The ability to link media providers and define them as lossless or lossy, potentially auto switching when on wifi. Directories would share metadata and representation in the library.
Problem solved
Playlists break when switching media providers even if the libraries are identical, favourite status isn’t shared etc.
Brought benefits
Streamlines library curation when being data/bandwidth consious and having a preference for lossless audio quality when able.
Ooh good one, but am self hosting and would like to avoid processing. Though pre-caching may be an option meaning I’d only have to do an initial process. Sharing metadata across directories seems the simplest option, just not sure how to achieve it yet.
I have achieved more or less what you are describing by setting Symfonium to only transcode when not on home WiFi. Transcoding to Opus uses virtually zero processing and playback of tracks is almost instant, file sizes are also reduced.
I have to agree with Tolriq, that storage costs in today’s economy for duplicates much outweighs the small performance penalty.
My guess is you want lossless at home and transcode when remote? By setting any other WiFi (not home) to a metered connection, you can also transcode when on public WiFi for example. Or if accessing your music via VPN set treat VPN connections as mobile.
