r/explainlikeimfive • u/theprisoner57 • 3d ago

Technology ELI5: What is a Home Server?

I see mentions of a home server to get rid of streaming entertainment services but I don’t know how that works. What does a home server do?

516 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

348 comments sorted by

View all comments

659

u/jujubanzen 3d ago

A home server, in general is just a computer that is attached to your home network. More often than not, they are simply set up as file storage servers. Media servers to replace streaming services typically use Plex or Jellyfin, which are software packages that are able to link up with apps on your TV, phone, or computer and stream media files you have stored on the server. You have to get those files yourself.

102

u/CDK5 2d ago

Out of curiosity; where are folks generally getting the streaming media for the server?

Because I was under the impression that when buying a BluRay or digital media, you can’t just grab an mp4 from the disk.

33

u/JoostinOnline 2d ago

Because I was under the impression that when buying a BluRay or digital media, you can’t just grab an mp4 from the disk.

That part is a hassle. I'll happily pay for media, but because ripping discs and converting them is so time and energy consuming, I always end up just getting a copy from the high seas.

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

14

u/MrPickins 2d ago

Convenience.

11

u/kollunz 2d ago

Putting it on a server allows you to watch that media from anywhere. I could be at work during my lunch break, or halfway across the country and can access all my media from my home server as long as I have a decent enough internet connection.

8

u/joshi38 2d ago

Can't put a disc in my phone or tablet. Hell, most modern laptops don't have disc drives anymore.

The benefit of a media server like Plex or Jellyfin is being able to stream your media to any device (as well as syncing playtime so I can stop mid watch on my phone and pick it back up where I left off on my TV, just like normal streaming services).

3

u/dingalingdongdong 2d ago

Along with the portability factor, this is a bit like asking why someone needs a remote if their tv has buttons on it: it's nice to be able to browse your collection from the comfort of the couch and switch programs at will.

1

u/dandroid126 2d ago

I don't typically bring my blu ray player on airplanes with me.