Advice on how best to set up Plex Server for servers for my mum and sister (I have Plex Pass)

Stevie G

Hi all

I'm after a bit of advice. I have two old Proliant Microservers that I am setting up as media servers, one for my mum and one for my sister. I'll be using Plex Media Server on them both (obviously with transcoding not really possible so disabled).

Basically my query is this; I have a Plex Pass (lifetime) and use Plex at home, and I'm trying to work out whether I should just keep mum and sister's devices all seperate and set up their own accounts and have standalone servers, or whether I should log them all in to my Pass account and have them all sharing, with access to servers managed by me.

I know my mum and sister won't be bothered about paying for the Plex Pass, but I'm not sure what limitations they may have with a free account compared to a Plex Pass.

I'm not intending to give them access to my server (just as it'll make it complicated for them, plus my upload speeds don't really make it worth it) and I'd just set them up as users with access to their own libraries.

What is the best way to do this? Any suggestions, advice or recommendations? We'd be within the device limit (of 15 I believe) so it shouldn't be against the Plex rules.

Thanks

bubblegum57

setup up plex server on both servers. add content. then send them an invite. They only need a device for plex client, which is free.

I don't know whether one server could handle playing to two clients at the same time, that's why I suggest using both servers.

what device will they get the client on?

Stevie G

I was going to install Plex server on both microservers, and then give each one access only to the media on their own server, so all access will be local. I guess using my Plex Pass for them both also means they won't have to buy seperate apps?

I think I'll get them an Amazon stick or Roku still as the client. Fairly idiotproof. I use a Shield TV but I'm not buying them that! My mum has a 4K LG TV that I think has Plex as well, so they may be able to use that as the client but my sister's TVs are too old to have decent modern apps.

bubblegum57

They won't need plex pass, they only need the clients, which are free.

Depending on the tv, you should be able to install plex on that, but not all tv's support it, having said that my old 2012 samsung did, not sure if it will now.

https://support.plex.tv/articles/204080173-which-smart-tv-models-are-supported/

Xbox, or PS4 also support plex, or a laptop with hdmi lead.


One issue, might be internet speeds, your upload, their download.

Stevie G

No access will be across the internet, other than me accessing their servers to manage them. Ie, they won't have access to mine, mum will only have access to the one at her house and my sis will only have access to the one at her house.

Looking at how users work in Plex, I'm probably best doing what you suggest and logging in to each with my Plex ID, but then setting up a managed local user on theirs just for them.

Does Emby work in a similar way with multiple servers and users? I might set up Emby server on theirs as well as a backup choice (I hav Emby lifetime as well!)

bubblegum57

I don't think you need to log in with your details,for them to play media.

Under the server settings, Family & Friends, Sharing, Invite Friend. you just send an email invite to share your server, then they open their client.

this might interest you Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote £19.99 ( £4.49 non Prime) | Echo Dot 3rd gen £22 | Ring Doorbell 2 1080p £119 @ Amazon (Via Alexa) - hotukdeals

I don't have Emby pass, so I don't know.

Stevie G

Thanks, I was holding out for the4k stick to drop in the prime sale and they're £25 today, two promptly ordered!

bubblegum57

I ordered a new Tv Saturday from John Lewis, & added a New Amazon Fire HD tablet for the wife who has been looking after me.

Then, I found the tablet at Amazon, for £50 less, so joined prime & ordered it, they are both coming tomorrow.

I'll just return the one from JL.

Even though I don't need another device, I am tempted.