Plex
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Table of Contents
Plex... the main reason we are. Easy to set up? Ya. Complications at times? Ya. So "what does Plex do for me" you ask? Think of Plex as having your own version of Netflix, but rather through the files that you already own. Plex can be addictive, which is why we are both here. Starting off with a simple collection is rather satisfying, but then you start realizing that you're running out of drive space, running RAIDs, and now trying to push things to the cloud (or not). You're not contempt with the basic streaming services and the cable company has you boxed in! That's where Plex come into play! Before executing Plex, you have conducted some basic planning. Is the server powerful enough, how much disk space is available, and how can the server be cost effective for one's needs?
Demo Example of Running a Plex Server
| Protocol | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| traefik** | plex:32400 | Only for Internal App-to-App Communication |
| https | plex.domain.com | Traefik must be Deployed; Remote Servers |
| http | domain.com:32400 | Poor Security Practice - Stop with PG Port Guard |
| http | ipv4:32400 | Ideal Only for Local Servers |
** Ideal for Apps to communicate between with one another. Click Here for more info!
Welcome to the crossroads! When executing Plex to install, you will be presented with a question in order to install either the remote or local edition. This part is important because it will affect in how you will be able to claim your Plex Server. If you select the local edition, you will easily be able to claim your Plex Server, whereas the remote setup will allow you to claim your Plex Server through an IP address. So please, select the correct one!
Installing the Plex Local Edition is simple. Once installed, you will see the following message.
Plex Local Edition
Here, you will simply visit your local IP address and you should see Plex asking for you to login. Once logged in and your able to claim your server, you are pretty much good to go! If your intent is to share out your server or utilize your server beyond the range of your home (or that of your local server), make sure to turn on your remote access. If you are unable to see your server outside of your local location, pay attention to tips provided. Anything beyond that, please visit our forums or the Plex Forums to resolve your issue.
Plex Remote Setup
Installing the Plex Remote Edition is a-bit more involved, but easy to do if you follow the provided steps. Before Plex Deploys, you will see a screen that will ask about your Plex ID. Visit https://plex.tv/claim and claim your Plex Server Code and paste and press enter within the terminal window.
Plex Claim Ask - Terminal
Now that you entered your code, PG will prompt you with some more information. You will need to visit: IP Address:32400/web. Do not forget the /web (if you do, you may see some Plex XML garbage and will start to ponder how to ask us a 1000 different ways to access your server).
Ensure to follow the steps as listed to ensure that your able to access your server. It is recommended that if you are having issues, test out with a second device and see if you can access PLEX. Personally, it has been witnessed that PLEX will say your server is not able to get out and then with your phone, you can see it.
This is the fun part! We'll tackle this portion in two ways. First, we will configure Plex to access your content and then the second part will be in regards to optimization.
You can safely disable plex's built in remote access and still access it via your plex.domain.com Disable remote access:
Then under network settings, click show advanced at the top. Then add your plex domain
In the use of all PlexGuide editions, you will access your content as shown below. The best recommendation I can tell you is not to select your location, but rather type it. Here are some examples below:
Type it, do not select it
/mnt/unionfs/tv/mnt/unionfs/movies/mnt/unionfs/mycustomcategory
Type it, do not select it
Press [ENTER] and it will come up!
- Configure what you need, there is one important area.
- [Click] Server > Show Advanced > Library
- [Turn On] Update my library automatically
- [Keep-Off] Run a partical scan...
- [Keep-On] Include music libraries...
- [Keep-On/Off] Update my library periodically (your choice..off if you have update automatically)
- [Select] Library update interval: Every hour (for huge libraries, every 2 is better)
- [Keep-On] Empty trash automatically after every scan
- [Click] Server > Show Advanced > Scheduled Tasks
- [Turn/Keep On] Backup database every 3 days
- [Turn/Keep On] Optimize database every week
- [Turn/Keep On] Remove old bundles every week
- [Turn/Keep On] Remove old cache files every week
- [Turn/Keep On] Refresh metadata periodically
- All the Rest; keep unchecked.
Keep in mind to monitor your Plex Server at times. Ensure that you always have enough diskspace for transcoding and keep in mind that if your server is distant, many of your issues can be related to one common medium known as the Internet (slow downs along the way). Best of Luck!
