Building a mobile Plex Media Server

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Hello,
After hours of reading other posts I am now more confused than ever. I guess my application is unusual or my understanding of the other information provided is confused. Anyway this is my challenge and I hope you can help.

I want a mobile media server. The primary driving factors of importance is foot print (space is limited) energy consumption - low wattage (ideally the server will run from power supplied either in 12v or battery power converted to 110 AC using a pure sine inverter) the ability to stream at least 1 (preferably 2) video/audio streams at up to 1080p in a closed (wifi or hardwired) system.

I am going off grid (full time RV) and downsizing, but do not want to give up my extensive dvd and recorded video library. My thought is to save my dvd, cd and other recordings to some HDD format that can be played back via a smart TV and or Roku with a Plex app. My plan is to hardwire the TV/roku to the server via CAT6, HDMI, or alternately us wifi.

Initially I thought of using a NAS but after extensive reading reached the conclusion that most NAS are really not suitable for this application and those that are, are cost prohibitive. If I have misunderstood this please clarify for me.
If a PC is the way to go, desk tops are generally too large so I would need to use a laptop or build one from scratch. I am not a regular IT guy so I really need the guidance of those more knowledgeable than me.

From what I understand I can use HandBrake or similar to convert to a common container and codec (such as MP4 and H-246)to minimize any required transcoding by the server. Any help you can provide in the forms of recommendations or understanding are greatly appreciated.

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You might look at the Nvidea Shield version of Plex Media Server. It’s PMS software is actually a version of Android.

There are others here that have the actual Shield who can advise on performance. I run the Shield .apk on a $55 s912 2/16 octa-core Android TV box, (5v, 2a) and it handles a single 1080p stream of h264 (mp4) just fine. The Shield Tegra processor should have much better performance than the s912, plus it’s supported. (My s912 is definitely not). So Shield is the least hassle way to go.

Good Luck!
Chris

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You might look at the Nvidea Shield version of Plex Media Server. It’s PMS software is actually a version of Android.

There are others here that have the actual Shield who can advise on performance. I run the Shield .apk on a $55 s912 2/16 octa-core Android TV box, (5v, 2a) and it handles a single 1080p stream of h264 (mp4) just fine. The Shield Tegra processor should have much better performance than the s912, plus it’s supported. (My s912 is definitely not). So Shield is the least hassle way to go.

Good Luck!

Chris

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There is another mobile Plex Media Server possibility using the Nvidea 1.14.1.5488.apk. It will run on a $100 Trek K88 Tablet. I have one, and have PMS up and running on it for over a week.

ZTE Trek 2 8" tablet HD K88 AT&T 16GB Wifi 4G LTE Unlocked Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5IJYBR/

It’s a lot of hardware considering what you get compared to the $55 (now $60) Android TV box. The Touch screen means no remote or keyboard is needed, no tv needed for display either. All in one… You might even use the GSM radio and an AT&T sim and no cap on-the-road data plan if you happen to own an Airstream. Don’t know if AT&T keeps the hotspot capability unlimited if you do go GSM, but that may be a possibility to give you mobile wifi.

Buy an OTG cable to add USB storage to the Trek directly and or direct Ethernet connection to a mini-router like the $20 GLi… (I use one as a subnetwork on my main router, as an Open VPN client. My Trek PMS connects thru it)

GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router, Repeater Bridge, 300Mbps High Performance, 128MB RAM, OpenVPN Client, Tor Compatible https://www.amazon.com/dp/

The mini-router also has read/write 64GB USB capability for network storage…

My Trek is my primary tablet with lots of stuff loaded on it, so, if I were to want a mobile server I would buy another. I simply used it to see if the PMS .apk would install on its Qualcomm octa-core. It did. Seems to run great.

Maybe seem strange to turn it into a PMS Server and NAS box (with the mini-router), but why not? For mobile, it looks perfect.

Just remember - totally unsupported by Plex or anyone else. Expect reply(s) to that effect…

But even if in future it stops working as a PMS if the current working .apk gets too out of date, you still have a nice Tablet in the K88…

Regards,
Chris

PS - forget to mention: Get some $20 2nd gen Fire Sticks for the TV(s). I run Plex clients on them - not on the Server. Better to leave the PMS $55 Android/$100 Trek as a dedicated PMS and clients on separate boxes…

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+1 for shield, usable as both client and server.

another suggestion for your off-grid enjoyment, find a cheap android projector.

then when you are in nice weather, you can go outside and project to a screen or wall or whatever and enjoy the weather and your media at the same time.

portable projectors also useful for backyard parties and bbq’s etc.

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I had actually thought about using a projector outside. I did not realize there are some using Android OS. Would that be advantageous vs one that just connects via Wifi?

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Thanks Chris,

The second link did not work but I searched Amazon for GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 Mini Travel Router and found it for $19 plus other options from $19 to $137. Lot to look into.

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well, I don’t have a projector yet, but as far as android model, my thinking was to run the plex client on the projector so you don’t necessarily need another box or device to control it.

of course, the quality of those android projectors vary greatly, and I don’t know which would work best or even good enough for plex.

the one I have been considering is still not cheap, and there is an even newer more expensive version coming out soon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076Q3GBJK/

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The GLi mini router at $19 has been working great for me. However, it is easy to Brick it doing a flash upgrade. I suggest leaving it with 2.27 or whatever Ver. it comes with. Not worth the upgrade to 3.0 (unless yours comes with it) unless you plan to set up an Open VPN Server (client works fine in 2.27)

Sorry I missed the truncated link…

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With the swift progress of technology I may wait until I need this, maybe next year. I am sure the price will either drop or something more advanced for the same price will appear. The projector is not an immediate need but the idea of going with Android to make the device a Plex Client is very valid.

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No worries. Thanks

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