Are you tired of shelling out money for multiple streaming subscriptions every month? I know I was – $12 on Hulu, $17 on Max, $14 on Disney+, and a whopping $23 on Netflix. Building a Plex server was my solution to this problem. With my extensive collection of Blu-rays, digital movies, and box sets, I wanted to create a centralized streaming library that I could access from anywhere without breaking the bank.
After some research and setup, I successfully canceled my Netflix and Hulu subscriptions and significantly reduced my streaming costs. Setting up my Plex server was a game-changer, as it became the only app I needed for my entertainment needs.
What we’re not covering
This guide doesn’t cover the basics of setting up Plex, as we have a detailed guide for beginners. Instead, I focus on a cost-effective and simple way to build a Plex server that requires minimal maintenance and allows seamless streaming on any device.
Furthermore, I’m not discussing how to obtain media files for your Plex server, but the recommended method is ripping physical media or using supported file types. I also want to emphasize that my approach to setting up a Plex server is one of many; for optimal reliability and security, professional server hardware and expertise are crucial.
The brains of the operation
Your Plex “server” doesn’t require fancy hardware; a PC with a powerful CPU for transcoding is sufficient. I opted for a budget-friendly Beelink mini PC with an Intel N100, 16GB memory, and 500GB storage. Transcoding support is essential for remote access, and for operating Plex, you can choose between Windows and Linux, with Windows being recommended for its remote management capabilities.
To ensure remote management without physical access to the server, I used Chrome Remote Desktop. It allows easy and secure access to your server from any device with a browser. I also bypassed the Windows login screen for convenience, but this compromise raises security concerns that should be addressed.
Going headless
Chrome Remote Desktop simplifies remote server management, but additional steps are required to ensure the server’s continuous operation. Disabling sleep and hibernate settings through the Control Panel prevents the server from powering down unintentionally, maintaining its availability at all times.
Mapping the network
To access and transfer media files efficiently, sharing the server’s drive on the network is essential. By enabling folder sharing and mapping the network drive, you can seamlessly manage your media library across multiple devices without physical file transfers.
Finishing touches
With the server set up and networked, you can now focus on configuring Plex and enabling remote access for seamless streaming. While a Plex Pass subscription enhances the experience, the basic functionalities can be accessed for free. Completing these steps streamlines your media consumption and eliminates the need for multiple streaming services.
Although this solution is not without its drawbacks, such as security risks and reliance on external storage, it serves as a solid foundation for a personalized Plex server setup. Further enhancements like RAID arrays and cybersecurity measures can be implemented as needed.
