Plex rose through the ranks of home theater PC (HTPC) apps to become one of the forefront media players. It’s essentially a DIY Netflix solution. The Plex community recognizes its popularity and frequently rolls out updates. A recent update made the Plex Media Player free with additional functions. On top of that, Plex debuted an official Kodi add-on.

Serviio is a freemium multifunctional media server for the Mac, Linux and Windows operating systems. Serviio is capable in streaming the media files of all type for home based DLNA devices only. Serviio is the expert in streaming media files to renderer devices - Blu-ray player, smartphones, games consoles, TV sets - on the connected home network. Tell application 'Plex Media Server' quit end tell delay 10 tell application 'Plex Media Server' activate end tell Save that as an application on the desktop and that way, when I remote in just double tap and its a quick restart.

Plex continually evolves. While having a decent Plex device is good, a stellar Plex client opens the door to endless possibilities. The client and client app determine a major part of the media streaming experience. Need a bit of help finding the best Plex clients? Check the best streaming clients for Plex.

Since you’ll need to access the Mac mini in this way from time to time, create a screen sharing alias. Getting Started with Plex. Once you’ve got your Mac mini set up, you need to download and install Plex, and read their Quick Start guide to get things up and running. On your Apple TV—and any iOS devices you want to use—you also need to install the Plex app to be able to interact with the server.
Plex Media Server 1.13.9.5456 - Seamlessly connect your Plex clients with your local media. Download the latest versions of the best Mac apps at safe and trusted MacUpdate Download, install, or update Plex Media Server for Mac from MacUpdate.

What Is Plex?

If you’re new to Plex, it’s best described as a personally-curated Netflix. Simply download the Plex Media Server client, add media, and you’re all set to stream. Plex can load movies, television shows, music, and pictures. Just install a Plex app on a client, such as streaming set-top box, game console, mobile device, etc. and you’ve got instant access to everything in your Plex Media Server.

Plex even supports channels, like these 20 unofficial Plex channels you should install now. And while you’re at it, check out these Plex tips and tricks you need to know.

Why a Plex Client Matters

You may be asking why a Plex device even matters. Doesn’t the server dictate the streaming experience? Yes and no. Streaming to a Plex client relies on factors determined by the server. For instance, internet bandwidth is crucial, especially when streaming 1080p or higher.

If you’re streaming to multiple clients and transcoding a lot, CPU performance is a major factor. But even if you’re running your server on some pretty beefy hardware, if your client isn’t up to snuff, it doesn’t matter.

Budget Plex Streaming Clients

Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is an amazing and versatile little device. With a base price of $35 USD, it’s inexpensive and flexible, making a fabulous media server.

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However, beware that $35 gets you just the board. A case, power supply, and microSD card come separately. Still, chances are you may have some of those items lying around, and even stepping up to a kit costs about $60.

As a Plex client, the Raspberry Pi boasts 1080p support and direct play compatibility. There’s no 4K however. Since it’s a DIY solution, setting the Raspberry Pi up as a Plex client offers a few benefits but also some trade-offs, like complexity. Mac app store.

To sync a Plex server with a Pi, you can use the PlexBMC add-on, RasPlex, or the recently unveiled official Plex for Kodi app. RasPlex is pretty simple to set up and use.

However, since this is a DIY set up, for any troubleshooting you are the tech support hotline. Chances are though that if you’ve encountered an issue, someone else has and there’s a forum thread for reference.

Pros

Versatile
1080p support
Direct play
Inexpensive

Cons

Lack of 4K support
No tech support

Best Mac Mini For Plex Server Unavailable

Amazon Fire Stick

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Amazon’s Fire TV Stick offers an excellent value and home theater experience. The Amazon Fire Stick provides access to Amazon’s massive app store. A native Plex client app means a simple install process. Unfortunately, there’s still no DTS passthrough, Ethernet, expandable memory, or 4K support.

For those valuing a clean media center, the Amazon Fire Stick is a solid pick. However, its performance is severely lacking. The Amazon Fire Stick runs Plex pretty slowly. Many users noted that even the new Fire TV Stick suffers performance issues with Plex.

The standard Fire TV is a better option considering its premium features like 4K capabilities and Ethernet. Furthermore, the Amazon Fire TV is better suited for gaming. Still, it’s tough to complain at this price point. The comfort of having support as opposed to a DIY setup offsets minor performance problems.

Pros

Inexpensive
1080p support
Official app store
Small footprint

Cons

No DTS passthrough
Slow
No expandable memory
No 4K
No Ethernet

Google Chromecast

The Google Chromecast quickly became one of the best low-end media streaming players. With its small footprint and a vast library of compatible apps (via casting), it’s an excellent choice for a Plex client.

At a mere $35, the Chromecast offers excellent value. While it lacks premium features found in more pricey Plex clients, its entry-level cost and price to performance ratio position it as a great device nonetheless.

There’s no 4K support or DTS passthrough, but the Chromecast can handle 1080p like a champ. Considering the lack of an Ethernet port, no 4K support might fine. If you’re streaming 4K, Ethernet is strongly encouraged. Ultimately, it’s faster than a Fire TV Stick, and probably the best non-DIY budget player for running a Plex client on your TV.

Pros

Inexpensive
Small footprint
1080p support

Cons

No ethernet
No DTS passthrough

Mid-Range Plex Clients

Roku Premiere+

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When it comes to streaming from both paid and free content providers, the Roku dominates. With an awesome remote and a bevy of premium features, the Roku Premiere+ makes for a superb Plex client. It offers 4K support, DTS passthrough, and Direct Play. The Roku Premiere+ sits between the Premiere (no plus) and Ultra.

The Ultra, like the Premiere+, boasts HDR as well as 4K, while the Premiere only sports 4K support. However, lack of ethernet makes the Premiere hard to justify. For a mere $20 more, you get Ethernet.

Although Wi-Fi might be more convenient due to lack of cables, streaming quality is usually better with a hardwired connection. The remote may lack voice search, but a built-in headphone jack for private listening is a nice touch. The Ultra is a great bit of hardware, but the Premiere+ balances price and performance masterfully.

Pros

4K capabilities
Lots of apps
HDR
Ethernet
Best price to performance value vs. Roku Premiere and Ultra

Cons

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