Hi,
this is my first post here, sorry if this is a FAQ, but I did search the forum for similar questions. I am considering replacing my old Xtreamer Prodigy for something with a lot more functionality and I've come across Plex.
My home setup:
1- DLNA capable TV;
2- Projector with HDMI cable;
3- Old 5.1 amplifier with optical and coax inputs near (1) and (2);
4- Old TV with Chromecast;
5- Several Windows PCs;
6- Several Android smartphones.
I am thinking of building a Linux based HTPC, cheap and with low power consumption and after some looking around I think this might be it:
- ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+ motherboard
- AMD A-Series A4-5300 Dual-core
- 4GB DDR3-1600 Memory
- 120 GB SSD for Linux
- 5 TB HD for media
My plans are:
1- Using the HTPC both as the Plex Media Server and Home Theater system.
Questions:
1.1- Is this something that is normally done? Are there known issues for using the same Linux box for both functions? Will the HW suffice?
1.2- What Home Theater SW would you recommend? It seems that Plex Home Theater for Linux is not officially supported, are there known limitations? Are Kodi and Plex a good match? (in the same Linux box, I mean)
1.3- I have only HD devices, but from the motherboard specs I see it is capable of 4K HD resolution. If I ever buy a 2K or 4K HD device will I have enough CPU to render at that resolution?
2- I am thinking of placing the HTPC near the DLNA TV, projector and 5.1 amplifier, so that I can connect the audio via SPDIF to the amplifier and the video via HDMI to the projector.
Questions:
2.1- The motherboard supports 7.1 audio, the amplifier has 5.1 audio. Is it possible to (easily) configure 5.1 audio on a 7.1 motherboard in Linux?
3- The other devices will access the Plex Media Server via Gigabit LAN and WiFi.
Questions:
3.1- With an AMD A-Series A4-5300 Dual-core will I be able to render to 2 devices simultaneously?
3.2- Can every family member have a different list of "already watched media" for the same Plex Media Server?
3.3- Can I have 2 or more movie libraries on the same Plex Media Server? Movies, children movies, my home made movies...
Many thanks for your input.
Regards,
Paulo