Best HTPC for Plex?

[ChristianK]

I have a Synology DS1513+ with a Plex installed. 

 

I've previously tried an Intel NUC but I couldn't just sit down, flick on the TV and watch a movie. I had to turn it all one, get up twice etc. 

 

So I'm looking for a HTPC that can..

 

1. Be left on 24/7 or easily switched on

2. Can be controlled via a Macbook, Xbox controller, or iPad

3. Works with Plex on my Synology NAS

 

Ideally, I'm looking for a Smart TV that supports Plex or something similar. 

 

I'm really lazy and appreciate low effort HTPC solutions.

 

 

[PixelVogue]

Samsung smart tvs have Plex app

 

https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/forum/89-samsung-smart-hub/

[neon]

You can use something like a Chromecast, or FireTV stick, select the video on the app on your phone, tablet or computer and set the Chromecast as the player. This would be the easiest way.

Depending on the videos (bitrate, format) and how well the synology can transcode or if needs to will depend if you can use any of these low powered devices or built in tv apps, if you have very high bitrate files or formats that need to be transcoded then you will need something more powerful like a PC to play them without transcoding.

[iamdarkyoshi]

I have an old core2duo media server with "wake on network traffic" running. Handles 1080p streaming perfectly. Rokus for my vizio "smart" (dumb) TVs