Store audio and video files on a local serverand have the option to play them on any device within the home or at a remote site, It is possible by configuring our Raspberry Pi correctly with the Plex tool.
The good news is that you don’t need the latest version of to create a media server. Both theand of course even the most current, can be converted into multimedia centers without problems, although you must bear in mind that, because they consume many resources, older models will get a bit slow.
in this guide We take a walk through all the steps to follow to install Plex on a Raspberry Piyou will know the minimum requirements that you are going to need so that everything works without problems, you will know the ideal way to carry out the configuration and what are other alternatives in case that application does not seem adequate to you.
What is Plex and what is this tool for on a Raspberry Pi?
Plex is an application that allows you to view multimedia contentthat you have on your Raspberry Pi on any other device. For this to be possible, You must install Plex Media Server and have it running every time you want to use the files. Likewise, it organizes all your digital content (videos, photos, and music) and encrypts remote connections with the Plex client.
The storage limit will be the one with your Micro SD card, flash drive or removable hard drive. It is key to note that there are versions for practically all platforms, including Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox and SmartTV consoles. In summary, Plex is a useful toolwhich facilitates entertainment in many cases, especially when we do not want to see them on a small screen but on the comfort of our TV.
What are the benefits of using the Raspberry Pi as a Plex media server?
One of the benefits is that you will not have the hard disk space of your conventional computer occupied with a large number of large files that you do not use often, such as movies, TV shows or concerts. Second, you can access files anywhere. If you are going to a meeting with friends or going on vacation to a distant place, by connecting with this multimedia center you will be able to watch what you want from your mobile device.
Third, the Raspberry Pi board is low power consumption so you have it on for long periods of time. It doesn’t take up as much space as a conventional server would, and its installation is simple. And as a fourth aspect, we add that provide access to the GPIO, allowing for quick connection and secure to other devices without major complications.
What do I need to be able to install Plex on my Raspberry Pi? essential requirements
Although it can work with most Raspberry Pi models, An excellent idea is to acquire a device that has good power and performance. The Pi 3 versions have expanded the capacity of its processor, being surpassed by the Pi 4. It is convenient to review the technical specifications that allow us to conclude that both the operating system and Plex will work together.
Review this list of resources you need to do the installation:
- Have available a mouse, keyboard and monitor.
- have a flash drive or external hard drive.
- Feeding original of the device or a trusted brand.
- It is recommended to use Raspbian Lite (Raspberry Pi OS)which is a Linux distribution.
Learn step by step how to install and configure a Plex server on your Raspberry Pi mini computer from scratch
Installation of the Plex app is simple, just by following this step by step you will reach the end without problems and keep your Raspberry Pi running optimally.
Go for it:
Upgrade Raspberry Pi OS
The most convenient is have the Raspberry Pi operating system on the device, as well as checking if there is an update, this way you will prevent the system from being vulnerable and you will be able to use the latest functions. On the other hand, take this step it will prevent security from being affected when you connect to the internet.
To leave everything up to date, enter the following code:
Install and activate HTTPS transfer
The only way to access the installation files that are downloaded is by since in the ARM architecture used by the Raspberry Pi these remain in the “dev2day” repository. In newer versions it comes by default, but to check, enter the following code:
- sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https
Add the “dev2day” repository
To configure the repository “dev2day” as the registered source of the files, an encryption key is required.
To get the password you must add the following command:
- wget -O – https://dev2day.de/pms/dev2day-pms.gpg.key | sudo apt-key add –
By entering this code, you will see a key and after getting it you have to enter the “dev2day” repository to the package source list:
- echo “deb https://dev2day.de/pms/ jessie main” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pms.list
And to finish and confirm the changes made, the list of packages must be updated:
Install the Plex Media Server
Once the previous steps have been taken, you can start inserting the installation of the Plex package to the card:
- sudo apt-get install -t jessie plexmediaserver
When prompted, press the button “Download” and the file will start uploading to your computer.
enable permission
For have permissions in the Plex app settings on your Raspberry Piyou need to replace the default user with administrator roles.
To do this add the following command:
- sudo nano /etc/default/plexmediaserver.prev
Next, a text document will appear where you must search for the phrase “PLEX_MEDIA_SERVER_USER=plex”. There will replace the last word “Plex” for the word “Pi”. Once it does, press on the keyboard “CTRL+X”later “Y” and thus the changes made will be saved.
To check everything, enter the following command:
- sudo service plexmediaserver restart
Specify static IP address
To achieve device connection with Plex server, it is necessary to have one. Thus, any device that wants to connect with the card will find it easily.
To configure this step, we first find out the current address with this command:
The result you getyou should write it down because you will be needed later.
Now, enter the following command:
- sudo nano /boot/cmdline.txt
Once you open the text document “cmdline.txt”in the final part add a line according to the form “ip=IP address”. after the symbol “=”, write down the address you saved earlier. Save the changes.
Reboot the Raspberry Pi
To see the changes and how the process is progressing, reboot the card using the following command:
Already with this, we guarantee that the Plex application has been installed and it is ready to be used.
Add your files to the Plex library
We continue opening the web browser, once it loads we will enter this address:
- http://your_IP_Address:32400/web/
In the first part, you are going to write the static IP address that you have selected. To enter you must do it with a Google or Facebook account. When you enter, the interface will appear and using the option “Add Library” you will start uploading the files.
Create a connection to your files
The files are already loaded and in a few minutes they will be synchronized. We are now going to see them from another device to verify that everything is in order. To give permissions, go to the tab “Server” and once inside, press the option “Remote Access”.
Next, click on “Enable remote Access” and wait until the server accepts the changes. To use it from any device, you have to have the Plex app loaded and register with the data you already used. Thus, you will have access to the multimedia library that you have uploaded.
List of the best alternatives to Plex to turn your Raspberry Pi into a media server without problem
If you are looking for another option other than Plex, we are going to leave you other alternatives that you can consider and that also work as a multimedia file manager:
emby
This app also allows us to categorize our multimedia library by letting your computer serve as the server and viewing the same files on other devices. One of the advantages is that it allows create a local network inside the house or office where you can share the content. It has several plugins with which you can multiply the options.
mezmo
Although it only boots with Android system, it also acts as a multimedia manager that works remotely. Once it is installed, all the saved files appear. Other than that, when you connect with a device, transcodes in real time ensuring good image transmission. There is a free version and a paid version.
stream
A striking aspect of this application is that its player is inspired by Netflix. Organize files easily and the entire collection can be navigated intuitively. It has an episode browser that makes searching easy. It has a history with the last thing that has been seen and, in addition, it allows you to continue the playback where you left off.
kodi
This application organizes and plays content with an interface that supports different audio, video, and photo formats. It is customized according to the tastes of each person. and you can also change the way in which available media are managed. for this board.
Facebook Comments
Disqus