I have purchased a Synology 216+II and I intend to use it with a Minix U9-H android box. I do not want the Synology to do any transcoding as I am under the impression that the Minix box will handle all of the files for me.
I’m a bit confused as to where I install the Plex media server, I assume it’s on the Synology NAS, and then the Minix will access it through my gigabit router? Do I also need to install Plex for Kodi on the Minix box to access the Plex server?
I’m sure I remember reading a while ago that people were having problems with the official download of the Plex media server through the Synology package center? So is there a way to manually install a certain version?
Do I need to tell Plex server to never transcode any files?
Thanks.
Read the Synology FAQ. It is at the top of the Synology section of the forum.
Install Plex Media Server on the Synology. See FAQ Q1/2/3.
Do not load the version from the Synology Package Center. It will be out of date. Use the download link at the top of the forum to obtain the current version (direct link: https://www.plex.tv/media-server-downloads/). You’ll want the Intel 64-bit version. Details in FAQ Q1/2/3.
There is no setting to tell PMS to never transcode files. The Celeron processor in your NAS has very limited transcoding capability. You may need to process your files with Handbrake, handbrake.fr, or similar tools, so they will not transcode during playback.
If you had a Plex Pass, you could take advantage of hardware accelerated transcoding, which uses the Celeron’s GPU instead of the CPU for transcoding video. With hardware acceleration, the Celeron can transcode 1080p video. You can try this later if needed. Use the $4.99/mo plan to see if it helps. If so, you can then look at other plans. If not, cancel the subscription.
Pay very close attention to Plex requirements for media organization & naming. See FAQ Q4 & Q5. Also Plex docs section on Media Preparation.
Can’t help with the Minix box. Never used one. If it has the Google Play store access, then you can download the Plex client from Google.
