How to get Plex up and running on Synology DS420+
The Synology DS420+ comes rocking its own app store, allowing you to install a whole host of third-party services, including Plex Media Server. While you can store and enjoy media using Synology’s own apps, Plex takes everything to a whole new level, allowing you to sort, correctly tag, and even transcode 4K content. This guide will show you how to quickly get Plex installed and running on the DS420+.
Products used in this guide
How to install Plex Media Server on the DS420+
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 Plex server
Ultimate Plex beginner’s guide
Source: Windows Central
Plex has been around for years, and it’s relied upon by many NAS owners to keep their media collections in one place and easy to access from anywhere. You may not have heard of it until now, or perhaps you passed over it while looking at options. We have a guide to walk you through why you should consider using Plex.
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.
Additional Equipment
While a NAS is mandatory, the Plex Pass and hard drives are optional, but highly recommended additions.
Seagate Ironwolf (From $63 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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