Plex Media Server installation on OpenELEC

Prelude to Your Streaming Empire

Welcome, to the dawn of your own personal streaming empire. Today, we’re talking about two heavyweights in the media streaming world: OpenELEC and Plex Media Server. OpenELEC, the Embedded Linux Entertainment Center, is a streamlined, efficient operating system designed specifically for running the Kodi media center. Combine that with Plex, a powerful media server system that can manage, organize, and stream all your digital content, and you’re looking at one formidable combination. This synergy of OpenELEC and Plex transforms any humble machine into a powerhouse media center that delivers seamless, high-quality media playback. Now, let’s dive into how to set this up and unleash the power of the Plex Media Server on OpenELEC.

Assembling Your Arsenal

Overview of Hardware Requirements

Before you embark on this journey, you need to ensure your hardware is up to the task. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

• A Computer: Ideally, a small, dedicated machine like a Raspberry Pi, or any other mini-PC.
• Storage: An external hard drive or USB stick to store your media files.
• Network Connectivity: A strong, reliable internet connection. Ethernet is preferable over Wi-Fi for stability.
• Display and Input: A monitor or TV to connect to the machine, and a keyboard and mouse for the initial setup.

Necessary Software and Tools for the Installation

With your hardware sorted, let’s talk software. You’ll need:

• OpenELEC: Download the latest image from the official OpenELEC website.
• Plex Media Server: The installation package from an unofficial repository, as Plex does not offer direct support for OpenELEC.
• Etcher: A handy tool to flash the OpenELEC image onto your SD card or USB stick.
• File Manager: To handle the downloading and transferring of the Plex add-on.

With your arsenal prepared, it’s time to move to the battlefield and prep your system.

Prepping the Battle Station

Downloading and Installing OpenELEC

First things first – let’s get OpenELEC up and running:

1. Download the OpenELEC disk image from the official site.
2. Run Etcher on your main computer, select the OpenELEC image, and flash it onto your SD card or USB stick. This is your bootable media.
3. Insert the bootable media into your mini-PC or Raspberry Pi and power it up.

Initial Setup and Configuration of OpenELEC

After OpenELEC boots for the first time:

1. Navigate the setup wizard. Choose your preferred language, time zone, and connect to your network.
2. Once you’re at the home screen, switch to the system settings to fine-tune your environment and ensure everything is up to date.

With OpenELEC properly configured, it’s time to deploy Plex and unlock the ultimate media experience.

Unleashing the Beast: Installing Plex Media Server

Downloading the Plex Add-on from Unofficial Repositories

Unfortunately, Plex doesn’t offer native support for OpenELEC, but don’t fret. Here’s how you circumvent that:

1. Head over to your main computer and search for unofficial Plex repositories for Kodi. One notable source is the repository from Lunatixz (link may vary, so ensure you find the latest one).
2. Download the zip file of the repository to your computer.

Uploading and Installing the Plex Add-on on OpenELEC

Next, you’ll need to transfer this file to your OpenELEC system:

1. Use a USB drive or a network share to transfer the downloaded repository zip file to your OpenELEC machine.
2. In OpenELEC, navigate to Settings > Add-ons > Install from zip file.
3. Select the repository zip file you transferred earlier. This will install the repository on OpenELEC.
4. Now, go to Settings > Add-ons > Install from repository and select the unofficial repository you added.
5. Within this, find and install the Plex add-on for Kodi.

Configuring Plex Media Server for the First Time

After installing the Plex add-on, it’s time to set it up:

1. Launch the Plex add-on from the Video Add-ons section in OpenELEC.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign in to your Plex account or create a new one if you don’t have one.
3. Configure your media libraries by adding folders where your content is stored. Plex will scan these locations and organize your media accordingly.
4. Adjust the library settings to optimize performance, such as enabling scheduled scans to keep your libraries updated.

With Plex installed and configured, you’re ready to start your media empire. But let’s further refine this experience.

Tuning the Machine: Optimizing Plex on OpenELEC

Adjusting Settings for Optimal Performance

A powerhouse can be even more potent with a little tuning:

• Transcoding: Ensure your Plex Server hardware is capable of handling transcoding, or disable it if unnecessary.
• Hardware Acceleration: Enable hardware acceleration under Plex settings to offload tasks from the CPU.

Network and Streaming Settings

Stable and smooth streaming is crucial:

• Bandwidth Limits: Set bandwidth limits within Plex to avoid network congestion, especially for high-definition streams.
• Remote Access: Configure remote access to stream your media libraries outside your home network securely.

Storage and Library Management

Keep your media in order:

• Library Updates: Schedule automatic library updates to keep everything up to date with the latest additions.
• Metadata: Ensure your media files are properly named and organized. Plex’s metadata fetching capabilities work best with well-organized content.

With your system fine-tuned, let’s address potential issues and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Troubleshooting the Tricky Bits

Common Issues and Their Solutions

Every empire faces challenges. Here’s how to tackle common issues:

• Plex Add-on Crashes: Ensure both OpenELEC and Plex add-ons are updated to their latest versions.
• Network Issues: Verify your network’s stability and reduce wireless interference. Ethernet is ideal for uninterrupted streaming.
• Buffering Problems: Adjust the plex client’s quality settings to reduce strain on the network or server.

Tips for Maintaining System Stability

• Regularly update OpenELEC and Plex to benefit from security patches and performance improvements.
• Reboot your system periodically to clear any potential memory leaks or system hangs.

Level Up Your Experience

Recommended Third-Party Add-ons

Enhancing your Plex experience doesn’t stop here. Here are some valuable third-party add-ons:

• Trakt.tv: Integrate Trakt to track your watched episodes and get recommendations.
• IPTV Simple Client: Combine live TV with your Plex library for an all-in-one entertainment hub.

Advanced Tweaks and Tips for Power Users

Further enhance your server:

• Custom Scripts: Use custom scripts to automate tasks such as library updates and backups.
• Performance Monitoring: Tools like HTOP can help monitor system performance and resource usage.

The Final Curtain Call

Congratulations, you’ve now transformed your humble machine into a streaming powerhouse. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and don’t hesitate to engage with the vibrant community of Plex and OpenELEC enthusiasts. This is just the beginning—explore further enhancements and upgrades to keep evolving your setup. Your streaming empire awaits!