As it turns out, many users who are getting acquainted with the principles of DLNA for the first time have practically no idea how to use Plex Media Server - a universal program that can not only play media files from most devices known today, but also carry out online broadcasts using any type of connection . Let's consider all the issues related to this, for example, the topic “Plex Media Server: how to use after installation and preliminary configuration.” It should be noted right away that setting up the server occupies a dominant position here, so you need to treat this with understanding.
Plex Media Server: Preview
First, let's define what the Plex Media Server software package actually is. How to use it will be said a little later, but for now let’s focus on its most important capabilities.
Firstly, like any other DLNA client, it allows you to broadcast video, audio or graphic material from a laptop or desktop computer terminal directly to a set-top box with a resolution exceeding the standard parameters of the above-mentioned devices.
In addition, the program has undeniable advantages, namely that, regardless of the source signal, it pulls up data about played films or audio albums from the Internet. This is similar to how standard ID3 tags work. But, if information is initially written in them, then here it is actually downloaded from the World Wide Web, adding, in addition to the description, many more interesting facts. But that’s not about that now.
On top of that, such a virtual-physical server can even serve as a kind of platform for connecting other devices or users to it to view “shared” content. In other words, in Plex Media Server, setting up can sometimes be as simple as adding new users who have access to it, or creating shared folders for simultaneous viewing. But here P2P technologies come into play, like peer-to-peer networks, when from one terminal, which has a file in its complete (integer) form, distribution is made for downloading to other computers registered on the network (in this case, on the server). They are sometimes able to exchange information with each other (provided the appropriate settings are specified).
Do you need a Plex Pass subscription?
Here are five challenging tasks you can complete without Plex Pass.
Remote streaming
One of the best attributes of Plex is its remote streaming feature. It allows you to watch all your media from anywhere in the world, as long as the device you want to watch has the Plex app installed.
This is especially useful for keeping kids entertained when you're away from home or if you spend a lot of time running around hotels as part of your job. After all, there's only so long you can watch MTV and international news channels before you start pulling your hair out.
However, there is a belief that you need a Plex Pass for remote viewing. It is not true. All users can stream remotely if you have configured your Plex server correctly. Head to Settings > Remote Access > Enable Remote Access to set this up.
In this regard, Plex Pass is only useful if you're going to be in a place where there's no internet - it allows you to save content directly to your device.
Use Plex on Mobile
If you want to access remote streaming on a mobile device rather than a laptop, you'll need to install the appropriate Plex app.
The application is free, but has some limitations. Each video and music file is limited to one minute of playback, and a watermark will be added to your photos.
To remove restrictions, you will be asked to pay a one-time fee of $4.99. It's a fraction of the cost of a full Plex Pass. Of course, you don't have access to any of the Plex Pass features, but if you just want to watch content on your tablet a few times a year, it's more than enough.
You can also access your Plex server through your mobile device's web browser if you don't want to pay for the app.
Share media libraries
Are you the tech guru in your home? If so, there's a good chance you'll want to share the benefits of Plex with the rest of your family.
But setting up Plex on many different devices is time-consuming. And unless you're willing to constantly add new media to other people's computers, it's nearly impossible to keep everyone up to date.
Luckily, Plex allows you to share your library with anyone. They don't even have to be on the same network as you. Best of all, this feature doesn't require a Plex pass—all the other person needs is a free Plex account.
To share your library with friends and family, open the Plex Server app and make sure you're signed in, then go to Settings > Family & Friends > Share > Invite a Friend . Fill out the user's Plex credentials and they'll receive an invitation in their inbox. box.
Sync content on mobile phone
There is a persistent misconception about how mobile syncing works. As mentioned earlier, you need a Plex Pass if you want to download content to your mobile device for offline viewing. It's clear.
However, if you have a Plex Pass, anyone you give access to your server doesn't need a Plex Pass. As long as the server is registered to your account, they can download content for offline viewing. As a result, you'll probably only need one Plex Pass per household (or even per family).
There is only one catch. The other user will have to pay the above one-time fee of $4.99.
To allow other users to sync your content on their device, open Plex Server and go to Settings > Users > My Home > [Username] > Restrictions > Allow Sync .
Non-Mobile Plex Apps
All non-mobile Plex apps are completely free to download and use. This includes native apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation and, where applicable, Smart TVs.
If you're using the app locally or want to use a streaming dongle while traveling, you don't need a Plex Pass to access the benefits.
You can also access your Plex server from any Plex media player app for free.
Installing the Plex Media Server Client
But this was all a theory for now. Let's move on to practice. First, we need to download and install the Plex Media Server package. Setting up the installation, as a rule, does not cause any particular complaints. The most important thing here is to set the installation executable file (Setup.exe) to run as Administrator when Windows 7 and higher systems are installed.
Then everything is simple. You need to follow the instructions of the installation program, as usual, select the installation location, etc. But here comes the most interesting moment.
Initial registration steps to avoid problems later
Of course, you can install the package, in general, without any particular difficulties (they, unfortunately, will arise much later). So it is better to immediately register on the official website of the program and advise all users who are going to connect to such a server in the future to do so (it will simply be impossible to do this without registration).
So, go to the official plex.tv resource, create an account and follow the instructions. Actually, nothing complicated, the procedure looks like a regular routine. Further - more interesting.
A prerequisite is that the “native” Windows firewall (firewall) does not block the program. To do this, you need to create a new rule in the settings of the enhanced security mode and add port 32400 there. In some cases, you may need to forward this port on the router.
Launching the Plex Media Server app for the first time
The program seems to be installed, but now it needs to be launched. Imagine the user's disappointment when, when calling an application by double-clicking on a shortcut, nothing happens! What's happened?
It's okay! The fact is that after installation is complete, the application integrates its process into the background services and is activated. Using Plex Media Server is now live! To call (expand) the program, you need to use the icon in the system tray (in systems like Windows 8 or 10, it can be hidden. To display it, click on the up arrow).
Setting up and launching Plex for the first time
When you launch the Plex Media Server app, the Control Panel :
- settings;
- network services;
- available servers.
The top field has a search bar and icons for changing the appearance of directories. By selecting application servers in the control panel, stations and the iTunes service are displayed. You are allowed to go to multimedia or VPN client. The antivirus and backup are open To use the program, users go to the control panel and select application servers.
If you are interested in the Web Server category , you need to check the box next to the phrase enable and save settings. Apply button at the bottom of the window . , the “+” icon appears in the menu on the desktop . Input is made through a browser; the port can be found in the address bar. It is recommended to save the information in a notepad in order to have access to it.
Plex Media Server: Should You Change Default Settings?
So, before us is the main program window. We will now find out how to use the settings. First, let's see what's on our screen. The first thing that surprises almost all uninitiated users is that the application itself opens, oddly enough, in a browser window! This comes as a shock to many.
Wait, no need to panic. We look at the settings: the main language is Russian, Russian subtitles, automatic video stream, etc. In principle, there is no need to change anything here initially. More fine-tuning will be discussed a little later.
How to use Plex Media Server (LG, Samsung and other smart panel models)?
To use the program in combination with television panels, you first need to create a library on the desired terminal. For example, select the “Movies” data type, click the continue button, and then set the search for folders in the section specified in the search.
If you are currently connected to the Internet, all video files will have the description found on the World Wide Web added to them. At this stage, all that remains is to select the files stored on your hard drive and simply add them to the media library. There is one more trick left: you need to share the “loot” so that everyone else can see the content on the network. To do this, use a gear-shaped button. That's all for now.
Now about the panels. For example, on Samsung modifications that support this technology, you first need to press the red button on the remote control, and then create a new user develop with a random password. Next, enter the server IP by pressing the blue button on the remote control, and then enter 109.91.176.102. Press the blue key again and go to the synchronization section.
Now we turn the panel off and on again and log into SmartHub again - the Plex widget should appear here. If it is not there, you need to do the procedure again. If he is a network, you can rejoice. After this, you can install some additional plugins that will help make working with the server easier.
How to use?
click on the “+” icon on the control panel . The system requests profile information; you must agree to the automatic settings. In the drop-down list, select the “main” category , films or TV series. You need to enter the file name, click on language. next button at the bottom of the window .
Search can also be done through folders . In the control panel, select the “+” icon. add folder icon in the center of the screen . The user is prompted to read the help in order to quickly navigate the media library.
Catalogs are growing and people are getting into a real mess. The program's tools make it possible to sort data . There is an option for automatic cataloging of the collection.
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Important! Processing does not take much time if a small number of films and TV series are stored.
Additionally, the speed of your Internet connection . Only 15 seconds are allotted for one hour and a half film. It is recommended to add new folders through the control panel so that talk shows, clips and films are not stored in one place. To do this, use the QNAP Turbo NAS . It shows default folders and user files.
Above is the Plex program, which is necessary to open content. There are versions for Windows, Android, iOS and more. Users follow a link or install applications.
Plex Media Server: How to use Chromecast and IMAC?
As far as Chromecast goes, the technology is basically no different. However, it is more designed for mobile devices, which must be synchronized with high-resolution panels. In particular, this applies to Samsung products. There is no point in describing the connection in detail, since all the details can be read in the included instructions for any device.
How to use Plex Media Server on IMAC? Actually, connecting to Apple computers, or rather, from them to other devices, comes down to the fact that the operating system is not Windows, but Mac OS X.
Nevertheless, the actions are similar to everything described above.
Plex Media Player 2.12.869 media server
Plex Media Player media server - do you use your personal computer and other devices mainly for storing and playing from storage media, various kinds of photographs, music, movies, television shows and home videos?
Your daily relaxation routine can be made much easier if you use good software that allows you to have access to all your media files anywhere you want to use them.
You can set up and use your home media resources in just 3 steps: firstly, you need to download and install the Plex Media Server program, secondly, you add media files and gain the ability to access them using a simple and intuitive interface, and finally, you put Plex Media Server on all your own mobile and streaming devices, such as a tablet, smartphone or console, so that you can watch and play your media library no matter where you are.
Therefore, you are literally purchasing a media server that you and your friends can access with ease and from absolutely anywhere when you are connected to the Internet.
The software installation cycle will be quick and uncomplicated, and an icon will be created in your startup menu so that you can quickly find the program. Plex Media Server automatically starts when your personal computer starts, but you can turn it off if you want to save PC resources.
Plex Media Server focuses primarily on categorizing and organizing your media files across a variety of devices, so you'll never lose your favorite photos or videos.
Certain options provided in Plex Media Server sort components by many criteria, add backgrounds and banners, display media in your internet browser, search for specific files, view previous activity on a specific media library, and edit data such as genre, year, and collection.
Plex Media Server is recommended for anyone who manipulates various devices, but at the same time has an interest in keeping track of existing storage media.
Developer: Audacity License: Freeware Language: Multi Size: 100.9 MB OS: Windows
Tags: programs, program, media server, media server, Plex Media Player
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