What Is Plex and Plex Media Server?
- Philips Media Server Software Mac
- Media Server Software Mac Free
- Media Server Application For Philips Tv
- Universal Media Server Mac
Plex is a service that provides software that can house remotely accessible media files on a computer. These media files can be accessed from anywhere through the internet. It makes a computer over the network, a server that can be accessed from anywhere. Plex server download provides such a system that makes one computer a server for others. It is used to access the stored files such as videos, pictures, and music from other devices.
Turn a Mac mini into a media server with Plex If you have a large media collection, you may want to use a Mac as a dedicated device to run Plex. And the Mac mini is a perfect device for Plex. PS3 Media Server (Windows/Mac/Linux). The PS3 Media Server started out as a project to just transcode and stream media from a computer to a PS3 somewhere on your home network, but it's grown to be. Air Media Server for PC and Mac. Written by App Dynamic. Category: Utilities Release date: 2013-11-15 Licence: Free Software version: 1.2 File size: 5.30 MB Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista and Mac.
Other devices such as mobiles, tablets, and other computers can access it from anywhere. They don’t have to worry about the storage of such media files using the Plex Media Server. Other connected devices can play or stream any video or music from the Plex Media Server. It can also be used to view pictures stored in the server system. The other devices, therefore, don’t have to carry massive files in their designs; they get remote access from anywhere.
A centrally managed system with easy access makes Plex service highly recommended software. Users can create vast libraries of their favorite music and stream it online, just like Spotify. Its easy sharing and easy access make it highly adaptable to customers’ needs. It needs a one-time process of setting up the system for a lifetime. The server needs a one-time configuration, and then it works perfectly from anywhere in the world. There is a step by step easy installation process of Plex Media Server, which is explained below.
Pre Download Preparations for Installing Plex Media Server
Before downloading the Plex Media Server app, there are several preparations users have to make sure. Following steps users should ensure before downloading the app for smooth running.
- Firstly make files in order so that the Plex app can catch the media files. That purpose gathers all media files in a single place like for movies, a separate movie folder. These dramas and seasons a different folder naming drama. Those pictures and songs separate folder too.
- After creating these folders, the Plex system recognizes only those names that are in the standard format. It is a classic movie name first, place its name, then space, then in brackets its year e.g. Frozen2 (2019).mp4.
- This standard TV shows format, the name goes as the TV Show name, space, season number, episode number. For example, it will be like Lucifer s01e01.mp4.
- That TV Shows folder, each Show is placed in a different folder, and each season a separate folder. For example,/TV Shows/Lucifer/season1/Lucifer s01e01.mp4.
After completing these steps, users are ready to initiate the download and start enjoying the remote access of media.
System Requirements to Run Plex Media Server:
Check the system requirements if it is compatible only then proceed to install the Plex Media Server. Some of the needs of the Plex Media Server for smooth running are as follows:
- For Windows, it is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8,1, and Windows 10.
- OS X Mac OS 10.9 Maverick or the latest for OS X computer systems.
- For Linux, it supports CentOS 7 or latest, Debian 8 or latest, Fedora 27 or the latest, SUSE 15 or the latest, and Ubuntu 16.04 or the latest.
- CPU should be at least core i3 or more, but it should not be less than it. A slower system will slow the Plex Media Server, and it will cause buffering. The processor matters when more users are accessing the Plex Media Server at once.
- RAM should be at least 2GB for smooth running; the more, the better but not less than 2 GB.
Initiating Installation of Plex Media Server
After ensuring settings, the Plex Server download is ready for download. Users can browse to Plex server download website and initiate the download of the Plex Media installer. It is available for almost all platforms, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, NAS devices. Scroll to the download page, select the required forum, and click on the download button. It will initiate the download of the installer of the Plex Media Server into the computer. For other devices, Plex App is available, which enables users to access the media server. Users can download the Plex player App also from the same downloads page. The server comes in browser-accessible Plex Web app, but other devices need the player app to access the files.
There are apps available for different platforms such as:
- For Desktop computers: Plex Home Theater, which is available to both Windows and OS X. Windows App store also has the Plex app, which can be downloaded from there too.
- For mobile phones and tablets, whether Android, IOS, or Windows Plex app is available for all the platforms.
- Other devices, such as the Smart TV Plex app, are also available. It runs Apple TV, Android TV, game consoles, Roku, and many other Smart TVs are also included.
All these devices can access media files located at any server by installing the Plex media player app.
Installation Process of Plex Media Server
As the server is available for many platforms, so each forum has a different installation process to follow. We will start with the Windows platform as it is the most widely used computer system software.
Each step should be followed the same to complete installation of Plex Media Server without structure:
- First of all, download the windows installer file, which ends in .exe. After that, click on the run and start the installer.
- The standard installation method then follows, which is the same. Complete the installation process.
- At the end of the installation method, a launch button will appear. Click on that button, and Plex Media Server will launch. If you skip this part, then you can access the Plex Media Server from the start programs and throw it.
- The Plex Media Server will add an icon in the tray bar; it can be accessed through that bar.
OS X system process of installation is a little different from that of windows. It has the following steps to install it successfully.
- First of all, download the Plex Media Server .zip file from the website download section.
- I was unzipping the file will layout the Plex Media Server app.
- Open the application and move it in the applications folder.
- Launch the Plex Media Server from that application folder.
- For configuration and setup of the server system, it is accessible from the menu bar in Mac represented by “>.”
Linux System Installation Process for Plex Media Server
Linux systems have multiple software; for each one, a different process is to be followed for the installation. After a successful installation, it can be updated regularly via the repository. For Ubuntu, the process is as follows:
- First of all, download the .deb package
- Run the file by replacing the last name of the file by the one download.
- For server setup on the same computer on which it is downloaded, then go to this address http://127.0.0.1:32400/web.
For Fedora/CentOS operating systems, the procedure to download the file is the same as Ubuntu.
It has the following steps.
- Download the .rpm package from the Plex Media Server download page.
- Run the downloaded file and install the app. The installation process in all operating systems is the same.
- To set up the server on the operating system where the app is downloaded. Follow the same process as done in the Ubuntu server setup and go to http://127.0.0.1:32400/web.
For NAS Devices Plex Media Server is Installed and enjoyed by accessing media files from far off places.
The appropriate procedure for downloading it and running it is as follows.
- First of all look from the appropriate installation package as per the requirements of your device. Download the file type compatible with the NAS system.
- NAS producers’ procedure of installation is then followed to install the Plex Media Server successfully.
Server Setup System Configuration
Before going in for configuration make your media files organized and named properly. The Setup Wizard helps you through step by step process of Plex Media Server Configuration. You need an account to sign in the Plex Media Server. If you have an account already made then sign in using it. If you don’t have a plex account, go to the Plex website sign up for an account.
You can choose an account type while signing up. It means you can either have free Plex service or the paid Plex account service for enjoying extra services. You can create an account on the website by entering email, username and other required things. Once an account is made and verified you can use this account to sign in the Plex Media Server.
One of the best features offered by Plex is free to access to free cloud service. The free cloud can be accessed over the internet to stream media files on the server. Each device connected with the server can access the media files that are stored in the cloud from anywhere. Server Setup then needs some basic information from the users, input all the information accordingly. Setup Wizard will ask you to give a name to the server.
The server name identifies your server when there is more than one server attached to the same network. A name is given to each server so whenever it is accessed the other device recognizes the server. For example, if you give a name to your server as Alex, it will be accessed as Movies (Alex Server). Any name is usable and if it is not named then automatically it is named of the network.
Setup Wizard Procedure:
A checkbox is shown at the setup wizard which is at the option of users to either. It says allow me to access my media outside my home. This allows Plex to access your media when outside. This feature allows you to get access to your media files remotely. Other people using the Plex can also access media files outside the network. It is not a requirement but ticking this makes the Plex experience more robust. As discussed earlier organizing the media files in the operating system is necessary for smooth running. All media files should be categorized and named properly and placed in their respective folders. Plex Media Server to operate optimally requires media libraries to be created in the recognized file type.
There are following file types for recognition in the Plex system.
- TV Shows
- Videos
- Music
- Photos
These file types are categorized and named in the said manner for recognition. The users can add libraries to each of these folders of their choice. These libraries when made become available on the Plex network. It is accessible from anywhere in the world if the Plex media is allowed on cloud network. Plex Server Setup is customizable and gives maximum customization according to the requirements of the users.
How to Add Library in Plex Server
Adding a library in Plex Media Server is easy. Tap the Add Library button, and then choose the Library type. Use the standard name or customize the library name according to you. Then click on the Next button.
Then click Add Folder, and then browse to the folder which you want to add. Click on Add once there and you can add multiple folders for the same library. You can set advanced options if you need more customization. Once all this process is completed then clicks on the Add Library button. It will promptly add a new library to the Plex database.
This library is then made available to be used from anywhere on the network. It will also be available over the internet if you gave permission to access media files outside the network also. This completes the Plex Server download setup and all the files are now available. The server is then ready to scan all the files in the media server and it may take time.
The server scans all the files on the libraries and uploads them to be used. Users can enjoy their favorite shows then once the scanning is complete.
We all are fond of music and videos and everybody has its own collection of media files both on computers and smartphones. But you can’t carry every time your huge collection of movies, songs, and other media files with you. In such a situation, the home media server comes in handy. There are a bunch of best open source media server software available online that can set up on your own personal home computer. You can store all your media files at one place on the media server and can access it remotely or locally using the computer or smartphone. For example, you are out of town and want to access your movies or music, what you will do, just take out your smartphone enter your home media server address, and boom!! Using media servers you can create your own personal YouTube, Netflix, and Vimeo. Some Media servers based on lightweight Linux, which means to save electricity and other resources you can install them on Rasberry Pi.
Best Opensource Media server for Linux, Mac, or WindowsOSMC Media Center
Best Opensource Media server for Linux, Mac, or Windows
Here we have listed Free and Open source Media server software that can be work on both Linux and Windows.
PLEX Media Server (Freemium, not opensource)
We already have a done couple of articles on Plex and it really has some great features that allow it in our best media server list. The Plex Media Server is available for a variety of platforms such as Windows, Linux, Mac, Docker, and third-party NAS (network-attached storage device) Synology, Qnap, Netgear, Seagate, and more… https://politicstree545.weebly.com/good-photo-viewer-app-for-mac.html.
The Plex media server is not an open-source instead of a freemium software and offers some features on a subscription base only. However, still here because of easy to use and install capabilities.
Whereas the Plex player comes under both freemium and open source license GPL v2. Due to its vast range of devices support the Plex continuously gaining its popularity as a media streamer.
The Plex media server is based on a client-server model. It offers a wide range of client apps for different devices to support and stream its media server content easily. The Plex app is available for Android, Web, Windows, Kodi, Windows Phone, TiVo, SONOS, Android TV, Chrome cast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, Roku, Nvidia Shield, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 & 4 and Smart TV.
Top apps 2018 mac. Plex Media Server Features:
- Account management
- Support all format videos and audios
- iOS, Windows, and Android Mobile platform support
- Privacy and security
- Media Libraries Sharing
- No Storage Limit
- Online channels
- Live TV
- Plex cloud
- Mobile and Cloud Sync
- Parental control
- Audio Fingerprinting
- Remote Controls
- Media Optimizer and more…
If you are interested in PLEX, also see: How To setup Plex Media Server on Ubuntu Linux.
Kodi Open Source Home Theater Software
Kodi 100% Opensource Media center software that stores all your digital media files at one place like Plex and gives you a beautiful interface to access them. The Kodi was previously known as Xbox Media center or XMBC. Kodi provides a bit different media server software approach. It works more as a local media streamer rather functions a server-client relationship like PLEX. It was developed as an XMBC open-source media center and still distributed under open source licenses. It plays content from two sources one is locally saved content and secondly is via plugins.
Kodi Open Source Home Theater Software
It has a vast range of Addon for popular web services, applications, and script such as Pluto.TV, PS Vue, HDHomeRun, SoundCloud, Kodi Android Installer, Rooster Teeth, and more… It also provides an add-on to stream, video content from various sources like NBC, CBS, Funimation, and Crunchyroll. It is a perfect mixture of a media center PC/homer sever software. Kodi is also multi-platform support Media center/server software and supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and embedded devices like the Raspberry Pi.
Kodi Features:
- TV Shows library supports
- Supporting all the main video formats
- Kodi can play all your music including mp3, flac, wav, and WMA formats
- Import pictures and view in different styles such as slideshow
- Support Live TV recording
- JSON-RPC based remote interface
- Smartphone and Tablet Apps
- Add-Ons for popular web services, applications, and scripts.
- Works popular backends such as MediaPortal, MythTV, NextPVR, Tvheadend, and much more.
Emby Media Server
Emby is a great and best open source Media server similar to Plex in features and user interface. While the Plex is a closed source or freemium, Emby is totally open-source media server software. In comparison to Plex, the Emby is much easier to install for newbies and you can see our article: How to Install Emby media server, step by step installation process. Emby offers lots of customization, media management, and database options.
Emby Media Server
The Emby Media server is available for Windows, Linux, Nas Devices, Mac OS, Docker, and FreeBSD. Mac app design services. Like Plex, the Emby is also has a dedicated Linux installer for Debian, Ubuntu, Arch Linux, OpenSUSE, Fedora, and CentOS. If you are looking for 100% open-source Media server for your office or home then Emby is the best one.
Web-based Management System of Emby to install plugins, edit metadata and subtitles, Sync and more…
Emby also offers Apps for the mobile operating system: Emby Web client, Android, iOS, Windows 10, and Windows Mobile. Apart from the Emby Apps, it also has a good collection of TV Apps as follow:
- Android TV
- Amazon Fire Tv
- Shield Android TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Roku
- Emby Theatre HTML5
- Emby Theatre for Windows
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Windows Media Center
- Xbox 360
- Kodi
- PS3
Emby Media Server Features
- Emby Server automatically converts and streams the media
- Stream Live TV to any device
- Web-based tools to edit metadata and subtitles
- Easy DLNA
- Parental Controls
- Easily control content access
- Cloud Sync
- Chromecast
Philips Media Server Software Mac
MediaPortal
MediaPortal is a well-featured open-source HTPC media center and similar to Kodi. It does not have features like Emby and Plex but still, it’s very good open-source media server software. Using it you can watch, schedule, and record live TV like TiVo, streaming media, radio, and TV to any HTPC connected to your network., Check the weather, news, slideshow of pictures & videos, and more. It can access easily the web or mobile device. It also based on Client/Server Architecture.
See:How to Install and Configure the MediaPortal Media server on Windows 10 PC
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MediaPortal
Media Portal Features
- Watch TV, Videos, and DVD
- Watch Online Videos
- Listening Music, Radio, and Web Streams
- Schedule Recordings
- Client/Server Architecture
- Skin System
- Plug-in System
- Check Weather Forecast
- Picture and video slideshow Viewer
- Multiple Tuner Support
- Time Shifting, Pause and Record TV/Radio
- Read RSS Feeds
OpenFLIXR Media Server
OpenFLIXR 2 is the easiest free all-in-one home Media server that offers all media solutions in one package. OpenFLIX Media server software download, install updates of media programs automatically. This home media server is a combination of all well-known open-source projects out there including Plex Media Server.
Media Server Software Mac Free
OpenFLIXR Media Server all-in on video streaming server
Software used in OpenFLIXR are:
- CouchPotato + Radarr for Movies
- SickRage + Sonarr for automated TV show downloading
- Headphones- Automated music downloader
- Mopidy-Music Server
- Ubooquity-Comics and Ebooks & Web-based Reader
- Subtitles- AutoSub, Sub-Zero, Sickrage
- HTPC Manager
- Plex Media Server to organizes movies, series, music, and photos
- SABnzbd, NZBge, qBittorrent
- Netdata + Monit for monitoring
- Home-Assistant
- And More…
The OpenFLIXR media server needs a virtual machine to install since it is a virtual application
OpenELEC
OpenELEC is a lightweight Linux operating system built to create a media server like Kodi. The full form of the OpenELEC is Open Embedded Linux Entertainment Center. Due to its lightweight, it can be easily installed on Raspberry, Apple TV, or low configurations systems.
Features of OpenELEC are:
- TV Show Management
- Movie Organizer and Player
- Music and Audiobook Player
- Freescale iMX6 ARM builds for Cubox-i, CuboxTV, and Hummingboard boxes
- TV and Personal Video Recorder
- Addon available to expand its feature
- Picture Browser
Media Server Application For Philips Tv
OSMC Media Center
OSMC Media center is last on our list. It is an open-source media center with a simple design and intuitive navigation system. The OSMC media center is based on Kodi and Debian. It also offers paid hardware kits and other accessories to enhance the OSMC user experience such as the Vero 4K. It is a hardware device with OSMC that supports 4K, HEVC, 10-bit content, and HD audio. It supports almost every type of media file. OSMC Media center is available for Linux, Windows, Mac OS, Rasberry Pi, Vero, and Apple TV.
OSMC Media Center
Universal Media Server Mac
A verdict on Best Free & Opensource Media Server Software Options
Although Plex, Emby, and Kodi are the best and most popular media servers. But that doesn’t mean that other media servers are not good some of them like OpenFlixr are worth trying. We have put everything we know on this list, now it’s all upon you which you want to use. If you want to install a media server along with a NAS server then you can go for open-source NAS software like FreeNAS.
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