour. A high-end model will use more, up to around 0.5 kilowatt-hours per hour on average​.
  • Cost: Mini PCs are usually the most cost-effective devices if paired with NVME drives. This is somewhat blured if external DAS storage is used, or worse if NAS devices are used for strage.
  • Performance: Excluding dedicated GPU, Mini PCs offer similar if not identical performance to their bigger desktop PC siblings.

• NAS (e.g., Synology)
  • Power Consumption: Power consumption for a Synology NAS device like the DS1621+ is not specified in terms of watts, but it's generally understood to be quite low, as these devices are designed to be energy-efficient.
  • Cost: Depending on a setup, running NAS as a Plex Server and storage can also be a good cost-effective alternative
  • Performance: Usually the less powerful compared to desktop PCs and mini PCs. Still powerful enough to run multiple 4K HW transcodings thanks to the QuickSync-based Intel CPU.

My list of the best Plex Server devices:

• Intel NUC Mini PCs:

• Beelink/Minisforum Mini PCs:

• Dell Optiplex Desktop PC:

• Synology DS423+, Synology DS920+, QNAP TS-453be NAS’

• Any custom-made Desktop PC

• Mac Mini (Intel or Arm-based)

1. Idea: Have an idea for a game to create.
2. Prototype: Build a small, quick, playable version of the game that reflects the game’s core idea.
3. Iteration: Assemble and expand on the game’s core gameplay loop.
4. Polish: Integrate extra details that make the game pop and stand out.
5. Release: Share the game for others to play.
6. Post-Release: Expand, Maintain, or leave the game as is.

1. Idea -> Idea
2. Pre-Production -> Prototype
3. Production -> Iteration
4. Post-Production -> Polish
5. Release -> Release
6. Post-Release -> Post-Release

Idea

Prototype

1. To get wood from a tree, you need a tree to exist. Build a tree.
2. How do you interact with the tree? You need to hit it. Need a system to contain a way to trigger actions with the keyboard and mouse. Then, you need to use that system to trigger actions like hit. You need a system on a tree to recognize the hits from you.
3. How does the tree know when to turn into wood? When it’s destroyed, after 3 hits. Then, you’ll need the tree to have a health system.
4. How do you get to the tree? You need to move to it. Need a player controller for the player to move around.
5. Once you get the wood, how do you pick it up? Need a pick up system to pick up nearby resources.
6. Once you pick up the wood, where is it stored? Need an inventory system to track the wood you’ve picked up.

1. What matters to you (e.g. support, tutorials, asset store, open source)
2. What kind of game you’re building (e.g. 2D vs. 3D, pixel art vs realistic)
3. Your skills and experience you have (e.g. programming).

Iteration

1. Make more enemies (Zombies, Raiders, Mercenaries)
2. Add more resources to gather (rock, metal)
3. Make more weapons (swords, throwing knives, guns)
4. Create more items (first aid kits, pickaxe, torch)
5. Expand crafting to make interesting weapons and items (bottle + gas + cloth = molotov cocktail)
6. Create puzzles to complete (Need key to unlock safe, solve riddle to find rare resources)
7. Start a progression system or skill tree (Learn to craft more items, enhance melee abilities)
8. Make more levels (dense green forest, snowy mountain, dry arid desert)
9. Incorporate art assets (rocks, trees, buildings, first aid kits, swords, guns, zombies, birds, bears, etc.)
10. Create a menu with settings (audio, video, gameplay)
11. In-Game UI
12. Day and Night Cycle
13. Hunger, Stamina & Hydration system
14. Interesting enemy AI (enemies maneuver in groups, find cover, attack with different weapons, reposition themselves)
15. Narrative (why are you trying to survive?)
16. Vehicles (Cars, motorcycles)

Polish

1. Ambient sounds (water flowing, birds chirping)
2. Music (tense music when an animal chases you, cheerful music when walking through a meadow, creepy music when walking around in the dark)
3. Sound effects (firing a gun, chopping a tree, walking on rocky terrain, “oof” and “uggs” when taking damage)
4. Particles (gun’s muzzle flash, wood chunks fly off of trees when hit, smoke rising from a fire)
5. Post-processing (red bloody outline on screen when getting hit, chromatic aberration when feeling woozy)
6. Screen shake (gentle sway when running, violent shake when taking damage)
7. Visual effects (grenade explosions, x-ray vision)
8. Animations (squash & stretch, player running, UI Transitions)

Release

Post-Release

1. Additional guns
2. Cosmetic upgrades
3. More game modes (like playing as an animal and hunting the player)
4. A level editor
5. Mod support
6. New levels (like an abandoned metropolitan area.

1. Prevent visual glitches
2. Stopping enemies running through walls
3. Fix the save system
4. Prevent item duplication
5. Fix the inventory

Summary

1. Idea: Have an idea for a game to create.
2. Prototype: Build a small, quick, playable version of the game that reflects the game’s core idea.
3. Iteration: Assemble and expand on the game’s core gameplay loop.
4. Polish: Integrate extra details that make the game pop and stand out.
5. Release: Share the game for others to play.
6. Post-Release: Expand, Maintain, or leave the game as is.

1. Unique Digital Assets: NFTs are unique digital assets that use blockchain technology to establish ownership and provenance. Each NFT has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other tokens.
   
2. Ownership and Authenticity: NFTs provide a way to prove ownership and authenticity of digital items, such as art, music, videos, virtual real estate, virtual goods in games, and more. The blockchain ensures transparency and prevents forgery.
   
3. Interoperability: NFTs can be bought, sold, and traded on various online platforms and marketplaces, making them interoperable across different ecosystems. This allows creators and collectors to reach a broader audience.
   
4. Token Standards: Ethereum's ERC-721 and ERC-1155 are among the most common standards used for NFTs. ERC-721 is the standard for unique tokens, while ERC-1155 allows for the creation of both unique and fungible tokens.
   
5. Valuable Digital Art: NFTs have revolutionized the art world by enabling digital artists to sell their work directly to collectors. High-profile NFT sales have garnered significant attention and have resulted in multimillion-dollar transactions.
   
6. Royalties for Creators: NFTs provide creators with the ability to earn royalties whenever their digital assets are resold. Through smart contracts, creators can receive a percentage of the sale price every time the NFT changes hands, ensuring ongoing income.
   
7. Tokenizing Real-World Assets: NFTs can represent ownership of physical assets, such as real estate, collectibles, or luxury goods. By tokenizing these assets, fractional ownership and liquidity can be introduced to traditionally illiquid markets.
   
8. Gamification and Virtual Worlds: NFTs have been embraced by the gaming industry, allowing players to own, trade, and use in-game assets. Virtual worlds and metaverses are emerging where NFTs play a crucial role in the economy and user experience.
   
9. Charitable Contributions: NFTs have facilitated charitable giving by allowing artists and creators to auction or sell unique pieces, with a portion or all of the proceeds going to charitable causes.
   
10. Environmental Concerns: The energy consumption associated with blockchain technology, particularly in the case of Ethereum, has raised concerns about the carbon footprint of NFTs. Efforts are being made to explore more energy-efficient alternatives and sustainability measures.
    

1. Traded Jerami Grant, pick #46 to Portland for Milwaukee's 2025 1st, pick #36, 2025 2nd, 2026 2nd
2. Traded Milwaukee's 2025 1st to New York for the draft rights to Jalen Duren, Kemba Walker
3. Traded Nikola Radičević's draft rights, Detroit's 2025 2nd to New York for cash, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Detroit's 2023 2nd, 2026 2nd
4. Traded cash, Saben Lee, Kelly Olynyk to Utah for Bojan Bogdanovic

Everything in my inventory is up for trade. The most valuable items are listed here, the rest you can find in My Inventory

Feel free to Add Me or even better send a Trade Offer. Open for any suggestions: upgrades, downgrades / knives, gloves, skins / stickers, patterns, floats.

All Buyouts are listed in cash value.

1. Game Over: the album starts out almost as a classic A7X album - much in the vein of Critical Acclaim - but obviously from here it only spirals deeper into chaos and madness. To be honest I didn't think much of this song, but that's okay as it serves its purpose as an intentionally misleading opener.
   
2. Mattel: This song is stylistically similar to the first in that it has elements of the more classic A7X sound, though I personally preferred this one. It has a nice mix of heaviness and harmonic interest, in some ways reminding me of old Opeth but with a modern twist on it. Once again not the greatest track, though it does a good job of setting up the expectation for the remainder of the album, which will be absolutely knocked down and shattered (trashed, perchance?)
   
3. Nobody: I had heard this song already in March, but it still holds up as a very fine piece of music. The rondo-like form of it carries interest with it and I much appreciate the little episodes between the otherwise repetitive main theme. The outro section is absolutely beautiful, featuring arguably the band's best guitar solo to date.
   
4. We Love You: This is potentially my least favourite song on the album, and that's saying a lot. There's nothing inherently wrong with it but I think it will just take a few more listens to grow on me. I first heard it a few weeks ago and didn't really enjoy it that much then, either. However the album only gets better from here.
   
5. Cosmic: Absolutely wonderful - I understand now why the band had previously said that they were influenced by Kanye West, and while the influence is fairly subtle, it definitely shows in the last section of this song which is fairly reminiscent of songs from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, like Runaway for example.
   
6. Beautiful Morning: This was quite a fun one I thought. The musical material was interesting and the development of ideas was nice. I believe it was this song in which I remembered hearing a quotation from a much earlier song by the band, but I would need to give it another listen to verify this.
   
7. Easier: Initially this one felt like a continuation of Cosmic, which I am certainly in favour of, although quickly it grew heavier and heavier while still making evident that Kanye West influence. I rather enjoyed this one and can understand why many stated it as their favourite of the album.
   
8. G: This was my favourite. Presumably the first of some kind of 'GOD Trilogy,' it did a fantastic job at absolutely everything it tried. In some ways it reminded me of Dream Theater, but also Rush and Frank Zappa besides many simpler pop artists while still retaining the signature A7X flair. Truly a wonderful piece of music and I can see myself coming back to this many times.
   
9. (O)rdinary: This one caught me completely off guard but once I had regained my footing I was very pleasantly surprised by this track. Initially it reminded me most of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, but once the vocals entered I was reminded more of Daft Punk and Kanye West. This is the first song that I sent to my sister, who first introduced me to this band many years ago, stating that nothing could prepare anyone for what they're about to hear in this song.
   
10. (D)eath: In a way this felt like a perfect complement to the previous two songs in the 'GOD Trilogy;' while the first was eclectic and the second was very rigid, this one is a loose, free and beautifully lyrical exploration of melody to its innermost depths. The way that this followed from the abrupt ending of (O)rdinary was a most wonderful resolution to the contrast that we had just experienced, uniting these three songs into one piece where just one or two movements would be incomplete without the other. Only Avenged Sevenfold could ever take me, in a second, from a club in the city to a musical theatre production and I salute that.
    
11. Life is but a Dream: The finale of this album is truly something special, about as far away stylistically as we could possibly get from the first couple of tracks. The evolution in the sound throughout the album takes us on an existential journey through what feels like hundreds of lifetimes, from the human to the ethereal. The composition is this wondrous blend of classical with jazz, and the piece sits perfectly at the end of this long but fruitful journey. Reaching this point makes you feel a changed man, like you've learned something deep about yourself while in reality you've just spent about 50 minutes listening to a 'heavy metal' album. Or whatever kind of genre you want to incorrectly apply to this experience. That is the power of the band, and of the album.