Long-term Plex user here. I’m using an ancient mac mini to run Plex server, with a myriad of external drives connected.
I’m considering buying the Synology DS920+ to run Plex Media Server and consolidate my storage.
A couple basic questions, which I haven’t seen answered anywhere:
In addition to using the NAS drives for media, could the Synology-based Plex Media Server also mount an external drive connected to another computer and shared on the network? Considering keeping my iTunes music library on a USB3 drive connected to my desktop mac.
I’ve got a Plex DVR setup with SiliconDust HD Home Run network tuner. Will the DVR be run on a Synology-based Plex Media Server?
Yes, you can run the server on the NAS and connect any drive from any computer on your network
One thing you want to keep in mind is keeping the drive on the mac accessible when the NAS is on. If the NAS server scans your files while the mac is off Plex will think those items have been deleted off your file system
Server –> Library
You have to disable “empty trash automatically after every scan” so all the metadata for the files doesn’t get wiped out
I don’t run a tuner or DVR so I can’t speak to that but I don’t imagine it being a problem. Hopefully someone with that setup can give you some info
Are you going to migrate your database from the mac to the Synology or just start over with a fresh install?
Moving to a different OS can be a little tricky. I would advise you to speak with ChuckPa here in the forum before you buy anything or try to migrate
Consider moving your iTunes library to the NAS drives. You’ll gain the RAID protection against drive failure.
Alternately, you can attach the USB drive to the NAS. You won’t have the RAID protection, but you will not need to leave the Mac on 7/24 so Plex can access the music.
Either way, you can mount the shared folders from the NAS on the Mac when you want to run iTunes (can automount when Mac boots if desired).
A couple of notes re: Plex on Synology.
Do not install PMS v1.21.0.3744 that is available in the Synology Package Center. It is an old beta version Synology will not remove or update. It is not fully compatible with the current Synology OS.
Download the current version of PMS from plex.tv and perform a manual installation. Be sure to download the DSM 7, Intel 64-bit version.
The Plex Synology FAQ has information on running Plex on a Synology NAS, including manual installations, moving from another system, etc. Definitely worth a read before installing Plex on the Syno.
Alright, one more basic question: I see that Seagate’s Seagate IronWolf Pro 16TB is on the Synology Products Compatibility List. But the 18TB version is not. Further, that list hasn’t been updated in quite some time, aside from Synology drives.