+++
title = ‘creating a home media server with jellyfin’
description = ‘opinionated guide for creating a simple home media server’
date = ‘2025-11-25’
lastmod = ‘2025-11-27’
+++
ingredients - example total: ~$1015
- mini-pc - example: $370, 1tb, amd-ryzen5
- storage +500gb: expandable without replacing existing storage is a plus)
- amd processor +4.0ghz: if two numbers are given, reference the higher one
- ethernet +1000mbps or wifi6: ethernet preferred
- ram +16gb: 32gb is nice but not needed
- adequate cooling: will have to reference reviews but v important
- tv (or monitor) - example: $575, 50“, uhd hdr 4k
- non-smart: try searching for ‘commercial’ options
- speakers (or soundbar) - example: $70, 2 speakers & subwoofer, 3.5mm audio
- ensure your pick plugs into the mini-pc (or you know what you are doing)
- legal access to media for the server (some combination of the following)
- physical media and a way to convert it legally into digital media
- digital media which you have obtained legally
- other (you might already have these or not need them)
- a +16gb usb drive to use for installing linux
- any display cords your tv doesn’t come with or you don’t have
- a table or tv stand or whatever your setup will live on top of
- a long enough ethernet cord if a (possibly) included one is too short
- a ups or surge protector if you want to invest in protecting your setup
- surge protector ($20), simulated sine wave ($60), sine wave ($240)
- please do not give money to tripp lite
- they are extremely tied to christian nationalism in the united states
- “among the largest … contributions ever to a politically focused nonprofit.”
prices and links lasted updated: 2025-11-25
installing kubuntu on the mini-pc
- >> coming soon <<
configuring kubuntu
- >> coming soon <<
- set up /jellfin/shows and /jellyfin/movies
installing software
- >> coming soon <<
configuring jellyfin
- >> coming soon <<
- name the server
- choose a username
- decide on an admin password
- set up libraries
- add media library
- choose movies
- leaving the display name on movies is fine
- click the + to add a folder and choose /jellyfin/movies
- set preferred download language
- set region if you wish to
- tick nfo for metadata savers
- tick enable trickplay image extraction
- tick extract trickplay images during the library scan
- enable chapter image extraction
- extract chapter images during the library scan
- hit ok
- add media library
- choose shows
- leaving the display name on shows is fine
- click on the + to add a folder and choose /jellyfin/shows
- set preferred download language
- set region if you wish to
- tick prefer embedded titles over filenames
- tick prefer embedded titles over filenames for extras
- tick prefer embedded episode information over filenames
- tick nfo for metadata savers
- tick automatically merge series that are spread across multiple folders
- tick enable trickplay image extraction
- tick extract trickplay images during the library scan
- enable chapter image extraction
- extract chapter images during the library scan
- choose a language
- choose a country/region
- untick allow remote connections to this server
- finish
- sign in and click on the hamburger button in the top left
- click on settings
- click on display
maintenance routine
- >> coming soon <<
qbit torrent
- preferences
- advanced
- network interface -> vpn
- advanced