JellyFin / Plex Server installed on a 40GB or larger SSD to install on the system of your choice. Note that this SSD will come with the software installed, but the buyer will be required to setup Plex, Jellyfin, Jellyseerr and the other resources with their personal preferences. The SSD would also require another external media source to store any content the user has.
The SSD is small, but sufficient for the resources to perform the functions required as the media would normally be stored on a NAS or some other type of raid device. The drive also includes JellyFin and Plex so the user can setup the media server they prefer. JellySeerr is installed as a resource that can be used with either media server and it includes all of the Arr suite to perform the required tasks. Simply install the drive to the computer system of your choice and configure the apps according to your requirements. The Server will automate all the tasks to keep your media library up to date.
Plex can load libraries from media attached to the box or other devises that have shares setup on the network. The only requirement is that any media that is directly attached to the box is either low power like a SSD drive or self powered like a external hard drive or some type of NAS. The box is also setup so that it should auto mount external media that are connected via USB. Transcoded audio and video can be setup on the external media, but the setup only includes the Plex server and no other related software.
Plex is one of the most important streaming services, even if it's not one of the most well-known offerings. While the best streaming services often place large libraries of shows and movies at your reach for on-demand viewing, Plex lets you become the master of your own domain.
If you have a collection of media (or know someone else with one), Plex enables you to stream all that stuff from a computer or server onto your TV. And while you can pay for Plex, a lot of its best features are actually free — as are the movies and TV shows and channels it airs. And one of its latest features makes Plex one of the best streaming apps, is actually all about working with some of the top streaming services around.
And not only are Plex apps available on the best streaming devices, but a mastery of Plex will complement the best Netflix shows and the best Hulu movies.
Whether you’re a video hoarder with hundreds of movies just begging for a media server, or a casual streamer looking for a different approach, Plex is well worth at least a few hours of your time. Read on to find out exactly what it is, and how you can make it work for you.
Plex TV explained
You can refer to Plex as a streaming service, because that is technically true. Originally, Plex was a way to utilize videos stored in a remote location, so you could streams them on a device. So, by default, Plex was a media server. This means that many see Plex as a way to provide their own content instead of relying on a big company’s library, which usually changes from month to month.
Then, Plex got more dynamic, adding an ad-supported streaming service that offers free TV and movies, and it also connects to other free streaming services.
Plex also wants to help you learn about what you're watching with Discover Credits, which looks like its own IMDb. To find it, go to the cast section of a movie or show's page, or just look at the "People" options when you search. There, you'll find a bio and social media links, that actor's most famous roles and their filmography — which will include where you can watch those shows, in both libraries and services accessible to you.
Jellyfin is like Plex in that it's installed as a server and accessed via client apps and via streaming devices, but it's completely free to use and open-source.
Move over Plex, there's a new media streaming powerhouse in town. Not only does Jellyfin pack in many of the same features as Plex, but it also doesn't put any of its features behind a premium upgrade either (and it's open-source to boot).
What Is Jellyfin?
Jellyfin is an open source media streaming solution. Like Plex, the app is installed as a server with separate client applications for consuming media. You can consume content using purpose-built Jellyfin apps, extensions for other streaming platforms, a web interface, or via DLNA uPnP streaming to a huge number of compatible devices.
Watching Night of the Living Dead in Jellyfin
With a Jellyfin server installed, you can make all sorts of media files available for streaming locally and remotely. This includes movies and TV shows, music, books, and photos, as well as live and recorded TV. Jellyfin scans your media library and downloads metadata (artwork, genre, cast, etc.) from sources like TheMovieDb and The Open Movie Database.
The server is available for a huge range of devices including Windows, macOS, Linux (with binaries available for a range of distributions), and the Docker containerized app platform. With the server installed all you need to do is follow a basic setup and point Jellyfish to the folders where your media files are stored.
Jellyfin admin interface
Access is easy with the Jellyfin Media Player desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux; the JellyCon Kodi plugin, Android and iPhone apps, an Android TV (including Fire TV) app, Roku app, WebOS app for LG TVs and the Infuse app for Apple devices (including the Apple TV).
Why Jellyfin Makes a Great Plex Alternative
What makes Jellyfin such a compelling alternative to Plex is the fact that Jellyfin is completely free and open-source. The project is a fork of the popular Emby media center which switched to a closed source model in 2018. Unlike Plex, none of Jellyfin's features are gated behind a paywall.
Plex requires users to buy the Plex Pass to unlock features like TV (DVR) recording, music streaming via Plexamp, and hardware transcoding. That last one's a big deal since it means that Plex can't take full advantage of your server's hardware without a paid upgrade---but Jellyfin can.