I’ve happily been using Kodi for my in-home media streaming (main TV and other devices around the house!) but I’d quite like to give Plex another go as I’d like to be able to access my media while I’m away from home!
Hardware-wise I’ve got the following:
- Synology DS213 NAS (where I store all of my media but no longer supports Plex by the looks of things!?)
- Intel NUC (Core i3 Haswell I think!) - currently running OpenElec (which I’d like to keep if possible as I like the UI on the main TV!)
- Desktop (Core i5 2500K)
- Laptop (Core i7 something or other!)
- PS4
I’ve tried installing “Plex Home Theatre” on both the desktop (connected via homeplugs) and laptop (connected wirelessly) and while both seem to work (ie. I can stream content to my phone/tablet OK) I wouldn’t want to leave either on 24/7!!
My question is, is there any way to install the Plex Media Server on my NUC in addition to having Kodi on there (somehow “in the background” so it’s always on or am I looking at getting a separate stand-alone piece of hardware to simply run the Plex server software?
I’ve looked at the Pi 3 but understand it will not handle transcoding (although I’m not sure whether my media will need transcoding - how do I tell??) or something like the Nvidia Shield, which I understand will now accommodate the server as well as the player for Plex following a recent update??
Can I re-task any of my existing kit to implement an always-on server for Plex or do I need new kit??
Sorry I’ve rambled a bit but I’d really like to understand more of what will/can do what and how the get the best out of my existing kit!! (I have a feeling that my NUC is a bit over the top for just running Kodi!?!?)
Thanks for any help…
First, are you asking which device you should install a Plex player app on or which device you should install Plex Media Server on? Or are you wanting to install both Plex Media Server and your Plex player app on one device?
Just considering Plex Media Server, I would first choose the device with the best processor. Then choose the device you do not mind running all the time. Since Plex Media Server does not use much RAM but uses a lot of CPU for transcoding, it can run in the background on any system. I actually have PMS running on a laptop that I use for other things everyday.
Keep in mind that the difference between Plex and Kodi is that Kodi is just a single media player while Plex is a media server that you accessed from a variety of players/devices. Plex works by allowing each device to decide how media is played. If the player/device cannot direct play the media (using the native player software for that device/player) then the media is sent to Plex Media Server to be transcoded.
Even if you do not think you will need much transcoding power, it is always best to have more CPU power than you need. Also see What kind of CPU do I need for my Server? and NAS Devices and Limitations
Also, when considering your transcoding needs, remember that online media in channel plugins and Watch Later come in a wide variety of formats. So you will need transcoding power if you plan on using channels and Watch Later/PlexIt. And Plex player software for computers, like Plex Media Player, Plex Web, or even RasPlex for Pi devices may support more of the formats for your local media, but they must transcode the majority of online formats offered through channel plugins and Watch Later/PlexIt.
