I really want to get started.

I have a big library of files on a HDD. I will run it off my home computer, and it will be exclusively for my home network.

Question 1: Is it fine to run my desktop computer as a server and a client? I don’t actually know how Plex works yet, so I may be describing it wrong. Currently I watch things on my Desktop Computer. I want to continue this but through Plex instead of just using VLC. If I do add more clients, only one will be viewing at a time. I do have a Raspberry Pi available, but was hoping to use it as a client at a later time instead of a server,

Question 2: Can I scan my media folder in Plex to get started, and then later rescan my Plex library after I rename files? I haven’t reorganised all my files yet, a lot of them should be fine but I don’t have time to do it all now. Some of them I may never bother renaming or reorganising. I don’t mind Plex having to do all the posters and stuff again.

Question 3: What does Plex do for the re-encoding? I think I read that Plex encodes the video files. Does this create new files on the HHD? My drive is pretty full. I don’t have enough space for duplicates in another codec. Does this process replace the files? Will I have to have my Plex drive only contain converted videos? Is there a process to encode from my storage drive to my Plex drive without disturbing my storgate drive? Space is at a premium and I don’t want to risk Plex altering my media on my storage drive.

Thank you.

  • Malta SoronEnglish
    1•1 year ago

    1. Yes, you can run Plex on a single computer. IIRC you just need to install the server and the client on the same desktop and point them towards each other.

    2. Yes, that is fine. Plex keeps track of file changes in the library.

    3. If you tell it to, Plex will create separate versions of media files according to certain parameters (like Optimised for TV or phone). These are separate files. But if you’re only watching on your desktop, this is not necessary. Transcoding might be necessary if e.g. you’re running Plex on a low-powered NAS and watching media on a Chromecast, which is incompatible with certain codecs. Then you need to transcode the file beforehand. But a desktop is powerful enough to do live transcoding ánd generally has no compatibility issues.