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    Home Media Server

    Your own Netflix — for DVDs, home videos, family photos.

    What this is

    A small computer (or NAS — Network Attached Storage) at home that stores ALL your movies, photos, and videos. You watch them on any TV, phone, or tablet — even when traveling. Like a personal Netflix.

    What you need

    • NAS device — Synology DS224+ ($300) or DS923+ ($600). 2-4 hard drives slot in.
    • Hard drives — 2x 8TB ($300-400). Use TWO so if one fails, your data survives.
    • Plex (free) or Jellyfin (free) — software that streams.
    • Smart TV / Roku / Apple TV / Fire TV — to play the streams.
    • Total: $700-1,000 once. Lasts 7-10 years.

    Plex vs Jellyfin

    • Plex (free; $5/mo Pass) — most popular. Beautiful interface. Works on Roku, Apple TV, every smart TV, every phone.
    • Jellyfin (free, open source) — privacy-focused alternative. No subscription ever. Slightly less polished.

    Use cases

    • Rip your DVDs — convert collection to digital. Use HandBrake (free).
    • Home movies / VHS tapes — store digitized family videos in one library.
    • Photo library — every family photo, organized by year/event.
    • Audiobooks — your purchased Audible library.
    • Stream to grandkids when they visit — kid movies always available.
    • Remote access while traveling — watch your home library from anywhere.

    Simpler alternative — old computer + Plex

    If you have an old desktop or laptop sitting around — install Plex on it for free. Connect external hard drives ($100 for 4TB). Done. No NAS needed.

    For most seniors

    Skip this unless you have a specific reason — a 1,000-DVD collection, decades of home videos to digitize, or want full control of family media. Otherwise iCloud Photos / Google Photos cover the photos, streaming services cover movies.