<p style="text-align: justify;">Are you thinking of installing a home media server?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Installing a home media server is a great way to DIY a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2020/04/28/the-best-surround-sound-systems-for-your-home-theater/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">home entertainment</a> server. While paid streaming services offer a library of online media, you can host files on your own.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can access your content from anywhere once you sync it to a media server. A media server is a great way to share access to your movies, music, and TV shows.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Want to install a home media server? In this article, we show you how to install your very own home theater. Read on to find out more about building a home media server.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">What Is a Home Media Server?</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">In technical terms, a home media server is a central location for all your media. With a home media server, you can allow other users to access your content. A home media server has three main components, including:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><strong>Server</strong> &#8211; A smart device to deliver media files</li>
<li><strong>Storage device</strong> &#8211; Stores all your media files like photos, computer files, and videos</li>
<li><strong>Clients</strong> &#8211; Devices that other people can use to access your media (TV, personal computer, or mobile phone)</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Your three components must be compatible with each other. Generally, these components connect through a local area network. However, you may also <a href="https://newsforpublic.com/amazing-ways-to-enjoy-wireless-music-using-bluetooth-speakers/">use wireless methods</a>.</p>
<h2>Set Up With a NAS Enclosure or a Computer</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">When setting up your media server, you can choose to use a NAS enclosure or a personal computer. Here are the pros and cons of using both.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">NAS Enclosure Media Server</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">NAS stands for network-attached storage. It is a media server with enclosed slots or ports for hard drives. A NAS Enclosure media server can distribute media and files throughout a network.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A NAS enclosure must be able to provide high-quality videos to one or more sources without buffer. This form of an enclosed media server is more prone to lag and buffer with a slow processor or little RAM. A NAS transcodes to deliver media across devices.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Transcoding takes a file then makes it compatible to view and play on other devices. A NAS has a built-in processor and RAM to acquire the needed amount of processing power. However, its RAM and processor are only for serving, transcoding, and handling media.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Pros of Using a NAS Enclosure Media Server</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the main benefits of a NAS Enclosure media server is its dedicated purpose. A NAS Enclosures server only to manage files and media. It won&#8217;t get slowed down by typical computer processes like running web browsers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A NAS server can provide you with various features. It may also come with built-in utilities and applications. With a GUI and operating server, it&#8217;s easy to configure a NAS server.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A NAS server offers a low profile system. The enclosure is often smaller than your standard server or desktop. If you ever need help with your NAS enclosure, you can contact the manufacturer.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Cons of Using a NAS Enclosure Media Server</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you&#8217;re making a home media server on a budget, a NAS Enclosure may not be for you. A NAS media server starts at $300. Repurposing a desktop computer may be cheaper than buying a NAS media server.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">While NAS enclosures come with built-in features and software, you may feel limited. However, this could depend on the system that you use.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you already have a dedicated computer or server, it can outperform a NAS enclosure. A dedicated computer may be the better option if you plan on having a few users. You may also have limited upgrade options.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Computer Media Server</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you prefer flexibility, a computer media server may be the best option for you. However, you may need to limit background tasks like web browsing. A computer serves a single storage location.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It must also allow you to transcode and distribute files when needed. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a computer as a NAS media server.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Pros of a Computer Media Server</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A computer media server allows you to upgrade any component at any time. A NAS closure has limited upgrades due to its laptop motherboard. A desktop motherboard can provide you with more slots for upgrades.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A computer can also give you more processing power. You can always replace an old processor with a new one. If you&#8217;re using a repurposed computer, it can be cheaper than using a NAS enclosure.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You also have more options for choosing operating systems. You can find many NAS operating systems based on Linux.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Cons of a Computer Media Server</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Using a computer as a NAS media server can be more difficult to configure than an enclosure. Understanding the hardware, software, and operating system can take up a lot of time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It may also be hard to find a support channel if you need help in setting up your home media server. A desktop computer is also larger than a NAS enclosure.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you only have a small entertainment center, a computer media server may not be the one for you. Upgrades like high-end PC components may cost you more.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Install the Hard Drives</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can install hard drives on a NAS enclosure with drive trays. To install a hard drive, mount the hard drive onto or into the tray.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For computers, remove the computer&#8217;s case cover. Attach the hard drive into an available drive bay.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Connect Media Server to Network</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">Always use a hardwire to connect your NAS to an Ethernet cable. A wireless signal may not be reliable enough for smooth running. Ensure that your router or modem can support transfer speeds of 1 GB per second.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Transfer or Install Apps and Files</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">A NAS enclosure will provide the necessary instructions for setting up a unit. A computer will require an operating system before you can install anything. After that, you can <a href="https://setapp.com/how-to/download-youtube-videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">download from YouTube</a> and enjoy any of your media content!</p>
<h2>How to Set up a Home Media Server</h2>
<hr />
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now you know how to set up a home media server! Follow our steps right here to get everything you need in one central hub!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Need more tips in creating a home entertainment system? Check out our other blog posts for more tutorials in configuring your home into a home theater!</p>

Bottle-top dispensers are essential tools used in pharmaceutical labs because they allow and accurate dispensing…
Renovating your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re updating a single room…
Are you Finding Stream2Watch Alternatives Websites? Here are 18+ Websites like Stream2Watch to watch live…
Are you finding Einthusan Alternatives websites? Here are Top 9 Alternatives of Einthusan. Sites like…
Choosing the perfect gift for an RC car driver can be surprisingly fun once you…
We publish a selection of top best SEO tools for content marketing that will help…