It’s essentially a server, but more self-contained. That way, files on a NAS are accessible on the local area network as well as outside of the network. What is a NAS and How Does it Work?Ī network-attached storage device is basically file storage that’s connected to the Internet. Since then, I upgraded to an Intel Xeon-powered Lenovo ThinkServer TS140 running Ubuntu Linux, but have also used a Raspberry Pi 4 and NVIDIA Shield TV as Plex servers.

When I first began using Plex, I ran my server off of a busted HP Envy laptop with an AMD A10 APU. Getting started with Plex requires a library of films, shows, and music albums which you can acquire through DVD, Blu-ray, or CD rips, a Plex server, and a Plex client like a Roku or Firestick. As such, it’s one of the best apps for cord-cutting. However, Plex added a slew of cord-cutting features such as ad-supported free, legal streaming movies and shows, the ability to use an OTA antenna for live TV and DVR functionality, plus web shows and podcasts. Plex Media Server runs on various platforms including Linux, Windows, macOS, Docker, and NAS devices. Then, Plex organizes your library with metadata and box art, and you can access your films, shows, and albums on any number of devices from virtually anywhere.

Whereas streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Vudu host the content, with a media server you provide the movies, TV shows, and music files.

You can think of Plex like a DIY Netflix or Spotify.

Pi media server