Build a Linux media server
Turn your PC into a hub to stream films and music to every device in your home
There’s one compelling reason to build a media server: the ability to access all of your media on tap. A media server puts you in control, saving you the hassle of fiddling about with DVDs or CDs as well as the inconvenience of tying yourself to a single spot in your home in order to watch a movie, share a photo or listen to some music.
All you need – apart from your media of course – is a suitable Linux-powered machine to act as your server. Whether you’re treating yourself to a brand spanking new machine or want to give an older, but perfectly serviceable, desktop or laptop a new lease of life, we’ve got you covered. Your biggest worry is choosing which media server to run. We’re focusing on Kodi, previously known as XBMC, in this feature and revealing add-ons that can help fill in some of its feature gaps, as well as pointing you to alternatives if you’re willing to sacrifice the FOSS principle for more functionality and integrated functions. We’ll then reveal everything you need to know about setting up your media libraries, from naming and organising your files to adding them to your server. We’ll look at ways in which you can integrate your photo libraries even though
Kodi doesn’t (yet) support photo sharing, and look at ways of streaming music to AirPlay speakers and other wireless devices.
With your media server set up and ready to serve, all that remains is to work out how to access your media from other devices. In the final section of our feature, we’ll go through your various options, revealing the apps, tips and tricks required to let you watch or listen to your media on a variety of devices, from another PC or mobile (Android and iOS) to your Smart TV, set-top box, dedicated Raspberry Pi media centre or streaming device, including Google’s Chromecast and the Apple TV. Ready to transform the way you consume media in your home? Then read on.
“We’ll reveal everything you need to know about setting up your media libraries.”