Help setting up a NAS

[Arminoderso]

So I'm currently trying to convert an old PC into a NAS server for my father but I don't know what software to use.
I have a few requirements:

• needs to be accessible over a Panasonic BluRay player
• DLNA compatibility
• free or as cheap as possible

 

Thanks in advance!

[LapsedMemory]

If you need filesharing capability: FreeNAS with Plex for your DLNA compatibility (Installing Plex Media Server on FreeNAS | Plex Support)

 

If you're just using it for media, just install Plex.

[MonkeyBomb]

How does the Panasonic bluray player access network files?  Does it support apps like Plex?

 

How many drives are going to be used?

[Arminoderso]

3 minutes ago, LapsedMemory said:

If you need filesharing capability: FreeNAS with Plex for your DLNA compatibility (Installing Plex Media Server on FreeNAS | Plex Support)

 

If you're just using it for media, just install Plex.

Is Plex free?

[Arminoderso]

3 minutes ago, MonkeyBomb said:

How does the Panasonic bluray player access network files?  Does it support apps like Plex?

 

How many drives are going to be used?

Over the router with it's own interface I think

2 drives with 1 main ssd

[LapsedMemory]

2 minutes ago, Arminoderso said:

Is Plex free?

For what you are describing, yes: What is Plex? Everything you need to know | Tom's Guide (tomsguide.com)

 

You won't get the remote streaming options or the android/ios app on the free tier, but if you're just setting it up as an in-home local streaming device to the BR player, it's free.

 

[GhostRoadieBL]

3 minutes ago, Arminoderso said:

Over the router with it's own interface I think

2 drives with 1 main ssd

It sounds like it just pulls files from a network folder, freenas would be the quickest and probably easiest setup.

 

Plex is free for everything except some of the advanced features like the mobile app or some of the transcoding features but it's unlikely the BluRay player will have that kind of app.

 

https://pureinfotech.com/setup-network-file-sharing-freenas/

This is probably one of the better easy setup guides, some of the ones you'll run into will be for the more advanced features of freenas which aren't needed for the basic setup of a folder with files. If you go this route the disks will need to be wiped during the setup

[Arminoderso]

Thanks guys! I'll keep you updated.