Semi-OT: Media server suggestions?

[the_jest]

This isn't strictly related to FreeNAS, but I hope someone would have useful advice nonetheless, and that it's not too unwelcome a question.

I've recently set up a FreeNAS box, and thought that I might finally take some steps to use it to serve media remotely, including giving access to a friend for some things.

But it seems that the main things that people use--Plex and Emby--charge money for the apps that can access the server, at least in some situations. What sort of solutions do people use for this requirement? I know I could just serve the files themselves, via any of several mechanisms (NFS export, WebDAV, OwnCloud, etc.), but is there any better thing? In particular, if I wanted to share music or video with someone very tech-unfriendly.

 

[danb35]

Well, Plex is web-accessible for free, and they have free apps for (at least) Apple TV and Roku. I'm not sure about the iOS app, but I'm pretty sure the Android app is free too. And if you're wanting to share media with people who aren't tech-savvy, something like that sounds like the best plan.

 

[the_jest]

No, all of the mobile apps, including Android and iOS, are not free.

Maybe this isn't so bad--the web app is free, as are, as you point out, the Apple TV and Roku, as well as Chromecast, PlayStation, Amazon Fire, etc. And maybe that would be enough. But I worry that more limitations will appear, or there'll be more nickel-and-dime stuff going on.

I guess it wouldn't really hurt to get started on Plex for now, and move to something else later, but if there's a better solution right now, I'd rather spend my time and effort on that.

 

[Jailer]

I'm not sure about the iOS app, but I'm pretty sure the Android app is free too

$5 each unless you have a plex-pass.

 

[Jailer]

but if there's a better solution right now

Plex is pretty much it. There's Emby as well but from what others report (I've never used it extensively) it's not as feature rich as Plex.

 

[diedrichg]

I love Emby. I can't speak for Plex. I really like the Emby ecosystem and as a premiere subscriber, my yearly $50 donation gets me all the apps and functionality.

Bottom line. Install and try both. You'll get enough functionality from both to make your own decision on which you like.