Advice on transitioning from current media set up to Plex Media Server - Please help!

General Discussions
1

I apologize in advance if this isn’t the correct forum for this, but I really want to start using Plex and could use some advice in getting started without breaking the bank.

Current Setup

  • kdLinks HD700 Media Player
  • Two (2) Seagate Backup Plus 3TB USB 3.0 External HDDs
  • One (1) Seagate Expansion 4TB USB 3.0 External HDD

All three HDDs are connected via USB to the kdLinks Media Player which is connected via HDMI to my television. When adding to my library, I have to disconnect one of the HDDs from the media player and connect it to my laptop to transfer files(s).

What I Want/Need

  • Some sort of NAS or DAS (whichever is recommended) for file storage, with RAID or some type of backup capability. Would likely need approximately 25TB of storage based on current library size and preference to back it up.
  • Device to host Plex Media Server (Mac Mini?) with ability to transcode in 1080p or close to it.
  • Will be accessed via iPads, iPhones and/or an Xbox One.
  • No more than 2-3 users will be accessing it at any given time with majority of time no more than 1 user (me).
  • All HDDs are currently full (10TB of video), but library likely not ever to exceed 12TB, if that.
  • I would like to salvage current HDDs within future set up, but if not possible then so be it.
  • Spend less than $1000 if possible. The less money it costs, the sooner I can make the switch from current setup.

I greatly appreciate any and all advice that anyone can provide on this endeavor.

Thanks!

2

You’re going to see a lot of different opinions when doing all the research you’ll need to do before being confident making a decision. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:

  1. How comfortable am I with different operating systems? Can I learn a new system, or should I stick with what I know?
  2. Are my media “needs” going to change over time? Within the next “x” years, do I see the potential need for more clients, more transcoding, etc.?
  3. How much time am I willing to put into maintaining my server?
  4. What are my actual backup needs? Do I want 1:1 copies of all of my data, with a separate set of cold storage drives locked up in a fireproof bank vault, or is the majority of my media replaceable/“re-ripable”

Those questions (along with others) are the foundation of how this community will truly be able to help you develop a system that will work best for you.