To build a media server, you’ll need some sort of server or computer, whether a dedicated NAS, an old laptop, or even a Raspberry Pi.

Then, you can point your server software to those files and access them from virtually anywhere. And using legal torrent sites, it’s even possible to find loads of free movies, shows, or albums to download. Using DVD or Blu-ray ripping software, you can create digital backups of your film and TV show collection, or rip your CDs and vinyl records. And it’s incredibly beneficial for physical media buffs. It’s an ideal set up because you own the content so it’s available at any time and doesn’t vanish at any time. That’s then available on your home network, and outside of it provided that you make a few tweaks.īy using media server programs, you can stream your video and music library to a number of client devices such as phones and tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, set-top boxes, and computers. Then, using a home server or network-attached storage (NAS) device, you can house your media library in one convenient location. Rather than an external streaming service hosting all of the content, in this case you provide the digitized movies, TV shows, and music files. Check out the best Linux media server software options! What is a Media Server and Why Should You Build One?Ī home media server may be thought of as a sort of as a do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix or Spotify. With a media server, you can make your own Netflix or Spotify style experience. But the trade-off for DVDs and Blu-rays is that you don’t have a massive content repository available from anywhere at the click of a button or touch of a screen. Plus, you don’t actually own any of the content on streaming platforms. While streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are great, physical media offers a tangible experience.

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