Plex vs NAS vs Dangly Drive
Plex vs NAS vs Dangly Drive
I'm exploring ways to make copies of the movies and shows you both bought. I'm considering different setups—can I connect a NAS or large HDD to your router and stream from her house via Google TV? That might be complicated if she's not tech-savvy. Setting up a Plex server at home and giving her access seems simpler. Using VLC on an external drive in her TV is another option, but it may not be as seamless.
I've been using Plex for several years now and it performs very well. Setting it up and keeping it is straightforward, and remote streaming works almost perfectly. When you use a large storage device and connect it to your TV, make sure all files are compatible with the TV's format and remember to bring the drive along for updates and playback. If you connect a standard hard drive to your router, you'll still need a way to connect it to the internet. That could be a Plex server.
Plex will be the simplest option. Just ensure the device stays running continuously.
I was considering skipping the constant monitoring setup, but it might actually be the optimal choice. That’s what I noticed from my casual online research. I thought it would be wise to consult the experts and double-check everything. Would an Intel Xeon build be the most suitable option now? I think the built-in graphics could be more beneficial than AMD’s, since I wouldn’t need a separate GPU for display connection. Or is the heat and power consumption of an Intel processor more challenging compared to a Ryzen CPU with the older 6600xt I already own?
It depends on what you're aiming to improve. If you don't plan to use your main rig, you can use an affordable old optiplex SFF to run the server. It uses a bit more power but saves a lot compared to building from scratch. For power or heat concerns, a fresh build is necessary. However, you can place it anywhere with an Ethernet cable and manage the heat and noise.
Connecting the HDD to your router lets you configure a VPN and stream VLC from another home. I previously ran a server with a P2200 for transcoding and moved to a Synology NAS about a year ago. Remote users need a 1080 TV and adjust settings for original quality to avoid any issues. Similar installations don’t require a powerful machine—used Intel NUCs or Nvidia Shield TVs work well. They use less power and run smoothly after setup. EDIT: As OddOod mentioned, an Optiplex SFF would be excellent and affordable used.
NAS and Plex work together seamlessly in modern NAS operating systems. It's definitely possible. Here:
Your power requirements are influenced by your internet speed and the device you're using to play back the content. My TV supports all formats without needing conversion, but for DTS audio I switch to ShieldTV to prevent any conversion. I haven’t used Plex remotely—your version costs money, though I own a lifetime pass. With my 100Mbit upload, I shouldn’t even need to convert files to my phone when I’m away, especially if the connection is strong.