Streaming photos and videos from NAS to Chromecast stick

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
1

The Plex interface is very confusing for me (probably due to the numerous functions).

I only need a single function:
Playing videos and photos on an (old) TV that are stored on my NAS.
I have installed a Chromecast Ultra stick from Google on the HDMI port of the TV.

My Synology-NAS with DSM 7.2.2 is already entered as an authorized device in Plex (Webbrowser).

I have managed to add the folder /volume1/photo and volume1/video.
For the photo folder, it updates and adds photos.
For the video folder, it says the folder is empty. This is not true, as there are subfolders here as well as for photo.
I have allowed access to both folders by entering my NAS access data.
What could be the reason?

If I can overcome this hurdle with your help:
How can I then stream videos and pictures to Chromecast using the Plex Android app?

2

You must make sure your Plex server has the proper folder/file permissions set so that Plex is able to access your files.

You should organise your media like so (keep in mind the default folders, video, photo etc. on your NAS were intended for use by the Synology apps and NOT by Plex):

Media/
    Movies/
    Music/
    Photos/
    TV Shows/

Create the Media folder in Control Panel > Shared Folders and the rest can be created in File Station.

Move all of your media into the appropriate folder above.

Next, open File Station on the NAS and right click on the Media folder and select Properties.

Click on the Permission tab and highlight PlexMediaServer and then click on Edit.

Make sure ALL permission are selected:

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And then click on Done.

Next, most importantly, enable Apply to this folder, sub-folders and files and then click on Save.

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Be patient, this may take some time to complete. When done, all folders and files within the Media folder will have the correct permissions for the Plex Media Server.

The article I linked to in your other thread can help with casting etc…

1 Like
3

Thank you very much for your efforts.

Firstly, I had already got Plex running on my old Samsung a long time ago, but I learned from the forum that it stopped working after a certain date.
Even then I had not changed the folder structure of the NAS.
If I read your instructions correctly, should I change the existing structure of my NAS (only for Plex?) by creating a new folder “Media” with the substructures Movies/Music/Photos/Videos and then copying all files over?
I would have a bad feeling about that.
Also, my DS720\photo folder is scanned without any problems.
Why shouldn’t Plex be able to use the structure specified by the NAS or why is DS720\photos scanned but not DS720/video?

4

You may do whatever you wish, I can only make suggestions.

My suggestion does make managing your media a lot easier, but it’s your call.

5

Thank you very much for the advice on setting the authorizations.
I have not created any new folders, but by entering the permissions I have now managed to scan the Video folder thanks to your instructions.

However, it is very strange that the settings for access to /photos were not necessary at all.

But still two questions:

  1. I can’t create any folders directly below the path \DS720 after all.
    How can you then create a Media folder?
  2. Are the permissions under “Administrations” and “Write” absolutely necessary for Plex?
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  1. I suggest you go back and read my post. You will find the instructions there.
  2. Yes, they are needed for Plex to operate properly under all situations/conditions.

Just remember, when dealing with Linux (DSM) you must set the permissions correctly.

Failure to do so can easily lock you out of reading/writing your own files.

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