How to create a plex server

Last Updated: May 24, 2021 | Author: Joan-Campbell

How do I set up a Plex server?

Here are seven steps to get Plex up and running in the platform of your choice.
  1. Install the app.
  2. Run the program and start your Plex account.
  3. Add your libraries.
  4. Identify your servers and enable remote access.
  5. Install your channels.
  6. Go to your next device.
  7. Customize!

Are Plex servers legal?

Plex is completely legal to download and use. But as with most software tools, it can be used for illegal purposes, too. To ensure that you always remain within the law, you should only stream media that you have the rights to.

Is Plex Media Server free?

The Plex Media Server is free to use and includes the Plex Web App.

What do I need for a Plex server?

Plex Media Server Requirements
  1. Windows.
  2. OS X / macOS.
  3. Linux.
  4. NVIDIA SHIELD.
  5. Netgear Nighthawk X10 router.
  6. Many popular NAS devices such as Drobo, Netgear, Synology, and more.

How much RAM do I need for Plex transcoding?

How much RAM do I need? Short answer: At least 16GB total system RAM, with 8GB allocated to RAM disk. Long-winded explanation: When Plex needs to transcode media for any reason (resolution or bitrate change, container change, audio conversion, subtitles, etc.), it uses the transcode folder.

Do I need a GPU for Plex server?

You don’t NEED one. Plex will run just fine without one. If you need your server to do any serious transcoding you will be happy if you have one installed. The better the gpu the happier you will be.

Will a GPU help with Plex transcoding?

*Note: Our hardware-transcoding system has technical support for many dedicated AMD graphics cards, but we haven’t done official, full testing on those. Support for AMD GPUs is provided “as is” and your mileage may vary. It is recommended that you use Intel Quick Sync Video or a dedicated NVIDIA GPU.

Why is my plex transcoding?

The reason that transcoding happens is that use many devices that can stream content from Plex, but can’t play a specific movie file as it is without having Plex transcode the file. The best way is to provide movie files that are compatible with a wide variety of devices.

Is Intel or AMD better for Plex?

Plex recommends a minimum of an Intel Core i3 or faster, but if multiple people will stream at the same time, look for a CPU with solid multi-core performance. We recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 3600.

What is the best OS for Plex?

Top 7 Linux Media Server Distros for Creating an Entertainment Hub with Plex
  • Ubuntu. Ubuntu Desktop is a perfect choice for newcomers.
  • CentOS. Free version of RHEL founded by Ret Hat developers.
  • OpenSUSE. Both Leap and Tumbleweed are suitable for running Plex.
  • Debian.
  • Fedora.
  • Linux Mint.
  • Arch Linux.

Does RAM speed matter for Plex?

Plex itself doesn’t really use much RAM, but more RAM (to a certain point) can be useful to stop an OS swapping, which can cause issues occasionally if the server is doing something IO heavy or you’re looking to run multiple things on the same box (VM’s, etc.).

What is a good Plex server?

Because of its versatility as a Plex server and client, along with gaming, smart home, and media streaming functionality, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best overall Plex server you can buy.

How can I make a Plex server cheap?

The cheapest way to build a Plex server is to not build one at all, and instead, use an old laptop or desktop computer. If you only have one main computer, you can still use it for Plex; however, you may experience some performance loss while Plex is running as it will require some CPU overhead.

Is Plex pass worth it 2020?

It is well worth buying a Plex Pass to help support those developers. Even the free version of Plex has no ads so the only way to support the platform is to pay for the Plex Pass. So the short answer is yes, the Plex Pass is very definitely worth the expense.

How do I stop Plex transcoding?

There are a few things you can do to try to avoid transcoding. The first would be to contact everyone you share Plex with and have them adjust the video settings within there Plex app. They need to adjust video quality to original or to the highest setting available.

Can Plex stream without transcoding?

Disabling Direct Play

Most Plex Apps allow you to enable or disable Direct Play within their settings. Disabling Direct Play forces every item played on the App to be transcoded. This is useful sometimes if you’re having trouble with media playback on a particular device.

Do I need Plex transcoding?

When using Plex, the goal should always be to direct play or direct stream your content. Transcoding should be kept to a minimum, and HDR material should never be transcoded. To meet that goal, you may have to choose alternate audio or subtitle tracks, depending on the capabilities of your Plex clients and server.

How do I know if Plex is transcoding?

I was told the plex web app was supposed to direct play? In Android, you can press the settings button at the bottom where you can choose bitrate/subtitles and select an option to display playback info. This shows resolution and whether the audio and video is transcoded or direct.

Can I see who is using my plex?

At the top of the Dashboard, you can see media that’s currently being played from the server in the Now Playing area at the top. If the user is signed in to their Plex account, you’ll see their name on the Now Playing entry.

How do I get Plex to play original quality?

Here’s how to get started:
  1. Update your Plex Media Server to the latest Plex Media Server release (v1.
  2. Ensure that your supported client app is running the latest release.
  3. Sign in to your account in the client app.
  4. Open the app settings and enable the Automatically Change Quality setting under the Quality section.

How do I speed up plex transcoding?

Is it illegal to share movies on Plex?

If you share your Plex sever with someone it is illegal. It is similar to hosting pirated content in a website. When you sign up for Plex you agree to the terms of service that states that any content you share is yours and you have a legal right to share it.

How do I set plex transcoding?

Go to SETTINGS, hit Transcoder, and now you can specify Transcoder quality and Maximum simultaneous video transcode. There’re four options under Transcoder quality. Automatic – Plex Media Server will choose from the other three options automatically. This option is recommended to most users.

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