Synology Plex: The Ultimate Home Media Server

Synology Plex is a powerful combination that unlocks the potential for a personalized home media server experience. Imagine effortlessly organizing your entire movie, TV show, and music collection, then seamlessly streaming it to any device in your home, or even remotely while you’re on the go. This guide will explore how Synology NAS devices and Plex Media Server work together to deliver a truly captivating entertainment experience.

From setting up your server to optimizing performance and exploring advanced features, we’ll cover everything you need to know to transform your Synology NAS into a powerful entertainment hub. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to unlock the full potential of Synology Plex.

Synology NAS Overview

A Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated device that provides centralized storage and file sharing capabilities within a network. It acts as a central hub for data storage, backup, and multimedia streaming, making it an excellent choice for home users and businesses alike.

Synology NAS devices offer a range of features that make them ideal for hosting a Plex media server. These features include:

Synology NAS Features for Plex

The robust hardware and software features of Synology NAS devices contribute significantly to their suitability for Plex media server hosting. These features include:

Powerful Processors: Synology NAS devices are equipped with powerful processors that can handle the demanding tasks associated with transcoding video for streaming. This ensures smooth playback even for high-resolution content.
Ample RAM: The availability of sufficient RAM allows the NAS to efficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including transcoding multiple video streams, file indexing, and other background processes.
Dedicated Storage: Synology NAS devices offer a wide range of storage options, including hard drives and SSDs, allowing you to store large media libraries. This provides ample space for your movies, TV shows, music, and photos.
Dedicated Plex Server Package: Synology offers a dedicated Plex server package within its DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system. This package simplifies the installation and configuration process, making it easy to set up and manage your Plex server.
Automatic Updates: Synology regularly releases updates for its DSM and Plex server package, ensuring that your system remains secure and compatible with the latest features. This reduces the risk of vulnerabilities and ensures smooth operation.
Transcoding Capabilities: Synology NAS devices with higher-end processors can transcode video streams on the fly, allowing you to stream content to devices that don’t support the original format. This ensures seamless playback across various devices.
Flexible File Sharing: Synology NAS devices offer flexible file sharing options, allowing you to share your media library with friends and family. You can set up user accounts and permissions to control access to specific folders or files.
Remote Access: Synology’s QuickConnect service allows you to access your NAS remotely from anywhere in the world. This lets you stream your media library on your phone, tablet, or computer while you’re away from home.

Popular Synology NAS Models for Plex, Synology plex

Synology offers a range of NAS models suitable for Plex media server hosting, catering to different needs and budgets. Here are some popular choices:

Synology DiskStation DS220+: This 2-bay NAS is an excellent entry-level option for those starting with Plex. It offers a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for small to medium-sized media libraries.
Synology DiskStation DS920+: This 4-bay NAS provides more storage capacity and processing power than the DS220+, making it suitable for larger media libraries and demanding transcoding tasks.
Synology DiskStation DS1621xs+: This high-end 6-bay NAS is designed for users with extensive media libraries and demanding needs. It features powerful hardware and advanced features, including a dedicated hardware transcoding engine.

Plex Media Server Installation

Installing Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS allows you to easily stream your media library to any device, anywhere in the world. This guide will walk you through the process, covering the necessary steps and configuration options.

Installation Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

A Synology NAS with a compatible DSM version.
A Plex Media Server account.
A network connection.

Installing Plex Media Server on a Synology NAS is a straightforward process. You can install it directly from the Package Center on your NAS.

Installing Plex Media Server

Log in to your Synology NAS using your administrator credentials.
Go to the Package Center, which you can find in the main menu.
Search for “Plex Media Server” in the search bar.
Click on the “Install” button next to the Plex Media Server package.
Wait for the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your NAS’s performance.

Once the installation is complete, Plex Media Server will be ready to use.

Configuring Plex Media Server

After installation, you will need to configure Plex Media Server to access and organize your media library. This involves setting up your Plex account, adding libraries, and customizing settings.

Setting Up Your Plex Account

Open a web browser and navigate to the Plex website.
Click on the “Sign In” button.
If you already have a Plex account, log in using your credentials.
If you don’t have an account, click on “Sign Up” and create a new account.
Once you’re logged in, click on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Select “Servers” from the left-hand menu.
You should see your Synology NAS listed under “Servers.” Click on the “Manage” button next to it.
This will take you to the Plex web interface, where you can manage your Plex Media Server.

This is where you will begin adding your media libraries and customizing your Plex experience.

Adding Libraries

Click on the “Libraries” tab in the Plex web interface.
Click on the “Add Library” button.
Choose the type of media you want to add (e.g., Movies, TV Shows, Music).
Select the folder on your NAS where your media files are stored.
You can customize the library name and other settings.
Click on “Add” to add the library.

Plex will scan your library and automatically organize your media based on its metadata.

Customizing Settings

You can customize various settings, such as the quality of your streams, access control, and more.
To access these settings, click on the “Settings” icon in the top right corner of the Plex web interface.
You can configure options related to your server, libraries, users, and more.

By customizing your Plex Media Server, you can create a tailored streaming experience that suits your preferences.

Media Library Management

Organizing your media library within Plex on your Synology NAS is crucial for a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience. Plex offers intuitive tools to add and organize your media files, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.

Adding Media Files

Adding media files to your Plex library is a straightforward process. Plex automatically scans your designated folders for supported media types, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos. To add media files, follow these steps:

1. Access Plex Web App: Log in to your Plex account and navigate to the Plex Web App.
2. Navigate to “Settings”: Click on the settings icon in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Library”: In the left-hand sidebar, choose “Library”.
4. Add Library: Click on the “Add Library” button.
5. Choose Media Type: Select the type of media you want to add, such as “Movies,” “TV Shows,” or “Music.”
6. Select Folder: Browse your Synology NAS and choose the folder containing your media files.
7. Name Library: Give your library a descriptive name.
8. Add Library: Click on the “Add Library” button to finalize the process.

Plex will then scan the chosen folder for media files and add them to your library. You can repeat these steps to add multiple libraries for different media types or folders.

Plex Server Optimization

Optimizing your Plex server on a Synology NAS is crucial for smooth streaming and a satisfying user experience. By fine-tuning settings and understanding how different factors impact performance, you can ensure a reliable and enjoyable media experience. This section will explore key areas for optimization, focusing on network settings, transcoding, and storage configurations.

Network Settings

Network settings play a significant role in Plex server performance. A robust network connection ensures seamless streaming, minimizing buffering and interruptions.

Wired Connection: A wired Ethernet connection provides a stable and faster connection compared to Wi-Fi. This is especially important for high-resolution media streaming.
Network Bandwidth: Consider your internet connection speed and the number of devices streaming simultaneously. A faster internet connection can handle multiple streams with ease, while a slower connection might require optimization for a single stream.
Network Traffic Prioritization: Some routers allow you to prioritize network traffic for specific devices or applications. Prioritizing Plex server traffic can ensure smoother streaming, especially during peak network usage.

Transcoding

Transcoding is the process of converting media files into a format compatible with the streaming device. It can significantly impact performance, especially when dealing with high-resolution files or devices with limited decoding capabilities.

Hardware Acceleration: Synology NAS devices often support hardware acceleration, which significantly speeds up transcoding. Enabling this feature in Plex settings can significantly improve performance.
Direct Play and Direct Stream: Whenever possible, enable direct play and direct stream to avoid transcoding altogether. This ensures the fastest and most efficient playback, preserving original media quality.
Transcoding Quality: If transcoding is necessary, adjust the transcoding quality settings in Plex to balance performance and visual quality. Lower quality settings reduce transcoding load but might affect video quality.

Storage Configurations

Storage configurations impact Plex performance by affecting media access speed and data transfer rates.

RAID Configurations: RAID configurations can enhance storage performance and data redundancy. RAID 5 or RAID 6 configurations offer a good balance between performance and data protection.
SSD Caching: Using an SSD for Plex’s database and metadata can significantly improve media access speeds, resulting in faster loading times and smoother streaming.
Storage Capacity: Ensure your storage capacity is sufficient for your media library. Running out of storage can lead to performance issues and limit your ability to add new content.

Remote Access and Streaming

With your Plex server set up on your Synology NAS, you’re ready to enjoy your media library from anywhere. Remote access lets you stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos from your NAS to your devices, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Setting Up Remote Access

To enable remote access, you need to configure Plex to allow connections from outside your local network. This typically involves setting up port forwarding on your router, allowing your Plex server to receive incoming connections.

Open Plex Web App: Log in to your Plex account and access the Plex web app.
Navigate to Settings: Click on the settings icon (gear icon) in the top right corner of the screen.
Go to Network: In the settings menu, select “Network.”
Enable Remote Access: Under “Remote Access,” check the box next to “Enable remote access.”
Set Up Port Forwarding: Plex will provide you with instructions on how to set up port forwarding on your router. These instructions will vary depending on your router model.
Confirm Remote Access: Once you’ve configured port forwarding, Plex will test your remote access and confirm that it’s working.

Using Plex’s Web App, Mobile Apps, and Other Streaming Devices

Plex offers a range of ways to access your media library from different devices:

Plex Web App: The Plex web app provides a full-featured interface for browsing and streaming your media library from any web browser.
Plex Mobile Apps: Plex has dedicated mobile apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms. These apps allow you to stream your media library on your phone or tablet.
Streaming Devices: Plex is compatible with various streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and more. These devices allow you to stream your media library to your TV.

Securing Your Plex Server

Protecting your Plex server is crucial for ensuring the privacy and security of your media library. Here are some ways to secure your server:

Strong Password: Use a strong and unique password for your Plex account.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Plex account to add an extra layer of security.
Limit Access: You can limit access to your Plex server by setting up user accounts and granting different levels of permissions.
SSL/TLS Encryption: Configure your Plex server to use SSL/TLS encryption, which encrypts the data transmitted between your server and your devices.

Advanced Features and Plugins

Plex offers a wealth of features beyond basic media management, including live TV and DVR capabilities, and a premium subscription service, Plex Pass, that unlocks even more advanced functionalities. Additionally, Plex’s open architecture allows for a vast ecosystem of plugins that extend its capabilities and personalize your experience.

Live TV and DVR

Plex allows you to watch live TV channels and record your favorite shows with its integrated DVR functionality. This requires a compatible TV tuner device connected to your Synology NAS. Once set up, you can access your live TV channels and recorded programs from anywhere with the Plex app.

Benefits of Plex’s Live TV and DVR Features

Watch live TV: Access a wide range of live TV channels, including local and cable channels, through your Plex app. This allows you to watch live TV from anywhere with an internet connection.
Record your favorite shows: Set up recordings for your favorite TV shows and never miss an episode. Plex automatically schedules recordings based on your preferences and provides access to them on demand.
Manage your recordings: Organize your recorded shows into libraries, delete unwanted recordings, and easily navigate through your recorded content.
Watch on multiple devices: Access your live TV and recorded shows from any device with the Plex app, including your phone, tablet, smart TV, or computer.

Plex Pass Benefits

Plex Pass is a premium subscription service that unlocks a range of advanced features and benefits, including:

Plex Pass Features

Offline viewing: Download your favorite movies and TV shows to watch offline, perfect for travel or when you’re out of internet range.
Enhanced DVR features: Gain access to advanced DVR features, such as commercial skipping, automatic recording scheduling, and more.
Early access to new features: Get exclusive access to new Plex features before they are released to the public.
Unlimited Plex Home users: Add unlimited users to your Plex Home account, allowing family members to share and access your media library.
Priority support: Receive priority support from Plex, ensuring quicker responses to your questions and concerns.

Plex Plugins

Plex’s open architecture allows for the development and use of third-party plugins that extend its functionality and personalize your experience. Plugins can add new features, integrate with other services, and enhance the overall user experience.

Popular Plex Plugins and their Applications

Trakt.tv: This plugin integrates your Plex library with Trakt.tv, allowing you to track your watched and unwatched movies and TV shows across multiple platforms.
Sonarr and Radarr: These plugins automate the downloading and organization of TV shows and movies, respectively. They can automatically search for new episodes and movies, download them, and add them to your Plex library.
MusicBrainz: This plugin adds album art, artist information, and other metadata to your music library, enriching your music listening experience.
Tautulli: This plugin provides detailed analytics and insights into your Plex server usage, including activity logs, user statistics, and bandwidth usage.
Plexamp: This plugin offers a standalone music player for Plex, providing a dedicated music experience with advanced features such as playlists, scrobbling, and more.

Synology NAS and Plex Security

Your Plex server, hosted on a Synology NAS, is a treasure trove of your digital entertainment. Safeguarding this valuable content requires a robust security approach, encompassing both the NAS itself and the Plex Media Server running on it.

User Accounts and Access Permissions

Properly managing user accounts and access permissions is crucial for securing your Plex server.

Create Dedicated Plex Users: Avoid using the administrator account for Plex. Instead, create dedicated user accounts specifically for Plex access, limiting their privileges to only what’s necessary. This minimizes the impact of a potential security breach.
Set Strong Passwords: Implement strong passwords for all user accounts, including the administrator account. Avoid using easily guessable combinations and leverage a password manager to keep track of them securely.
Utilize Access Control Lists (ACLs): Synology NAS offers ACLs for granular control over file and folder permissions. Configure ACLs to restrict access to specific users or groups, preventing unauthorized access to your media library.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security, 2FA requires an additional verification step beyond a password. This can be through a mobile app or a physical security key, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access your Plex server.

Network Security

A secure network is the foundation for protecting your Plex server.

Use a Strong Firewall: Synology NAS comes with a built-in firewall. Configure it to block unnecessary inbound connections and allow only essential traffic for Plex. This helps prevent unauthorized access attempts.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: If your NAS is connected to a Wi-Fi network, ensure it’s protected with a strong WPA2/WPA3 password. Avoid using default settings and regularly update your router’s firmware to patch vulnerabilities.
Enable HTTPS for Plex Access: Configure Plex to use HTTPS for all communication, encrypting data in transit. This prevents eavesdropping on your network and protects your data from potential interception.
Consider a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all your internet traffic, adding an extra layer of security when accessing Plex remotely. This is especially valuable if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.

Synology’s Security Features

Synology NAS comes equipped with a suite of security features to safeguard your Plex data.

Automatic Updates: Regularly update your Synology NAS firmware and packages to patch security vulnerabilities and enhance protection.
Anti-Virus and Malware Protection: Synology offers built-in antivirus and malware protection to scan for and remove malicious threats from your NAS. This helps prevent unauthorized access and data corruption.
Security Advisor: Utilize Synology’s Security Advisor to identify potential security risks and receive recommendations for strengthening your NAS’s defenses.
Data Encryption: Synology allows you to encrypt your entire NAS volume or specific folders, ensuring that even if someone gains physical access to your NAS, they won’t be able to decrypt your data without the proper decryption key.

Synology NAS and Plex Integration

The integration of a Synology NAS with Plex unlocks a powerful media management and streaming ecosystem, leveraging the strengths of both platforms to deliver a seamless and feature-rich experience. This integration offers significant benefits, including centralized media storage, robust security, and enhanced media accessibility.

Synology NAS Features Enhance Plex Usage

Synology NAS offers several features that complement Plex usage, enhancing the overall media management experience. These features, such as Cloud Station, enable efficient data synchronization, backup, and access across multiple devices.

Cloud Station: This feature allows you to seamlessly synchronize your media library across multiple devices, including your Synology NAS, computer, and mobile devices. This ensures that your media is always accessible, regardless of your location. For example, you can download a movie on your phone for offline viewing while simultaneously syncing it to your NAS for backup and later access on your TV.
Synology Drive: Synology Drive offers a unified platform for file storage, synchronization, and sharing. It allows you to access your media files from anywhere, providing a convenient way to manage and share your media library.
Synology Photos: Synology Photos provides a comprehensive photo management solution, allowing you to organize, share, and back up your photos. You can easily integrate your photo library with Plex, making it accessible through your Plex server.

Real-World Use Cases

The Synology-Plex combination excels in various real-world use cases, providing a comprehensive and convenient media management solution.

Home Media Server: By integrating your Synology NAS with Plex, you can create a centralized home media server, storing and streaming your entire media library to all your devices. This eliminates the need for multiple external hard drives and simplifies media management.
Remote Access and Streaming: Plex allows you to access your media library remotely, from anywhere in the world. By using your Synology NAS as the storage backend, you can ensure that your media is always available, even when you’re away from home.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: Synology NAS provides robust backup and disaster recovery features, ensuring that your valuable media library is protected. You can easily back up your Plex library to your NAS, providing peace of mind in case of data loss.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Synology Plex

While Plex on Synology NAS is generally reliable, you might encounter some issues. Here’s a guide to common problems and solutions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Solution	Additional Details
Plex Server Not Starting	Check if the Plex Media Server package is installed and running on your Synology NAS. Ensure the package is up to date and restart the server. If the problem persists, check the Synology logs for error messages.	Ensure sufficient disk space and resources for the Plex server.
Media Files Not Showing in Plex	Verify that the media files are in the correct folders that are added to the Plex library. Ensure the file types are supported by Plex.	Plex supports a wide range of media formats, but some older or less common formats might not be compatible.
Slow Streaming Performance	Check your network connection and ensure it is stable. Consider upgrading your internet plan if necessary. Ensure that the Synology NAS has enough resources allocated for Plex.	Optimize the transcoding settings in Plex. Transcoding can consume significant resources, so try to avoid it if possible by using compatible media formats.
Remote Access Issues	Ensure that your Synology NAS is accessible from the internet. Verify that the Plex server is properly configured for remote access.	Enable UPnP or manually configure port forwarding in your router. Consider using a VPN or a dynamic DNS service for reliable remote access.

Last Word

With its user-friendly interface, extensive features, and seamless integration with Synology NAS devices, Plex offers an unparalleled home media server experience. By following the steps Artikeld in this guide, you can unlock the full potential of your Synology Plex setup and enjoy a truly immersive entertainment experience. Whether you’re streaming your favorite movies, organizing your music library, or watching live TV, Synology Plex provides the perfect solution for managing and enjoying your media collection.

Synology Plex is a powerful media server solution that allows you to stream your movies, TV shows, and music to any device. If you’re looking for a NAS that can handle a large library and multiple simultaneous streams, the synology ds1821+ is a great option.

With its 8-bay design and powerful hardware, the ds1821+ is capable of handling even the most demanding Plex setups.