CachyOS Media Server Setup - ryzendew/Linux-Tips-and-Tricks GitHub Wiki
CachyOS Media Server Setup Guide
Complete beginner-friendly guide to setting up media servers on CachyOS, including Plex, Jellyfin, and other media server solutions.
Table of Contents
Understanding Media Servers
What is a Media Server?
Media server streams media to devices.
What it does:
- Streams media: Video, audio, photos
- Organizes library: Organizes media collection
- Remote access: Access from anywhere
- Multiple devices: Stream to multiple devices
Why use media server:
- Centralized: One location for all media
- Remote access: Access from anywhere
- Multiple devices: Stream to any device
- Organization: Organize media collection
Jellyfin Setup
What is Jellyfin?
Jellyfin is open-source media server.
Key features:
- Open source: Free and open
- No limits: No subscription needed
- Full featured: Complete media server
- Self-hosted: Host on your server
Installing Jellyfin
Install Jellyfin:
yay -S jellyfin jellyfin-server jellyfin-web
What this does:
- Installs Jellyfin server
- Installs web interface
- Makes Jellyfin available
Start Jellyfin:
sudo systemctl enable --now jellyfin.service
What this does:
- Enables Jellyfin at boot
- Starts Jellyfin server
- Makes Jellyfin available
Configuring Jellyfin
Access Jellyfin:
- Open browser
- Go to:
http://localhost:8096 - Or:
http://server-ip:8096
Initial setup:
- Create admin account
- Add media libraries
- Configure settings
- Start using Jellyfin
Add media library:
- Go to Dashboard → Libraries
- Click "Add Media Library"
- Select content type
- Add folder path
- Save
Plex Setup
What is Plex?
Plex is popular media server.
Key features:
- Popular: Widely used
- Easy setup: Simple configuration
- Remote access: Easy remote access
- Apps: Apps for many devices
Installing Plex
Install Plex:
yay -S plex-media-server
What this does:
- Installs Plex Media Server
- Makes Plex available
Start Plex:
sudo systemctl enable --now plexmediaserver.service
What this does:
- Enables Plex at boot
- Starts Plex server
- Makes Plex available
Configuring Plex
Access Plex:
- Open browser
- Go to:
http://localhost:32400/web - Or:
http://server-ip:32400/web
Initial setup:
- Sign in or create account
- Add media libraries
- Configure settings
- Start using Plex
Add media library:
- Go to Settings → Libraries
- Add Library
- Select content type
- Add folder
- Save
Other Media Servers
Kodi
Install Kodi:
sudo pacman -S kodi
What this does:
- Installs Kodi media center
- Media center application
- Can be used as server
Emby
Install Emby:
yay -S emby-server
What this does:
- Installs Emby server
- Alternative to Plex/Jellyfin
- Media server solution
Troubleshooting
Media Server Not Starting
Check service status:
sudo systemctl status jellyfin
# or
sudo systemctl status plexmediaserver
What this does:
- Shows service status
- Verifies it's running
- Helps troubleshoot
Check logs:
journalctl -u jellyfin
# or
journalctl -u plexmediaserver
What this does:
- Shows service logs
- Helps identify issues
- Troubleshooting information
Media Not Appearing
Check permissions:
ls -la /path/to/media
What this does:
- Shows file permissions
- Media server needs read access
- Fix permissions if needed
Fix permissions:
sudo chmod -R 755 /path/to/media
What this does:
- Sets readable permissions
- Allows media server access
- Fixes permission issues
Additional Resources
- CachyOS Network Configuration - Network setup
- CachyOS Security Configuration - Security settings
- Jellyfin Documentation: https://jellyfin.org/docs/
- Plex Documentation: https://support.plex.tv/
Summary
This guide covered:
- Understanding media servers - What they are
- Jellyfin setup - Open-source media server
- Plex setup - Popular media server
- Other media servers - Additional options
- Troubleshooting - Common media server issues
Key Takeaways:
- Jellyfin is free and open-source
- Plex is popular and easy to use
- Install from AUR (yay)
- Start services with systemctl
- Configure via web interface
- Check permissions for media files
- Access via browser or apps
This guide is based on the CachyOS Wiki and expanded with detailed explanations for beginners. For the most up-to-date media server information, always refer to the official documentation.