The Complete Guide to Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
Greetings, fellow tech enthusiasts! In this article, we will be discussing all things Plex and Ubuntu Server 16.04. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 and the advantages and disadvantages of this installation. So, whether you are just starting with Plex or a seasoned user, this article is for you. Dive in with us as we explore how to set up Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04.
What is Plex?
Before we dive into the installation, let’s start by defining what Plex is. Plex is a media server that allows users to stream their favorite movies, TV shows, music, and photos across various devices. The platform has become a favorite amongst users because of its easy-to-use interface and ability to sync with multiple devices. Now, let’s proceed to the installation process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 is a straightforward process. Before we start, ensure that you have access to a terminal and an internet connection. Once that is done, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Add the Plex Repository to Ubuntu Server 16.04
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-keys/PlexSign.key |
Downloads the Plex GPG signing key. |
sudo apt-key add PlexSign.key |
Adds the Plex GPG signing key to the package manager. |
echo deb https://downloads.plex.tv/repo/deb public main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plexmediaserver.list |
Adds the Plex repository to the package manager. |
sudo apt update |
Updates the package manager. |
Run each command sequentially and ensure there are no errors before proceeding to the next command.
Step 2: Install the Plex Media Server on Ubuntu Server 16.04
After adding the Plex repository to Ubuntu Server 16.04, the next step is to install the package. Run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install plexmediaserver |
Installs the Plex Media Server package. |
Once installed, the installation process is complete. You can then proceed to the configuration and setup process.
Step 3: Configure and Set Up Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
Setting up and configuring Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 is easy and user-friendly. The first step is to access the Plex web interface from your preferred web browser. To do this:
- Open a web browser.
- Type http://your-ubuntu-server-ip-address:32400/web into the address bar.
- Press Enter.
You should then be able to access the Plex web interface.
Step 4: Set Up Your Media Library on Plex
Now that we have access to the Plex web interface, the next step is to add your media library. The following steps will guide you:
- Click on the “Add Library” button on the Plex web interface.
- Select your media type, e.g., movies, music, photos, etc.
- Choose the folder containing your media libraries.
- Click on the “Add” button to add your media library.
You can add multiple media libraries based on your preferences and needs.
Step 5: Access Plex from Other Devices
The final step in the installation and set up process is to access Plex from other devices. You can do this by following these steps:
- Download the Plex app on your preferred device from your device’s app store.
- Sign in to your Plex account or create one if you don’t have one.
- Select your Ubuntu Server 16.04 as your Plex server from the list of available servers.
- Access your media library and stream your favorite content on the go.
That’s it! You now have Plex installed and set up on Ubuntu Server 16.04.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
Advantages of Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
The following are some of the advantages of installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04:
- Plex is easy to install and set up on Ubuntu Server 16.04.
- It has a user-friendly interface that can be accessed from various devices.
- Plex allows you to stream your favorite media content to multiple devices.
- You can add multiple media libraries to your Plex server based on your preferences and needs.
- Plex has a vast library of channels and plugins that you can use to customize your media content.
Disadvantages of Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04
The following are some of the disadvantages of installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04:
- Setting up and configuring Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 may be challenging for beginners.
- It may require advanced technical knowledge to troubleshoot issues that may arise.
- Plex does not support some media formats.
- The installation process may take longer than expected, depending on your system’s specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I install Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04?
Yes, you can install Plex on Ubuntu Server 18.04 following the same installation process as Ubuntu Server 16.04.
2. What media formats does Plex support?
Plex supports most popular media formats, including MP4, MKV, MP3, and FLAC, among others. However, it does not support some proprietary media formats.
3. Can I access my Plex media library from outside my home network?
Yes, you can access your Plex media library from outside your home network. However, you need to enable remote access on your Plex server and have a good internet connection.
4. Can I add subtitles to my media content on Plex?
Yes, you can add subtitles to your media content on Plex. However, you need to download the subtitles and add them manually to your media library.
5. Can I customize the Plex interface?
Yes, you can customize the Plex interface using various plugins and themes available on the Plex library.
6. Do I need to have a Plex account to use Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04?
No, you do not need to have a Plex account to use Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04. However, having a Plex account gives you access to additional features.
7. Can I install Plex on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can install Plex on a Raspberry Pi using the same installation process as Ubuntu Server 16.04.
8. Can I add multiple users to my Plex server?
Yes, you can add multiple users to your Plex server. However, you need to have a Plex Pass subscription to access this feature.
9. Does Plex have parental controls?
Yes, Plex has parental controls that allow you to restrict access to media content based on age ratings.
10. Can I control my Plex server using voice commands?
Yes, you can control your Plex server using voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri.
11. Can I stream live TV on Plex?
Yes, you can stream live TV on Plex using the Live TV and DVR feature. However, you need to have a compatible tuner and antenna.
12. What are the system requirements for installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04?
The system requirements for installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 are as follows:
- Intel or AMD 64-bit processor.
- At least 2 GB of RAM.
- At least 2 GB of free space on your hard drive.
13. How do I update Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04?
You can update Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 using the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade |
Updates all packages on the system, including Plex. |
Conclusion
Installing Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 is a great way to stream your favorite media content to multiple devices. The installation process is straightforward, and the platform has a user-friendly interface. However, like all software, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Before installing and setting up Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04, ensure that you have the technical knowledge to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With this guide, we hope you can install and set up Plex on Ubuntu Server 16.04 easily.
So why wait? Get started today and enjoy streaming your favorite media content on the go!
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is accurate at the time of writing. However, we make no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided. The use of this information is at your own risk. We shall not be liable for any losses or damages whatsoever arising from the use of this information.