Last updated on May 30th, 2026
I’ve written before about how to set up a basic media server using Plex and Jellyfin. Those are two popular pieces of software that provide a Netflix-style interface for your own video files on your TV, mobile devices, etc. Setting such up requires some technical skills: ripping DVDs/Blu-rays, installing Plex/Jellyfin on a computer you want to use as a server, making sure movie/TV show info is correct, etc. However, for some, it might be worth the effort, especially if it means finding a way to put old DVDs back into use. It also might let users cut down on the number of streaming services to pay for, and avoid their flaws.
Per a few Mastodon/Bluesky posts, I thought I’d list some additional random tips for setting up Plex/Jellyfin, even if they’re not applicable to everyone or to more advanced users (i.e. people who want to set up a NAS at home/rip 4K discs/etc.).
Plex vs. Jellyfin
This weekend, I thought I’d give Jellyfin another go as my media server of choice. Plex is still more polished, but I wasn’t sure about paying an ongoing $5 a month subscription or a $100+ “lifetime” fee just for basic functionality for my own files (such as the ability to download files to my devices). I also appreciate Jellyfin’s open source/non-commercial emphasis.
Both Plex and Jellyfin have their strong points. However, I’d go with Plex if you’re not as technically skilled, or if you need to stream files outside your house.
Plex tips
Plex’s site has installation instructions for each major operating system.
Jellyfin tips
While Jellyfin’s not as popular as Plex, there are a few online articles/pages that might help:
- Popular Science has an article about setting up a Jellyfin server.
- Jellyfin has its own installation instructions for each major operating system:
Jeff Geerling of YouTube has a video giving some instructions on how to install Jellyfin. While the video focuses on installing Jellyfin on a network attached storage (NAS) device, most of the instructions apply to any type of setup.
Before adding libraries for your TV shows, I recommend installing the TVDB plugin, and making sure it’s set to be the first accessed database in your TV show library’s preferences. It should help improve TV show information, including episodes. I’ve found adding movies is less finicky.
Naming video files
Both Plex and Jellyfin recommend properly naming files before adding them to your servers. Even after adding the files, I recommend going through the content to make sure the information’s correct. For TV shows, you may have to go into the library settings and change the episode order settings from “air date” to “DVD.”
As for how to name files:
A hyper-specific tip: I recommend adding a “Shorts” library for Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, and similar theatrical animated shorts, and setting the library format as “Movies.” This not only keeps them separate from other types of content (TV shows, feature films, etc.), but Looney Tunes are animated shorts, not TV shows. (They were initially released to movie theaters before the main feature from 1930 to 1969.) Most of the problems people online seem to have adding Looney Tunes to Plex/Jellyfin come from people trying to add them as TV episodes. It’s easier to just treat them as the movies they are. For file naming, it’s the same as for movies; example: “Knighty Knight Bugs (1958).mp4”
Photo by Mohamed Hassan. (Pixabay)
