If you have a large media library, at some point you will probably want to optimize its access and even share it with other users. One of the most popular options for those tasks is Plex, but not everyone is comfortable with its freemium model. The main alternative to Plex on the market is Jellyfin, which offers similar features at no cost, and under an open source model, so it works on the most important operating systems.
The Search for the Perfect "Media Server"
Beyond differences in catalogs and prices, the first thing streaming services offer is convenience. Just an app to download, basic setup, and that's it. Click = Play. However, they are far from a perfect solution.
Previously we explained that there are still two million users of Netflix's DVD and Blu-ray rental service, who appreciate higher video and audio quality, and access to a more complete catalog. The same goes for those users who meticulously keep their series and movies on local hard drives. No streaming issues, no account sharing conflicts, no quality cuts. Additionally, there is the possibility of accessing content by creating a media server on the local network.
So, where do we start? How can we share movies and series with friends across any device? The answer comes through Jellyfin.
Jellyfin: Free and Open Source Alternative to Plex
Jellyfin offers multiple download options, but I recommend starting with the Windows installer and using its basic mode. The program will request the language to use and the folders that will serve as media sources, along with a username and password. However, the story doesn't end there. The entire settings section in Jellyfin is intuitive but broad, and requires a little extra attention.
Your first stop will be the Server menu, where you can view its status, active devices, recent activity, and all paths associated with Jellyfin. The Users menu lets you add additional profiles, something essential if content is played by more than one person. The Networks section lets us modify factory-assigned ports, enable HTTPS, enable or disable remote connections, and filter IP addresses. Finally, the Playback menu includes performance values such as hardware acceleration and the number of cores in format conversion, and a hard limit for bandwidth when transmitting.
In Summary
Jellyfin is an excellent alternative to Plex, and we are convinced it won't disappoint you when sharing movies and series with friends. That said, we must also acknowledge that it is not entirely user-friendly, and its exact configuration takes some hours of practice. Don't hesitate to download a copy, whether for Windows, macOS, and various flavors of Linux.
Official site and download: Click here
