- Download plex media server for mac how to#
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Taking a full HD file and playing it on a smartphone, for example, will require transcoding in most cases. Transcoding is the process of taking a file and making it playable on another device – either in another format or at a different resolution. The minimum system requirement for Plex varies depending on whether you need transcoding or not. If opting for the latter you'll need to make sure it is fast enough. You can either run the Plex server on your main desktop computer or laptop or use an old or unused one. You can see Synology NAS transcoding support for more information. Once the server's installed on a NAS, the configuration process is the same as for any other server and is done through your web browser.
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Synology has the best overall support, with the DS214play and DS415play, which can transcode video up to 1080p some other NAS models can transcode video up to 720p the cheaper models can't transcode at all. NAS devices traditionally don't have very powerful processors, so they're not all capable of transcoding video. Installation varies from device-to-device, but Synology has one of the easiest installation routines, with Plex available from the Package Manager - if you're having any trouble installing the Plex Server on your NAS you should consult the Plex forums for assistance with your particular model. Plex Media Server can be installed on some NAS devices, including models from Netgear, Qnap and Synology but support is limited (a full list of NAS devices that support Plex check out the Plex NAS Compatibility Google Doc). Once the server is installed configuring it is the same regardless of the type of server that you install, so we'll show you configuration in the next section. Installing the Plex Server differs depending on whether you're using a NAS or a desktop computer/laptop, but we'll take you through all of the methods and the relative benefits of using each type of server. It's this convenience that makes Plex a lot different to the bog-standard DLNA media server your may already have.
Your phone or tablet talks to the Plex server and requests the video in a format that's viewable by the Chromecast or Apple TV, so when you Cast or AirPlay it everything works seamlessly. One solution is to convert all of your videos into a compatible format, but this can be time consuming, particularly if you've got a large media collection. But if the video is not a supported format you won't see anything on your TV, regardless of whether your phone or tablet can play the content.
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In both cases, the Chromecast or Apple TV takes over the stream, connects to the original content and starts playing it. To use these devices with a media server you need a compatible app to access the content, which you then Cast to Chromecast or AirPlay to Apple TV. However, transcoding is extremely important when using Chromecast or Apple TV as both devices have extremely limited video format support.
Both types of devices are fast enough to play Full HD videos and it's easy enough to get apps that will play practically any video format. This isn't that useful when considering just mobiles and tablets. The combination of the Plex server and client means that any file can play on any device without first having to re-encode them manually. If the video that you're requesting isn't a supported format the Plex server can take the file and re-encode it live into a format that the client understands. When the client connects to the server it can describe which video formats it can play. However, it's the client that makes it act differently. Plex works and acts like any DLNA server you may already have, such as the one built into your NAS. The server is completely free and is also DLNA compliant, which means that any DLNA device (TV, smartphone, games console, etc) can connect to it and start streaming content. Plex is actually a combination of two things: a server where all of your media sits and a client, which you use to access your data. Plex Transcoding and how it differs from a DLNA media server
Download plex media server for mac how to#
In this article we'll show you how to set up Plex on your home network and start streaming over your home network using your PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone, Chromecast, Apple TV and even Smart TV.
Of course, it supports music and photos, too.
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Using this software you can play any video on your Chromecast or Apple TV, for example. Unlike traditional DLNA media servers, Plex has built-in transcoding, which means that it converts videos on the fly to play on any device running the Plex Media Client. If it doesn't, you'll need to convert the video into a different format, which can be time consuming, or use the Plex media server. One of the big problems about streaming videos over your home network is making sure that the receiving device has support for the format.