Plex (software)
Contents
Plex (software)
Plex is a client-server media player system and software suite that allows users to organize, stream, and share their personal media libraries (movies, TV shows, music, photos, etc.) to various devices. It provides a user-friendly interface and automatically enriches media with metadata like posters, plot summaries, cast information, and more.
The Plex ecosystem consists of two main parts:
- Plex Media Server (PMS): This software runs on a computer or compatible device (like a NAS or seedbox) where your media files are stored. It scans, organizes, and optimizes your media library and streams it to playback devices.
- Plex Clients: These are applications available on a wide range of devices (smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, web browsers, etc.) that connect to the Plex Media Server to browse and play your media.
Plex also offers its own free ad-supported streaming content, but its primary use for many is managing and streaming their personal media.
How Plex Works
The Plex Media Server scans designated folders containing your media files. It then uses the filenames and folder structure to identify the media and pull down rich metadata from online databases. This organized and enhanced library is then accessible to any Plex client that is signed into the same Plex account or is on the same local network.
When you play a media file on a Plex client, the server streams the file. If the client device doesn't natively support the media file's format (codec, resolution, bitrate, etc.), the Plex Media Server can *transcode* it on the fly, converting it into a compatible format for smooth playback. The ability to transcode effectively depends on the processing power of the server.
Installation and Setup on Linux
Installing Plex Media Server on Linux typically involves downloading the appropriate package for your distribution and installing it using your system's package manager.
Prerequisites:
- A Linux system (desktop, server, or compatible device) to run the Plex Media Server.
- Sufficient storage space for your media files.
- An internet connection for metadata matching and initial setup.
- A free Plex account (you can create one on the official Plex website).
- Basic command-line knowledge.
Step 1: Download the Plex Media Server Package
Go to the official Plex Downloads page (https://www.plex.tv/media-server/):
Select "Linux" and then choose the package appropriate for your Linux distribution and architecture (e.g., .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for Fedora/CentOS/RHEL).
You can often download the package directly using `wget` or `curl` on your server. For example, for a 64-bit Debian/Ubuntu system:
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/Template:VERSION/debian/plexmediaserver_Template:VERSION_Template:ARCHITECTURE.deb
Replace `Template:VERSION` with the current version number and `Template:ARCHITECTURE` with `amd64` or the appropriate architecture. You can find the correct download link and filename on the Plex website.
Step 2: Install the Plex Media Server
Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the package.
- For Debian/Ubuntu (using `.deb`):
sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_*.deb sudo apt --fix-broken install # To fix any dependency issues
- For Fedora/CentOS/RHEL (using `.rpm`):
sudo dnf install plexmediaserver-*.rpm # For Fedora 22+ and CentOS/RHEL 8+
- or
sudo yum install plexmediaserver-*.rpm # For older CentOS/RHEL
Step 3: Start and Enable the Plex Media Server Service
After installation, the Plex Media Server runs as a system service. You need to start and enable it to run on boot:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver sudo systemctl enable plexmediaserver sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver # Check the service status
Step 4: Access the Plex Web App for Initial Setup
The initial setup of Plex Media Server is done through the web-based interface, known as the Plex Web App. By default, it runs on port `32400` on the server.
If you are on the same local network as the server:
Open a web browser and go to:
http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:32400/web
Replace `[Your_Server_IP_Address]` with the local IP address of the server running Plex Media Server.
If the server is remote (e.g., a seedbox or VPS) and you haven't set up remote access yet:
You might need to create an SSH tunnel to access the web app as if it were local for the initial setup.
Open a terminal on your local computer and run:
ssh -L 8888:localhost:32400 your_remote_username@your_remote_server_ip
Replace `8888` with a local port you want to use, `your_remote_username` with your username on the remote server, and `your_remote_server_ip` with the IP address or hostname of your remote server. You will be prompted for your password.
Keep this SSH connection open. Then, open a web browser on your local computer and go to:
http://localhost:8888/web
Step 5: Complete the Plex Setup Wizard
Once you access the Plex Web App for the first time, you will be guided through a setup wizard:
1. **Sign In:** Sign in with your Plex account. 2. **Server Setup:** Give your server a friendly name. Ensure "Allow me to access my media outside my home" is checked if you want remote access later (you might need to configure port forwarding on your router). 3. **Media Libraries:** This is where you tell Plex where your media files are located. Click "Add Library", choose the type of media (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, Other Videos), give it a name, and add the folders containing your media files on the server. Follow Plex's naming conventions for best results in metadata matching. You can add more libraries later. 4. **Finish:** Complete the wizard. Plex will start scanning your libraries and fetching metadata.
Using Plex on a Local Network (LAN)
Once the Plex Media Server is set up and running, accessing your media on your local network is straightforward.
1. **Install Plex Clients:** Download and install the Plex client application on your playback devices (smart TV, phone, tablet, computer, etc.). 2. **Sign In:** Sign in to the Plex client using the *same* Plex account you used to set up the server. 3. **Automatic Discovery:** Plex clients on the same local network as the server will typically discover the server automatically. 4. **Browse and Play:** Once connected, you can browse your media libraries through the client interface and start playback.
On a computer on the local network, you can also often access the Plex Web App directly via `http://[Your_Server_Local_IP]:32400/web` without needing to sign in, depending on your server's network settings.
Using Plex on a Seedbox Server (Pulsed Media)
Seedboxes, like those provided by Pulsed Media, are often used for hosting Plex Media Server due to their high bandwidth connections and ample storage.
The exact installation and setup process on a Pulsed Media seedbox can vary depending on the specific plan and control panel they provide. However, here are common scenarios and considerations:
- One-Click Installation: Many seedbox providers, including Pulsed Media on some plans, offer one-click installers for popular applications like Plex Media Server. If this is available, it's the easiest method:
1. Log in to your Pulsed Media client area or seedbox control panel. 2. Look for an "Applications," "One-Click Installers," or similar section. 3. Find Plex Media Server and initiate the installation. 4. Follow any on-screen instructions. The installer will typically handle the download, installation, and initial service setup. 5. Once installed, you will usually get a link or instructions on how to access the Plex Web App for the initial configuration (refer to Step 4 of the general Linux setup).
- Manual Installation: If a one-click installer is not available or you prefer more control, you can often install Plex Media Server manually via SSH access, following the general Linux installation steps described above. You would download the appropriate package directly to your seedbox.
- Accessing the Web App and Remote Access:
* Initial setup often requires accessing the Plex Web App via an SSH tunnel, as described in Step 4 of the general Linux setup. Refer to Pulsed Media's documentation for specific instructions on establishing an SSH tunnel to your seedbox. Their wiki has a guide for SSH tunneling which can be adapted for accessing Plex. * For accessing your Plex server remotely from outside the seedbox's network (which is a primary reason for using a seedbox with Plex), you need to ensure remote access is configured correctly. * Seedbox providers often handle port forwarding for common applications. Check your Pulsed Media control panel or documentation for how to enable or configure access to the Plex port (32400). * Ensure "Allow me to access my media outside my home" is enabled in your Plex server settings (Settings -> Server -> Remote Access). The Plex Web App will attempt to establish a connection.
- Adding Media: You will need to upload your media files to your seedbox. Pulsed Media provides access methods like SFTP, FTP, or a web-based file manager for this purpose. Once uploaded, add the directories containing your media to your Plex libraries through the Plex Web App.
- Performance Considerations: Seedboxes typically have good bandwidth, but the CPU performance can vary depending on the plan. If you plan to stream high-resolution media (e.g., 4K) that requires transcoding, ensure your Pulsed Media plan's server has sufficient processing power.
Refer to the official Pulsed Media documentation and knowledge base for the most accurate and specific instructions regarding Plex Media Server installation and configuration on their platform, as their setup may have specific nuances.
Plex Clients
To watch your media, you need a Plex client application installed on your playback device. Plex offers clients for a vast array of platforms, including:
- Web browsers (via the Plex Web App at https://app.plex.tv/ or directly from your server's IP)
- Mobile devices (Android, iOS)
- Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, VIZIO, etc.)
- Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV)
- Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Desktop operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Download the appropriate client app for your device from the device's app store or the Plex website. Sign in with your Plex account, and your server should appear, allowing you to stream your media.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot access Plex Web App:
* Ensure the `plexmediaserver` service is running on your server (`sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver`). * Check firewall settings on your server and router. Port 32400/tcp needs to be open. * If accessing remotely for the first time, ensure your SSH tunnel is active and configured correctly. * Verify the server's IP address.
- Plex not finding media:
* Check that the folders containing your media are correctly added to your Plex libraries. * Ensure the Plex service user has read permissions for the media folders. * Verify your media files follow Plex's recommended naming conventions. * Try performing a "Scan Library Files" on the affected library in the Plex Web App.
- Remote access not working:
* Ensure your server is signed in to your Plex account. * Check the Remote Access settings in the Plex Web App (Settings -> Server -> Remote Access). * Configure port forwarding on your router to forward external TCP traffic on a chosen port (default is 32400) to internal port 32400 on your server's local IP address. * Ensure your server's firewall is allowing incoming connections on the Plex port.
