Using a plex server for media streaming

What is a plex server?

Plex is a client-server media player system and software suite comprising two main components. The Plex Media Server desktop application runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux-compatibles including some types of NAS devices. The server desktop application organizes video, audio, and photos from a user’s collections and from online services, enabling the players to access and stream the contents.

Why use a plex server?

Plex is a great way to stream your media content to any device. It is a great way to organize your media content and stream it to any device. Plex is a great way to stream your media content to any device. It is a great way to organize your media content and stream it to any device.

Components required

  • Any computer, lower the power consumption, the better (raspberry pi is a great option)
  • A LAN/WLAN connection
  • SD card
  • Additional storage (optional)

Setting up the plex server

  • Update the raspberry pi

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    sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

  • Package to update apt via https

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    sudo apt install apt-transport-https

  • Add the plex repository to the system

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    curl https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/plex-archive-keyring.gpg >/dev/null
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/plex-archive-keyring.gpg] https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list

  • Update mirrors and install plex server

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    sudo apt update
sudo apt install plexmediaserver -y

  • Reboot the system

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    sudo reboot

  • Make sure the plex server is running

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    sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver

  • Open the browser and enter the ip address of the raspberry pi followed by the port number

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    <ip_address>:32400/web

  • Now you must sign in to your plex account or create a new one

Adding media to the plex server

Media can be added to the plex server by following these steps:

  • Open the plex server in the browser
  • Go to the following path settings > manage > libraries > add library
  • Select the type of media you want to add
  • Select the folder where the media is stored
  • Click on add library