The process of converting an outdated computer into a dedicated media server is described in this article. Digital media files, including music, movies, and photos, are centralized by a media server & made available to other devices connected to a local network. This may work well to prolong the life of outdated hardware and make media consumption more efficient. It is crucial to plan the project’s scope and gather the required components before starting the hardware and software configuration. This stage guarantees that the finished media server effectively functions & satisfies your unique requirements.
determining the hardware needs. Depending on its hardware specifications, an old computer may or may not be suitable for media server duties. Important factors to take into account are:. CPU stands for central processing unit. The computations required for media transcoding and streaming are carried out by the CPU.
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Most older CPUs are adequate for serving basic media (streaming files without conversion). Nonetheless, a more potent CPU will be useful if you expect to transcode media on the fly (converting files to a format compatible with the playback device). When streaming over a slower network or using devices with limited codec support, transcoding is especially crucial.
For instance, a CPU with more cores & a faster clock speed can manage transcoding and multiple streams more efficiently. RAM, or random access memory. RAM serves as the short-term memory of the computer, enabling speedy data access and processing. The operating system & media server software you select will determine how much RAM is needed.
It may be enough to have 2 GB of RAM for a simple media server application and a light Linux distribution. However, 4 GB or more is advised for Windows or more resource-demanding server software. Similar to attempting to juggle too many balls at once, inadequate RAM can result in sluggish performance and unstable systems. The capacity to store. Keeping your media library on a media server is its main function. The size and format of your media files will have a major impact on the amount of storage space you need.
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For example, compared to music albums or standard-definition videos, high-definition movies take up significantly more space. While estimating storage needs, take into account the following. File Size: The file sizes of various video codecs & resolutions vary. While a 4K movie can easily surpass 50 GB, a 1080p movie can have a size range of 2 GB to 20 GB or more. Format: Audio formats without loss (e.g.
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G. more space than compressed formats (e.g., FLAC). A. MP3. Library Growth: Take into account prospective future additions to your collection of media.
In general, it is preferable to overestimate storage requirements rather than run out of space too soon. You have the option of upgrading to larger drives or using the old computer’s current hard drive. Although internal drives frequently offer superior performance & dependability for a dedicated server, external hard drives can also be utilized. connectivity within a network. For seamless streaming of media, a steady & quick network connection is essential.
An Ethernet port on the majority of older computers allows for a wired connection, which is typically chosen due to its dependability and speed. Make sure the PC has a working Wi-Fi adapter if a wired connection is not practical. Your home network’s speed will ultimately determine how good your streaming experience is. A network bottleneck will hinder even the most potent server. choosing the operating system’s software. Your media server is built on top of the operating system (OS).
There are numerous choices, and each has pros and cons of its own. Distributions of Linux. Linux’s dependability, adaptability, and low resource requirements make it a popular option for media servers.
A number of distributions are suitable for this use. Ubuntu Server: This stable platform is well-known for its ease of use & wide community support. It’s a good starting point for Linux beginners. Debian: Frequently regarded as the foundation for numerous other Linux distributions, Debian is a dependable and steady option.
FreeNAS / TrueNAS CORE: FreeNAS (now TrueNAS CORE) is an operating system based on FreeBSD that is specifically made for network-attached storage (NAS) & media serving, even though it isn’t exactly a traditional OS. It makes configuration easier with its web-based interface and sophisticated storage management features. Windows.
It is possible to use Windows as an operating system for a media server, particularly if you are already familiar with the platform. Nevertheless, Windows typically uses more system resources than Linux, & it might have licensing fees. A less powerful version of Windows, like Windows 7 (as long as it is still supported or secured by being disconnected from the internet), may be taken into consideration for older hardware. specific operating systems for NAS.
For storage & server functions, FreeNAS/TrueNAS is an excellent example of a dedicated operating system. The setup and access of your media is made easier by the media server management tools that are frequently integrated into these systems. Software Selection for Media Servers.
Your media files must be indexed, arranged, & streamed by media server software. By cataloging your collection and delivering it to your devices, this software serves as your virtual librarian. Plex.
Plex is a popular media server program renowned for its robust features, wide device compatibility, and easy-to-use interface. It lets you stream remotely from outside your home network & automatically arranges your media with metadata (posters, synopses, cast information). Plex provides a free tier with basic features and a Plex Pass for more advanced features like DVR & hardware transcoding. The Emby.
Similar features to Plex, such as multi-client support and metadata fetching, are provided by Emby, another powerful media server. Also, it offers both a free & a premium membership model. Emby’s adaptability and customization possibilities are frequently commended.
The jellyfin. Since Jellyfin is an open-source fork of Emby, it is free & created by the community. It is a strong choice for users who favor open-source solutions & offers a feature set comparable to that of Plex and Emby.
Kodi (in a server role). Kodi is primarily a media player, but it can also be set up to function as a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) media server, which enables other networked devices to access its collection. But in general, it is not as well-suited for dedicated server roles as programs like Plex or Emby.
assembling the cables and tools that are required. To finish the setup, you’ll need a computer, software, & a few simple tools and cables. Screwdrivers: For removing the computer casing and putting in new components. External hard drives are an optional addition if you require more storage. USB drives: These are used to install media servers and operating systems.
Ethernet cables are needed for a network connection that is wired. Power cables are used to link the computer to external drives. The physical procedures for getting your old computer ready for its new function as a media server are covered in detail in this section. It entails cleaning, possible improvements, & making sure every part works. The hardware was cleaned.
Dust buildup can reduce an electronic component’s lifespan and impair performance. An essential first step is a thorough cleaning. Cleaning from within. Power Down and Unplug: Make sure all power cables are unplugged & the computer is fully turned off. To open the case, take off the computer’s side panel.
Usually, this entails removing a few screws from the back. Dust Removal: Use compressed air to blow dust out of fans, heatsinks, and other components. For dust that won’t go away, use a brush with soft bristles. Take note of the case fans & the CPU’s heatsink and fan.
Clean Peripherals: You can use compressed air to clean external ports while the case is open. Cleaning from outside. Use a moist cloth—not wet—to clean the computer case’s exterior. If desired, disinfectant wipes can be used; however, make sure they don’t leave behind too much moisture.
If you plan to keep the mouse, keyboard, and monitor, clean them. Prospective improvements to the hardware. Certain hardware upgrades can greatly increase your old computer’s media server performance, depending on its age & specifications. RAM expansion.
Greater RAM may be advantageous, as was mentioned during the planning stage. Upgrade if the RAM on your computer is less than 4 GB. Find the Type of RAM: To find out the type of RAM (DDR2, DDR3, etc.), consult the motherboard manual or access system information tools. ) and the highest capacity that can be supported. Acquire RAM modules that are compatible with the specifications. Installation:. Make sure the computer has been turned off & disconnected.
Find the motherboard’s RAM slots, which are often long, thin slots with clips on either end. Press the clips gently to open the slot. Push down firmly until the clips snap into place after aligning the RAM module’s notch with the slot’s notch. Adding or upgrading storage.
Upgrades or additional storage should be considered if the current hard drive is inadequate. Improvement of the Internal Hard Drive. Track down the current hard drive. Usually, it is a metal box that is rectangular in shape and is connected by SATA power & data cables. Cut off the cables.
Remove the drive from its bay by unscrewing it. Screw the new drive into place in the same bay. Reconnect the power and SATA data cables. To increase space or provide redundancy, add a second internal drive. Verify that the drive bay on your computer case is available.
As with an internal drive upgrade, follow the same installation steps. connection to an external hard drive. Attach the external drive to a computer’s USB port. If necessary, make sure the drive has its own power source.
swapping out the CPU or Advanced Graphics Processor. For a simple media server, replacing the CPU or GPU might not be required; this is typically a more involved upgrade. These upgrades might be taken into consideration if your system actually has trouble with demanding tasks like transcoding multiple high-resolution streams, but using newer hardware is frequently more economical. The steps in this procedure are to remove the old parts, clean the heatsink, apply thermal paste, and then install the new part. For comprehensive instructions and compatibility information, refer to your motherboard’s manual.
Making sure the components work. Make sure all of your hardware is working before installing any software. launching the UEFI or BIOS. Restart the computer by turning it on. Enter BIOS/UEFI: To access the BIOS or UEFI settings, press the designated key at startup (usually DEL, F2, F10, or F12).
Typically, the key is shown on the screen when the computer boots up. Check for Drives: Go to the storage or boot order section of the BIOS/UEFI to confirm that your hard drive or drives are identified. Verify RAM: The installed RAM amount is shown in certain BIOS/UEFI versions. Examine CPU Temperature (Optional): Some systems display the CPU temperature, which may reveal whether the heatsink is seated correctly. Storage device testing.
It’s a good idea to format and partition newly installed storage. This can be accomplished with disk management tools in Windows/Linux or during OS installation. Windows Disk Management. Choose “Disk Management” with a right-click on the Start button. “. A list of your drives will appear.
Use the “New Simple Volume” option when you right-click a newly created drive to format and partition it if it is unallocated. Linux, or e. A g.
with gparted):. If it’s not already installed, run sudo apt install gparted on Debian or Ubuntu to install it. Gparted can be launched from the application menu or terminal. Create new partitions or format existing ones after selecting the desired drive. You can install your preferred operating system on the reconditioned computer by following the instructions in this section.
The hardware turns into an operational platform at this crucial point. The installation media is being prepared. You will require a bootable DVD or USB drive that has the OS installer on it. For Linux distributions (e.g. G. Ubuntu Server, etc.
To download the ISO, visit the official Linux distribution website (e.g. A. download the server ISO image by going to ubuntu .
com/download/server. Make a bootable USB by writing the ISO image to a USB drive using a program such as Etcher (cross-platform) or Rufus (Windows). Rufus: Choose your USB drive, pick the ISO file that has been downloaded, and press “Start.”. “,”.
Etcher: Click “Flash,” choose your USB drive, & then select the ISO. The “. for Microsoft Windows.
Download Windows Media Creation Tool: Go to the Microsoft website and get the Media Creation Tool for the Windows version you plan to install. Make Installation Media: To make a bootable USB drive using the Windows installer, launch the Media Creation Tool & adhere to the instructions. The operating system is installed. Depending on the OS, the installation procedure will differ slightly, but the general steps are the same.
using the installation media to power up. Place the Bootable Media: Place the ready-made DVD or USB drive into the outdated PC. Restart the Computer: Do a computer reboot. Access Boot Menu: Press the key (usually F12, F10, or ESC) to bring up the boot menu during startup.
Your motherboard determines the precise key. Choose Boot Device: Choose your USB drive or DVD drive as the main boot device from the boot menu. paying attention to the installer prompts. Once the installer loads, adhere to the instructions displayed on the screen. Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout. Installation Type: Select an upgrade (if applicable, although a clean installation is usually advised for a dedicated server) or a clean installation (which will remove all data from the target drive).
Especially for Linux, disk partitioning is an essential step. When it comes to Windows, the installer will typically walk you through drive partitioning. Choose the drive on which you wish to install Windows, then allow it to create partitions on its own. If you have particular requirements, you can also create custom partitions.
You will have more control with Linux. Creating a root partition (/) and a swap partition are standard procedures. You could set aside a different drive for media storage if you have several drives. LVM (Logical Volume Management) or RAID arrays may be configured by experienced users. Establish a username and password to create a user account.
For server operating systems, it’s usually advised to create a strong password & think about turning off root login for security. Options for installing pre-selected software packages are available in certain Linux server installers. These can usually be skipped and installed later for a media server. The initial configuration of the OS.
Do some preliminary configuration for best performance and security after the OS installation is finished. System updates. Maintaining OS updates is essential for stability & security. Windows: Click “Check for updates” after selecting Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update.
Utilize every update that is available. Linux: Launch a terminal and type the commands below. party. . sudo apt update.
run sudo apt upgrade. This pertains to systems running Ubuntu or Debian. There will be comparable update commands in other distributions. ). setup of a network.
Make sure the network connection to your media server is steady. Wired Connection: Attach an Ethernet cable between the computer & your router. The majority of operating systems will set this up on their own. To confirm connectivity, launch a web browser and go to a website. Static IP Address: It is strongly advised that a media server be given a static IP address.
This keeps your network’s server’s address constant, which makes it simpler for other devices to locate it. Configuring your router to always assign the same IP address to the MAC address of your media server is the simplest way to do this (DHCP Reservation). For instructions, refer to the handbook that comes with your router. OS Network Settings: As an alternative, you can set up the static IP address in the network settings of the operating system. Entering the IP address, subnet mask, DNS server addresses, and default gateway—your router’s IP—is typically required for this.
Access & authorization for the user. If you would prefer, you can use a separate user account instead of the primary administrator account to run your media server software. By restricting the media server process’s privileges, this can improve security. To guarantee that sensitive system files are protected while the server software can access your media directories, set the proper file permissions.
The media server software itself can now be installed and configured after the operating system has been set up. This is where the development of your digital library begins. Setting Up Your Selected Media Server Program. For Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin, the installation procedure is usually simple.
For Plex. Download the Plex Media Server installer for your preferred operating system by going to the Plex website (plex . tv/media-server-downloads/). Launch the Installer: Launch the downloaded file & adhere to the instructions displayed on the screen.
Access Web Interface: Plex Media Server will usually start up in the background after installation. By starting a web browser and going to http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:32400/web, you can access its web interface. For Emby. To download Emby Server, visit the Emby website (emby . media/download) and choose the download link that corresponds to your operating system.
Install Emby Server: Launch the installer and adhere to the guidelines. Access Web Interface: http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:8096 is the standard URL to access the Emby web interface. For Jellyfin. Find the Jellyfin Server download for your operating system by going to the Jellyfin website (jellyfin .
org/downloads). Jellyfin Server installation: Run the installer. Instructions may differ slightly depending on the Linux distribution (e.g. 3. utilizing package managers or including repositories). Web Interface for Access: The standard URL for the Jellyfin web interface is http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:8096.
Media Library Configuration. In terms of media server setup, this is perhaps the most crucial step. The software needs to know where to look for your media files. Making Media Folders.
It’s a good idea to arrange your media files on your server’s storage in logical folders before configuring the media server software. For example:.
/media/Movies.
/media/TV Shows.
/media/Music.
/media/Photos. If you are using a separate drive for media, mount that drive and create these folders on it. Adding Libraries to the Media Server Software.
Within the web interface of your chosen media server software (Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin), you will find options to add “Libraries. “..”. Choose Library Type: Decide what kind of media you want to add (e.g. A. TV series, films, and music.
To specify the location of the folder, navigate to & pick the folder on your server that holds that kind of media. Set up Metadata Agents: The program will search the internet for details about your media (e.g., metadata agents). G.
movie posters, character bios, and episode synopses). You can customize these agents to your liking. Scan Library: Start the library’s scan process. Your media will then be processed by the server, which will also download metadata and arrange it for viewing.
maximizing performance. Transcoding Settings: You can set up hardware transcoding if your media server software allows it, which is typically a premium feature. This greatly improves performance, particularly if your CPU is older, by shifting the taxing task of video conversion to the GPU. Decide how frequently the server should look for new media by setting the library scan frequency. To lower background resource usage on a dedicated server, you can frequently set this to “manually” or at a less frequent interval.
Database Location: Verify that a fast drive houses the server’s database. Configuring Remote and User Access (Optional). You have control over who can access your media & whether they can do so from a network outside of your home. User Permissions and Accounts. You can create multiple user accounts with varying degrees of access with the majority of media server software.
If family members wish to use the server but you wish to block specific content, this can be helpful. Setting up remote access. To use your media server from a network outside of your house (e.g. G. When you are on the road, you will need to set up & activate remote access. Plex: Plex manages a lot of this on its own, but you might need to make sure your router is set up to let Plex connect.
Emby/Jellyfin: In order for external connections to reach the server, your router may need to port forward. This entails setting up your router to send particular incoming traffic to the IP address and port of your media server. It’s critical to use strong passwords and comprehend the security implications of enabling remote access. You can begin using your centralized media library by connecting your devices to your media server after it has been set up and configured. The devices you use for playback are connected to the server via this step.
Linking streaming devices & smart televisions. Dedicated streaming devices and smart TVs (e.g. G. , Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast) usually have apps available for popular media server software. Installing Media Server Client Apps. Open the App Store: Navigate to the app store on your smart TV or streaming device.
Search for the App: Search for the dedicated Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin app. Install the App: Download and install the app. Linking the App to Your Server.
Launch the App: Open the installed media server app on your client device. Sign In/Connect: You will typically need to sign in to your account (for Plex) or connect to your server using its IP address or a pairing code. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app. Browse and Play: Once connected, you should be able to browse your media libraries and play content directly from the server.
Accessing Media on Computers and Mobile Devices. Your desktop or laptop computers and smartphones/tablets can also access the media server. Web Browser Access. On any device connected to your local network, you can use a web browser to directly access all of the major media server software.
Simply navigate to the server’s web interface address (e. A. http://[Your_Server_IP_Address]:32400/web. This is a practical method, particularly for computers, of accessing your media without installing specialized apps. Specialized client applications.
Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin provide specific client apps for iOS, Android, macOS, & Windows. Download the App: Locate and download the relevant app from the software’s website or the app store on your device. Log In/Connect: Log in to your server or sign in to your account.
Savor: Peruse and enjoy your media. On mobile devices, these apps frequently offer a more optimized user experience than the web interface. To achieve wider compatibility, use DLNA/UPnP. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) are networking standards that allow devices to discover & share media over a network. Most media server software includes DLNA/UPnP support, which can be helpful for older or less sophisticated devices that may not have dedicated Plex/Emby/Jellyfin apps.
Enabling DLNA/UPnP. Check the settings of your media server software to ensure DLNA/UPnP is enabled. Device Discovery.
Many smart TVs, game consoles (e. g. PlayStation, Xbox), and even some audio receivers can detect DLNA servers on your network. You can typically access shared media through a media player or file browser feature on these devices. Managing Your Media Library.
Ongoing management is key to a well-functioning media server. Adding New Media. When you acquire new movies, music, or TV shows, simply add them to the appropriate folders on your server’s storage.
The media server program will add the new content to your library after scanning these folders on a regular basis (or you can initiate a manual scan). Sorting and labeling. Check your media library frequently to make sure the right metadata has been downloaded. You might have to manually add missing information or fix titles that are incorrectly identified.
Certain software enables the creation of collections or the application of unique organization rules. removing undesirable content. Review your library on a regular basis and take out any items you no longer want to keep. This aids in organizing your storage area.
Like any computer system, a media server needs regular upkeep & may have problems from time to time. Sustained smooth operation can be ensured by proactive maintenance and familiarity with common troubleshooting techniques. Software updates on a regular basis. Updates for security, performance, and bug fixes are crucial for both the operating system and the media server software. Updates for the operating system.
As mentioned, regularly check for & install OS updates. Cron & similar tools can be used to set up scheduled updates for Linux systems. Updates for the Media Server software.
Developers of media servers regularly publish updates that fix bugs, add new features, & enhance current ones. Keep an eye out for announcements on the software’s official channels and adhere to their update protocols. tracking the operation of the system. The server’s performance should be monitored as your media library expands and usage rises. Use of Resources.
CPU Usage: When the server is having trouble, especially when transcoding, a high CPU usage can be a sign. Using system tools like Task Manager (Windows) or htop (Linux), you can keep an eye on this. If it’s continuously high, think about improving the hardware or optimizing the transcoding settings if the machine’s age is the limiting factor. RAM Usage: Slow performance may result from regularly using all of your RAM. If you can, think about upgrading RAM or shutting down unused programs on the server.
Storage bottlenecks may be indicated by high disk input/output activity. You can determine whether your hard drives are having trouble processing read/write requests by keeping an eye on this. network throughput. Make sure your network connection isn’t a bottleneck by using network monitoring tools. If there is choppy streaming even with enough server resources, your router or network cables may be the problem.
Backup plans. It can be annoying to lose your media library, even though the main purpose of a media server is convenience. Think of a fallback plan.
Backups of media files. External Drives: Make frequent copies of your media library to an external hard drive. Cloud Storage: Although prices may mount for large volumes of data, cloud storage services may be a viable choice for smaller libraries or as a backup. Network Attached Storage (NAS): A standalone NAS device can be a reliable backup location.
backups for configurations. Backup your media server software’s configuration files on a regular basis. If you ever need to rebuild your server, this can save a lot of time. Typical Troubleshooting Situations.
Problems can occur even with meticulous setup. Here are some common problems & their potential solutions:. The library’s media is not visible. Incorrect Folder Path: Verify again that the folder path entered in the library settings of your media server is accurate & that the server software can access it. File Permissions: Ensure the user account running the media server software has read permissions for the media folders and files. Metadata Agent Issues: Try refreshing the metadata for the specific media item or the entire library.
Case Sensitivity (Linux): Linux file systems are case-sensitive. Ensure the folder names in your configuration match exactly. Streaming Stuttering or Buffering. Network Issues: Test your network speed and stability.
Try a wired connection if you’re using Wi-Fi. Transcoding Load (CPU/GPU): If the server is transcoding, check CPU/GPU usage. Try lowering the streaming quality on the client device if it’s at its maximum or, if your client device supports the original file format, turning off transcoding.
Server Resources: Verify that there is sufficient RAM on the server and that no other processes are causing it to lag. Limitations of Client Devices: High-bitrate content may not play well on some older client devices. No access to the media server. Server Not Running: Confirm that the server computer is actually running the media server software. Inaccurate IP Address: Verify that you are utilizing the appropriate IP address for your server. If you are accessing remotely, confirm your public IP address hasn’t changed and your port forwarding is correctly configured.
Firewall Problems: Verify that the media server’s port is not being blocked by firewalls on your router or the server OS. Verify that the computer on the server is linked to the network. The usefulness of your repurposed hardware can be maximized by maintaining a reliable and effective media server experience by following these maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
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