Setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu: A Complete How-To Guide

Introduction

Are you tired of constantly streaming movies and TV shows online? Do you want to have the freedom to watch your favorite content on any device, anywhere you go? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a Plex Server on Ubuntu, a powerful media server that enables you to stream your entire media collection to any device. This guide is perfect for both beginners and experienced users, as we’ll cover everything from installation to advanced setup options.

What is Plex Server?

Plex Server is a media server software that enables you to stream your media files (movies, TV shows, music, and photos) to any device in your home or anywhere in the world. Plex Server gives you the power to organize and access your media collection from a single interface, making it easy to enjoy your content on your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Why use Ubuntu for Plex Server?

Ubuntu is a lightweight, open-source operating system that is perfect for running Plex Server. Ubuntu is free, stable, and easy to use, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and advanced users. Ubuntu also has a large community of developers and users who can provide helpful advice and support when needed.

Benefits of Setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu

There are many benefits to setting up a Plex Server on Ubuntu. Here are just a few:

• Access your entire media collection from any device, anywhere you go
• Organize your media files in a centralized location
• Stream your media to multiple devices at the same time
• Automatically download subtitles and other metadata for your media files
• Use advanced features like parental controls, live TV, and DVR

Is Plex Server Free?

Plex Server has both free and paid versions. The free version of Plex Server includes all the basic features you need to stream your media collection to any device. The paid version, called Plex Pass, includes advanced features like mobile sync, cloud sync, and early access to new features. However, for most users, the free version of Plex Server is more than sufficient.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A computer running Ubuntu 18.04 or later
• An internet connection
• An external hard drive or network-attached storage device (NAS) to store your media files
• A Plex account (you can sign up for free at https://www.plex.tv/)

Installation

The first step in setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu is to install the software. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a terminal window on your Ubuntu computer
2. Type the following command:

sudo apt-get update

3. This command updates Ubuntu with the latest software updates
4. Type the following command to add the Plex repository:

curl https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key | sudo apt-key add –

echo deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list

5. This command adds the Plex repository to Ubuntu
6. Type the following command to install Plex Server:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install plexmediaserver

7. This command installs Plex Server on Ubuntu

Configuration

Now that you’ve installed Plex Server, it’s time to configure it to work with your media files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open a web browser
2. Type the following URL in the address bar: http://localhost:32400/web
3. This will open the Plex Server web interface
4. Sign in to your Plex account
5. Click “Add Library”
6. Select the type of media you want to add (Movies, TV Shows, Music, or Photos)
7. Browse to the location of your media files and click “Add”
8. Plex Server will now scan your media files and download metadata (like cover art and descriptions)
9. Once scanning is complete, click “Done”
10. Repeat this process for each type of media you want to add

Advanced Configuration

If you want to take your Plex Server setup to the next level, there are many advanced configuration options available. Here are a few examples:

• Remote Access: Configure your Plex Server to allow remote access, so you can stream your media files from anywhere in the world
• Transcoding: Configure your Plex Server to transcode media files on-the-fly, so you can stream them to devices that don’t support the original file format
• Plugins: Install plugins to add new features and functionality to your Plex Server
• User Management: Set up user accounts with different levels of access to your media files
• Subtitles: Configure your Plex Server to automatically download subtitles for your media files

Advantages and Disadvantages of Setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu

Advantages

There are many advantages to setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu. Here are a few:

• Plex Server is free (with a paid version available for advanced features)
• Ubuntu is a lightweight, stable operating system that is easy to use
• Plex Server is highly customizable, with many advanced configuration options available
• Plex Server can be accessed from anywhere in the world, making it easy to enjoy your media collection on-the-go
• Plex Server can stream to multiple devices at the same time, so everyone in your household can enjoy their favorite content

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to setting up Plex Server on Ubuntu, there are also a few disadvantages to consider:

• Setting up Plex Server can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large media collection
• Advanced configuration options can be overwhelming for beginners
• Transcoding can be resource-intensive, especially on older or slower computers
• Remote access can pose security risks, so it’s important to take proper precautions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What devices can I stream to with Plex Server?

A: Plex Server can stream to virtually any device that supports media streaming, including TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles.

Q2: Can I use Plex Server to stream live TV?

A: Yes, Plex Server has a feature called Live TV and DVR that enables you to stream live TV and record shows. However, this feature requires a compatible TV tuner and antenna.

Q3: Can I use Plex Server to download and stream content from the internet?

A: No, Plex Server does not have built-in support for downloading and streaming content from the internet. However, there are third-party plugins available that enable this functionality.

Q4: Can I use Plex Server to share my media collection with friends and family?

A: Yes, Plex Server has a feature called Sharing that enables you to share your media collection with others.

Q5: What is the difference between the free and paid versions of Plex Server?

A: The free version of Plex Server includes all the basic features you need to stream your media collection to any device. The paid version, called Plex Pass, includes advanced features like mobile sync, cloud sync, and early access to new features.

Q6: Can I use Plex Server to play video games?

A: No, Plex Server is a media server software and cannot be used to play video games.

Q7: How can I access Plex Server from outside my home network?

A: You can access Plex Server from outside your home network by enabling Remote Access in the Plex Server settings. However, this feature can pose security risks, so it’s important to take proper precautions.

Q8: Can I use Plex Server to stream 4K content?

A: Yes, Plex Server supports 4K streaming, as long as your device and internet connection support it.

Q9: How can I configure subtitles for my media files?

A: You can configure subtitles for your media files by enabling the Subtitle Settings in the Plex Server settings. This will automatically download subtitles for your media files.

Q10: Can I use Plex Server to stream music?

A: Yes, Plex Server supports streaming music, as well as creating playlists and accessing song lyrics.

Q11: How can I add new media files to my Plex Server library?

A: You can add new media files to your Plex Server library by clicking “Add Library” in the Plex Server web interface and selecting the type of media you want to add.

Q12: Can I use Plex Server to stream content in multiple languages?

A: Yes, Plex Server supports streaming content in multiple languages, as long as you have the appropriate subtitle files.

Q13: Does Plex Server support virtual reality (VR) content?

A: Yes, Plex Server supports VR content, as long as your device and VR headset support it.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you set up your own Plex Server on Ubuntu. With Plex Server, you have the power to stream your entire media collection to any device, anywhere you go. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Plex Server is a powerful and customizable media server that can meet all your streaming needs. With our step-by-step guide and advanced configuration options, you’ll be up and running in no time.

So why wait? Start streaming your favorite content today with Plex Server on Ubuntu!

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage, loss of data, or other issues that may occur as a result of following this guide. Always take proper precautions and ensure that you have a backup of your data before making any changes to your system.

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