I’m looking to create an easy solution that is child/wife friendly. I’m hoping to get a set up going without internet. I however would like it to run like a Chromecast with plex.

I was thinking of a

Dell Optiplex 3020M Mini PC USFF, running windows 10

An external hard drive with content.

From here is where I have gaps. Could I set up a plex server offline on the device, with plex media player and use an Flirc remote with pre-programmed buttons?

Essentially, I’m trying to create the experience of watching Netflix on a Chromecast but with plex and a pc remote control of some sort (with pre-programmed buttons that load up content so kid and wife only have to press one or two buttons to get to their shows)

Thanks!

  • henrikx@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    241·
    6 months ago

    Might not be the best place to say this, but considering Plex relies on online authentication servers to function it might be better for you to look into Jellyfin which works fully offline.

    • FigMcLargeHuge@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      61·
      6 months ago

      I second this. While I love my Plex, I found out one day when my internet was gone that it’s not so great when the internet is down. My plan is to keep a copy of Jellyfin on my Plex machine so if I am ever in that position again I just stop Plex and fire up Jellyfin.

      • whynotzoidberg@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        I haven’t tested it, but the info text suggests that you can work around the auth issue by adding your subnet to “List of IP addresses and networks that are allowed without auth“ (found in Plex Settings > Network).

        I haven’t run into a memorable problem before using Plex in spotty internet areas (while in an RV) or when moving (before internet). But I’ll probably test this setting out one of these days, just in case.

  • jadero@lemmy.caEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    I spent a decade without internet. I never did figure out how to get Chromecast to work. Even for plain screen casting it insisted on needing an internet connection. Most of my stuff at the time was YouTube rentals that allowed downloads, so I got the hardware that let me use HDMI to connect my phone to the TV.

  • fortniteplaya@lemmy.zipEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    I don’t have much experience with Plex, but if you can map the buttons in autohotkey you may be able to set it up to perform certain tasks in Plex. Also for consideration you should look into getting a small NAS setup with raid 5 in order to keep your media safe in case of a drive failure.

    Being offline should not be a problem as long as devices are on the same local network.