Here’s how to stream music and video on your Synology NAS with Plex
Synology NAS models like the DS218+ and DS1019+ already come packing Synology’s packages (or apps) that can handle streaming to devices and whatnot. Still, to make things easier and more visually appealing, you can opt to use Plex. This service allows you to configure various content libraries that are automatically imported, checked over, and sorted with a bunch of information downloaded from elsewhere (album art, metadata, etc.). This guide will run you through installing and configuring Plex on a Synology NAS, which would make working from home easier to live with.
Products used in this guide
How to install Plex Media Server
You have the option to install Plex Media Server on Synology NAS using two methods.
Manual (recommended)
This route is a little more complicated and requires you to download and install new Plex Media Server releases, but it’s my preferred method.
- Download the Plex Server package. (Choose “Synology” under “NAS”.)
- Connect to your Synology NAS.
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Open up the Package Center.
Source: Windows Central
- Click on “Manual Install.”
- Click “Browse” and locate the Plex Server download.
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Click “Next.”
Source: Windows Central
- Click “Yes” on the pop-up.
- Click “Apply.”
Automatic
If you’d rather install Plex through Synology’s DSM and have the OS allow you to automatically update the package without having to fetch updates yourself, follow these steps instead.
- Connect to your Synology NAS.
- Go into Package Center.
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Click Settings in the top-right corner.
Source: Windows Central
- Change trust level to “Synology Inc. and trusted publishers“.
- Click Certificate tab.
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Open a new browser tab/window and download the certificate key from Plex.
Source: Windows Central
- Click Import on the Certificate window.
- Browse to the downloaded key.
- Click OK.
- Back in Package Center, install Plex Media Server
Configuring your new server
Ultimate Plex beginner’s guide
Source: Windows Central
Plex is one of those services that has been around for some time. Many of us might have passed it over for some reason, be it a lack of understanding of what it does, thinking it couldn’t possibly be useful to you, or something else entirely. The truth is, Plex could be just what you’re looking for to help you manage your media collection.
Now you can enjoy access to all your content on your smart TV, Xbox One, tablet, smartphone, Windows 10 PC, laptop, and all other devices running the Plex app with adequate access.
Our top equipment picks
To install and configure your very own Plex Media Server on a Synology NAS, you’ll need the following equipment.
Beginner NAS
Synology DS218+
Everything you need for a Plex server
The DS218+ is considered as the perfect entry point for anyone new to the beautiful world of NAS. Powered by an Intel processor and with two drive bays, you have ample performance available for setting up a home media server with Plex.
Additional Equipment
While a NAS is mandatory, the Plex Pass and hard drives are optional, but highly recommended additions.
Seagate Ironwolf (From $65 at Amazon)
It’s best to use drives designed explicitly for NAS, and the Ironwolf series from Seagate are excellent storage solutions. These drives include AgileArray, which helps improve performance and reliability over traditional desktop drives.
Plex Pass (From $5/mo. at Plex)
You can use Plex for free. But to take full advantage of streaming capabilities with transcoding for advanced playback on connected devices and keeping your libraries looking perfect, you’ll want to consider the optional Plex Pass.
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