Server Version#: all
Player Version#: all
Hi all,
So I’m new to Plex and I’m confused about something. I have a Synology NAS that is filled with movies, TV-series and music. During installation of the Plex server it is strongly encouraged to create new, separate folders for Plex, and not use the existing Synology NAS folders. Does this mean that I would have to copy all that data to the newly created Plex folders, basically duplicating all my files? Thanks for the response.
Regards,
JW
You don’t have to duplicate any files, just move them into a folder where you can direct Plex to look for it.
If your folders are already split between your movies, music and tv shows Plex can look for them there. For instance you would want all your movies in one folder, then you create a library in plex and it will ask you what folder to look for them in.
If they are all together, you’re going to have to separate them. (music, movies, and tv)
The files also have to be named correctly
Have a look at this link
https://support.plex.tv/articles/naming-and-organizing-your-tv-show-files/
Thanks, I understand. Up until now I’ve been using DS Video, which also requires the files to be in specific folders. I guess I’ll have to choose between DS Video, or Plex then? I like the hardware transcoding in DS Video, which the free version of Plex does not seem to support.
If the files are already in specific folders you can just use the free version of Plex point libraries at them and see how everything turns out. No harm in running both Plex and DS Video at the same time if the folder structures are already set up.
If you’re not interested in paying for Plex the (hw) transcoding might be a deal breaker depending on how much of your content needs it.
I suspect DS Video might be a little easier and stable for some things but Plex is going to have more features.
Are the extras worth the switch is the question I guess. Good luck
Thank you for the quick replies! I’ll try them both and see which one I like better 
The problem is with file permissions.
The username running Plex needs at least read only access to the media files.
Synology sometimes removes that permission for media stored in the folders used by DS Video and other DS apps (with an app update, DSM update, maybe other times as well).
When this happens you’ll receive errors in Plex as it can no longer access the media.
You can restore permissions in DSM and Plex is happy until it happens again.
Nothing is damaged, no media files lost, etc. Just a PITA, which is why Plex recommends not placing media in those folders.
You can run both Plex and DS Video simultaneously. Just be aware of the implications. If you later decide to use Plex full time, you can move your media to another location.
Alright, that’s good to know! Thanks.
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